Guest editorial of “Intelligent logistics and supply chains”

Excerpt

Information and communication technology (ICT) has been considered as an enabling tool for having more effective and efficient operations in the management of logistics and supply chains for many years. Various information and communication technologies are used to improve performance of the logistics and supply chain network, such as “data mining”, “radio frequency identification (RFID)”, “machine learning”, “smart transportation”. While ICT systems are vital components in logistics and supply chains, their successful management rests on intelligent and integrated decision making throughout the logistics network. Intelligent decision technologies are applied to collect and store real-time data and then analyze and interpret the data and information of product, inventory, manufacturing and sales to discover useful knowledge for making better operation and management decisions. Advanced simulation and optimization of planning and scheduling systems are also used for improvement of inventory, production, procurement, and distribution planning. Intelligent agents can communicate with different partners in the supply chain, assist in collecting information, share product information, negotiate prices, and distribute alerts throughout the logistics and supply chains networks. Many artificial intelligence (AI) technologies or systems have been implemented recently or are currently in the stage of implementation. …