Integration of ecological criteria into the dynamic assessment of order penetration points in logistics networks

By recognizing the necessity of climate protection, the demand for approaches to advance the efficient use of energy is growing. Logistics bears great potential regarding energy consumption and emissions; major improvements can be achieved by careful strategic planning or process re-organization. One key decision within this supply chain design task is the placement of the order penetration point (OPP) which influences both cost and service levels in a supply chain strongly. In order to position and assess decoupling points in global supply chains, we present a methodology which takes product, process and market dynamics into account by combining an early analytical approach with a detailed simulation-based assessment. Within this methodology we distinguish between drivers, i.e. parameters, on the one hand and assessment criteria on the other hand. Consequently, we present the integration of ecological objectives and simulation-compatible indicators into the assessment criteria and exemplarily the according application-based on an industry use case to demonstrate interdependencies between logistics performance, costs and ecological considerations.