The Method of Modelling the Intermodal Network in Poland Using Multi-Agent Systems

For a dozen or so years, despite a transitional financial crisis, the European Union countries have been observing a steady growth in the movement of goods by road transport. As specified by the European Commission, the share of road transport in total movement of goods (in tkm) in the European countries amounted to 76.9%1. Rail transport accounted for as little as 17.6%2. This, in combination with the increase in trade in goods, results in the fact that an increasing number of roads reach their maximum capacity and the efficient organisation of transportation processes becomes increasingly difficult or impossible [1, 3, 10]. Moreover, as the authors have observed, enterprises make attempts at fulfilling their customers' orders frequently and quickly, using mainly road transport. The consequence of such an approach is that the enterprises, while improving the processes and increasing customer satisfaction in short term, may contribute to their deterioration in long term. It should be noted that frequent and quick deliveries require more means of transportation which in turn boosts traffic congestion and deterioration of road safety. The growing congestion results in the decrease of average driving speed, which eventually extends the delivery time and thus may affect customer satisfaction and, in worst-case scenario, loss of orders

The concept of intermodal network development in Poland using multi-agent systems

The market share and the development of intermodal haulages, they are still at a very low level. It amounts in total goods transported by rail to 2,5% - 3%. The major reason for this situation is lack of coherent method for intermodal network designing. Such method should take into consideration strong relations between transport users, transport service providers, so the micro scale, as well as the regions where they are operating, so the meta scale.The aim of this paper is to present method which makes possible elimination of existing barriers in intermodal transport. The proposed method, for the sake of relations between actors involved in intermodal transport organisation, refers to multi-agent system concept. This system assumes coordinated actions in favour of concrete problem solution with support of cooperating agents, that is, in described paper, actors connected with intermodal transport.Paper presents results of the research project N509 398536, called: „Intermodal logistics network in Poland – concept of model solutions and implementation aspects” carried out by the Institute of Logistics and Warehousing under scientific leadership of professor Leszek Mindur

Smart Technology Adoption’s Impact on the Value of Logistics Service Providers’ Firms

Although it took a pandemic to raise awareness about supply chain issues in the minds of the public at large, industry players have long understood supply chain complexities—particularly in the face of continually evolving technologies and ever-more interconnected global enterprises. With Logistics 4.0 and the rapid developments in smart technologies, these complexities make the ongoing need for technology adoption even more complicated for logistics providers. While the literature regularly reports on the adoption of specific technologies, there is little research on the adoption process and even less that might guide providers in prioritizing their technology targets. This research examined the literature for drivers and consequences of technology adoption among providers, then tested those concepts through in-depth interviews with 40 senior-level executives at global logistics provider firms. Among the study’s findings are that the drivers and consequences of smart technology adoption are similar among logistics providers. However, firm size, business tenure, and client relationships moderate the adoption of these innovations. The study identifies incumbent people, processes, and systems as “excess baggage” that slows adoption because of adjustments needed to accommodate new technologies and creates bottlenecks for these firms. However, when combined with new competencies, streamlined processes, and proper change management, this baggage may improve firm performance because of the legacy processes integrated with customers’ supply chains. The study also developed a framework to inform practitioners’ adoption efforts. The framework addresses the research questions. It also recommends that to realize quicker revenue gains when adopting smart technology. Providers focus on two key drivers: customer relationships and market demands. This research also suggests that providers adopting smart technology leverage their incumbent human resources, processes, and technologies to deliver customer value and improve firm performance