Smart System for the Optimization of Logistics Performance of the Pruning Biomass Value Chain

Abstract

Featured Application: The specific application of this work is that it improves management of solid biofuel supply chain.Its potential application is for integrated product distribution management where product quality control and traceability can be integrated to increase customer satisfaction and resource utilization, and reduce logistics cost as well as environmental impact.Abstract: Agricultural pruning biomass is one of the important resources in Europe for generating renewable energy. However, utilization of the agricultural residues requires development of efficient and effective logistics systems. The objective of this study was to develop smart logistics system (SLS) appropriate for the management of the pruning biomass supply chain. The paper describes the users' requirement of SLS, defines the technical and functional requirements and specifications for the development of SLS, and determines relevant information/data to be documented and managed by the SLS. This SLS has four major components: (a) Smart box, a sensor unit that enables measurement of data such as relative humidity, temperature, geographic positions; (b) On-board control unit, a unit that performs route planning and monitors the recordings by the smart box; (c) Information platform, a centralized platform for data storing and sharing, and management of pruning supply chain and traceability; and (d) Central control unit, an interface linking the Information platform and On-board control unit that serves as a point of administration for the whole pruning biomass supply chain from harvesting to end user. The SLS enables the improvement of performance of pruning biomass supply chain management and product traceability leading to a reduction of product loss, increased coordination of resources utilisation and quality of solid biofuel supply, increased pruning marketing opportunity, and reduction of logistics cost. This SLS was designed for pruning biomass, but could also be adapted for any type of biomass-to-energy initiatives.

Evaluation of a Smart System for the Optimization of Logistics Performance of a Pruning Biomass Value Chain

“…The SLS has four major components, as indicated in Figure 3 and presented in detail by Gebresenbet et al [2]. The smart box is a sensor unit for measuring parameters such as relative humidity, temperature, geographic position, and route tracking, and information associated with quick read (QR) codes.…”

“…The smart system was developed to effectively gather, monitor, store, and analyze data to improve pruning logistics management (even though the tool could be utilized for any biomass supply chain). As indicated in Table 8, this integrated system enables improved performance of pruning supply chain management and product traceability by reducing biomass loss (in terms of quality and quantity), increasing the quality of solid fuel and delivery service, and reducing logistics and transaction costs [2,11,14]. Therefore, evaluation results indicate that the SLS is important tool for management of the biomass value chain and trading system.…”

“…This includes the development of a new decision tool for a pruning biomass trading system and logistics management (see Figures 1 and 2). To fulfill this, a smart logistics system (SLS) was developed as described by Gebresenbet et al [2]. Computer technology has changed the historical face-to-face communication in trading systems [3], and the SLS enables utilization of recent technology.…”

“…Understanding and managing the material and information flow (see Figure 1) enables efficient and effective utilization of resources. The SLS developed for this purpose has been reported in detail in [2]. But there are associated research questions: What is the performance of the SLS tool in real conditions?…”

Circular Economy Model: Insights from a Case Study in South Italy

“…Although it is an abundant biomass resource, the exploitation of tree prunings for energy purposes is still limited, due mainly to logistics-related constraints [7]. These constraints are only partly related to the harvesting stage.…”