International Scientific Journals
of Scientific Technical Union of Mechanical Engineering "Industry 4.0"

This study proposes a mathematical model for design and optimization of a hydrogen supply chain, covering all stages of the life cycle – feedstocks, production, storage, distribution, end-use in the transport sector. The developed methodology integrates different hydrogen production technologies and takes into account environmental, economic and social impacts in order to identify the most efficient and sustainable configuration. The focus in this work falls on hydrogen production by steam reforming of methane and hydrogen production by electrolysis of water in hydrogen refueling stations. The mathematical model is formulated in terms of MILP programming and can be solved using the GAMS software product. The aim is to find an optimal balance between economic efficiency, environmental sustainability and social impact by using weighted coefficients (weights). The proposed concept provides a decision-making tool for planning hydrogen infrastructure in line with European decarbonization and sustainable transport goals.

Based on a comprehensive scientific overview of the concepts of reengineering and the studied good world practices and experience, a not very popular, but carrying great potential for a successful reengineering approach, known as the Zero approach, arouses interest. This comprehensive approach to cost optimization is so important for companies to be able to respond to industry changes and market shocks. The Zero approach can be adapted and used on a wider scale to help companies make structural changes that dramatically reduce costs and improve productivity. This publication presents a concept project for the experimental application of a modified version of the Zero approach, which can be embedded in a broader Zero-Based Redesign (ZBR) concept, and become a practical way for companies to radically reform and restructure their costs as fundamentally redesigning the way processes are carried out. This enables companies to design the ideal state of their key processes that will support the strategy, as well as how they can be executed in the most effective and efficient manner. ZBR helps companies streamline and accelerate processes using a combination of tactics: eliminating the unnecessary, looking for solutions beyond the industry, automating and digitizing activities and data, and reorganizing people and strengthening their abilities and qualifications.

Supply chains (SC) are becoming increasingly important for the global society. The spatial and temporal connections in them are carried out through the transport vehicles and through the infrastructure. Land transport accounts for more than fifty percent of the transport of goods in Europe. Its condition is a measure of the resistance of SC. The transport sector is high-risk. Identifying, analyzing, developing a program, controlling, and anticipating the risks of freight transport is a prerequisite for the successful development of SC.

This study proposes a mathematical pathway to achieve sustainable design and resource-friendly management of a biodiesel supply chain produced from dairy waste scum. In the work, the features of a combined biodiesel/dairy supply chain are outlined and a set of design and management tools is developed, which is formulated in MILP terms. The optimization criterion is defined in terms of economic sustainability and environmental assessment data is applied as part of it. The purpose of the defined mathematical model is to obtain optimal operating conditions of the considered combined supply chain. A test example based on a case study from Bulgaria was considered. The results of the toolbox implementation can be used as a decision-making tool.

The crowning of the historic aspirations of European integration, means that the Tirana-Durrës region should be able to compete as equal with other regions in Europe. So, on the one hand, the opportunities for its economic development will increase, but on the other hand, competition will intensify with other regions. This will require economic sophistication in the Tirana – Durres area, which will also be a challenge for the next decade. On the road to becoming one of the Balkans Hub, among the main objectives remain: improving infrastructure and mobility in the Region, increased competition, improving the quality of life, protection and rational utilization of natural resources. Although competitive advantage at national level has been enormous compared to other regions, at the Balkan and European levels, this advantage is lesser and controversial. Consequently, it is necessary to create a platform on which it is based d evelopment and increase the competitiveness with the regions around our country. Seeing that road networks have heavy traffic, other modes of transport and their coordination need to take on a growing role. An efficient policy in this regard would be the construction of a Freight Transport Interport, with a contemporary logistics and integrated with Intelligent Transport Systems[1]. This would be a new junction in the supply chain and would provide a solution to transport systems, developing in full harmony the interaction of Road, Rail and Maritime Transport infrastructure. In addition to the study of the respective legal framework that would support the planned interventions for the realization of ITMTD, this paper presents the results of the SWOT analysis as a recognized way of identifying, comparing and evaluating the advantages, weaknesses, opportunities and risks of a project.

Today’s customer has more choices than ever. Customers always have had high expectations about what is in the items they buy. This desire for clarity has heightened the need for supply chains to provide more, and more granular, content. To succeed in today’s business environment, companies need to meet consumer demand for in-depth product information across a variety of shopping channels, with greater specificity, than in the past. Excellence in business is driven by consistent information. Today technology and innovation enable a much closer connection between the buyer and seller, paving new paths for experience and sales. Using them to build the hyperpersonalized supply chain that delivers exactly what the customer wants, when, where and how they want it will become the paradigm of modern supply chain management. Personalization (creating a progressively better customer experience by using technology and data to meet and anticipate its needs in a way that makes their interactions easier) is a growing challenge, particularly for supply chains strongly influenced by global competitors. Personalization is fueled by new technologies and new data sources, all leading to more impactful customers insights. In this paper we will examine how personalization today is not only a strategic imperative for companies, but also for their supply chain partners in order to reach better profitability and increased customer lifetime value.