The role of logistics systems in energy-cluster competitiveness

Kovács, Endre – Miller, György – Tégla, Zsolt

Keywords: provisioning logistics systems, total expenditure approach, harmonisation of process elements, loading, transport and receiving capacity, waiting time

The competitiveness of actors in the economic sphere is significantly determined by the effectiveness of their provisioning chain. Our investigation dealt with questions related to the raw material provisioning of a virtual energy-cluster. We examined those elements of production technology, in which the logistics methods and the optimisation of the flow of materials showed tangible results. The optimal solution to these tasks is provided by that combination of apparatus wherein both the “time factor” (JIT) and the efforts to minimise costs are realised. The provisioning chain we examined comprised of harvesting, transport and storage process elements; of these, harvesting in particular, due to its exceptionally high operating costs (25-35,000 Ft/shift hour). We sought an answer to the question of whether it is better to transport the raw material directly to the processing plant or indirectly after temporary storage. In the case of indirect delivery, where should storage facilities be established and how many should there be, in the interests of minimising total costs? We created and utilised a simulation model to solve the task. We established that in case of short transport distances (1-3 km), direct transport is feasible. In the case of greater distances, indirect transport and the development of micro-logistical storage centres is justified. The number and location of these micro-logistical storage centres can be exactly determined with the help of our model.

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