Global Logistic Management for Overseas Production Using a Bulk Purchase 4PL Model

Abstract

In order to improve the quality of the components supplied by key suppliers and delivered to the final assembly sites overseas efficiently and timely, a new logistics business model and assessment analysis are proposed using services provided by fourth-party logistics (4PL) companies. In the research, a Petri Net process modeling approach is adopted to construct the model and identify the current bottlenecks discovered in the as-is (existing) logistic processes. According to the benefits of the proposed e-logistics information system and its to-be process improvement, total operating time and total operating costs can be reduced 41% and 21% respectively. The global logistics information platform is built to enhance the logistics management efficiency of manufacturers with multi-national operations for improving their global competitiveness.