Decision-Support System for industrial logistics distribution: cost minimisation applying an agile production approach

The research of this paper is aimed at two objectives, namely the analysis of manufacture-in-transit distribution networks and formation of a Decision-Support System (DSS) framework, which minimises logistics network distribution costs. The input information of DSS is stored in database files and includes supplier location, quantity and types of raw materials, profiles, dimensions, price, qualitative requirements, plant location and supply deadlines. The proposed model of DSS evaluates the dependency of industrial logistics distribution costs on input values with alternatives of facility location and transportation channels. The DSS incorporates decision modelling structures, such as influence diagrams and decision tree. The proposed research is implemented in both industry and university education contexts.