Towards a cloud computing in the service of green logistics

Abstract

The development of cloud computing solutions for logistics offers new benefits to companies, such as access to resources on demand, elasticity and usage billing. In this paper, we propose a multi-agent system based on a cloud computing platform called system agent cloud logistics (SACL), which aims to measure the economic, environmental and social performances of a logistic process and to help a company to make the right decision. For achieving this goal, our proposed system integrates: cloud computing technology, web services techniques, multi-agent approach, and simulation model. As a scenario, we've chosen the case of a virtual pharmaceutical wholesaler, and we have formulated the problem for command preparation process. The results show that our proposed system helps the decision maker to estimate the economic, environmental and social costs of a logistic process and to know the impact of a new strategic solution and its cost before retaining it.

Green Logistics Development Decision-Making: Factor Identification and Hierarchical Framework Construction

“…Green logistics should be organized from the perspective of the entire supply chain rather than individual enterprises themselves. With the widespread adoption of information technology, such as Internet of Things [31], big data [32,33] and cloud computing [34,35], the management efficiency of packaging, shipping, distribution and returns has significantly improved. Thereby, the operational efficiency, service quality and scheduling speed of many enterprises have significantly improved.…”

Green optimisation for LRP problem using a genetic algorithm and a dynamic island model

“…Vehicles of the same level are generally assumed to be homogeneous and of the same capabilities. In Benotmane et al (2018), we have proposed a system of agents based on cloud computing which aims to contribute in improving economic, environmental and social performance, targeting optimisation and sustainability of supply chain. The proposed system allows to analyse and process information and to calculate economic, environmental and social costs of the process.…”

“…The variable F uel cons represents the fuel consumption rate per kilometre (L/km), F uel km is the fuel price per litre. Therefore, the energy cost associated with the 'freight transport process' defined in Benotmane et al (2018) is calculated by formula 1:…”

A Cost Measurement System of Logistics Process

“…In a previous work [13], we have proposed a system of agents based on cloud computing, which aims to contribute in improving economic, environmental and social performance, targeting optimization and sustainability of supply chain. The proposed system allows to analyze process information, to calculate economic, environmental and social costs of the process, and to evaluate strategic solutions, this enables decision makers to know the economic, ecological and social costs of each process in order to improve it and then, mastering the supply chain as a whole.…”