Identification and modeling of key logistics processes in the Agrifood Sector

Abstract

As logistics become a substantial part of a firm's operations, the corresponding processes increases in importance. Identifying key logistics processes using a structured approach will align their outcomes to deliver the business goals, design appropriate measures and allocate sufficient resources for their improvement. This paper proposes a systematic methodology for the identification, categorization and prioritization of logistics processes, using a binary linear programming model. The identified key logistics processes are modeled by creating a number of UML diagrams and document them by the use of a pre-defined template. These processes include both inbound and supply chain - wide logistics activities and have a critical effect on the operational performance of an agrifood business entity. Companies can focus on these key logistics processes in order to optimize their critical aspects such as time and cost issues, resources planning and scheduling, as well as, queues and delay