Page 9 - Logistics News May 2016

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Optimization Tools for Logistics

Operational research (OR) is one of the focus areas in supply chain management that is
sometimes neglected as it is perceived to be highly mathematical with maybe relatively little
practical use. This perception is obviously not correct and the Optimization Tools for Logistics
provides an interesting practical overview of the main problems encountered in operational

research, such as optimisation of transport routing and scheduling.

title: The approach in Optimization Tools The author attempts to define
for Logistics is from a theoretical logistics in the introduction and
Optimization Tools for Logistics perspective with some detail on discusses the historical relevance and
fundamental mathematics necessary application of logistics in the military
author: to understand the solutions, as environment. This is followed with
well as some practical examples of brief reference to the development
Jean-Michel Réveillac information technology tools such as of operational research and how that
spreadsheets, project managers or flow brought the use of mathematics and
publisher: simulators and exercises that include calculations with consideration of
the solutions. certain constraints, into the realities of
Elsevier military deployment.
Having noted that, it is important
edition: to be aware at the start that this Computer science followed as
book is not easy reading for a late computing power in the form of
2015 afternoon, but technical content that mainframe and desktop computers
isbn should preferably be consumed when were rapidly introduced and planning
978-1-78548-049-2 wide-awake. A minimum level of and scheduling techniques such as
mathematical knowledge is required Program Evaluation and Review
pages: and some undergraduate exposure to Technique (PERT), Metra Potential
mathematics, science or economics Method (MPM) and Critical Path
439-page hardcover will be a prerequisite to extract the Method (CPM) emerged. Subsequently,
most value from the book. Visual Manufacturing Resource Planning
price: basic applications and database (MRP), Just-in-Time (JIT) and quality
management are presented and a good standards such as ISO 9000 were
US$140.25 at working knowledge of spreadsheets is developed and management started
www.store.elsevier.com also needed. recognising the importance of
implementing logistics strategy to
reviewed by: The target audience includes maintain their competitive edge.
according to the author “anyone
Gerard de Villiers facing logistical problems related to Enterprise resource planning (ERP)
gerard.devilliers@arup.com flow management, decision-making, followed and paved the way for
route or round optimisation, meeting integrating distribution, e-commerce
14 May 2016 • Logistics News an objective when faced with multiple and other logistics functions into
constraints, the creation of dashboards supply chain management. The author
and relevant simulations”. is of the opinion that ERP has reached
its limits in recent years due to inter
The book is divided into two parts alia the high cost of implementation
with the first eight chapters discussing and long installation and integration
theory, and the next five chapters time. At the same time, other tools such
devoted to calculating different as customer relationship management
exercises with the use of different (CRM), warehouse management
software. More information on systems (WMS) and simulation
installing a solver in Microsoft Excel emerged, and this is where the content
and the standard normal distribution of this book fits and provides a useful
table are presented in appendices contribution.
with a very useful glossary that covers
most important acronyms, terms The first chapter explains the fields
and concepts. The book ends with of application, principles and concepts
a bibliography that includes useful of operational research (OR) as well as
websites as well as the usual index. the importance of identification of