Dear Logistics & Supply Chain (LSC) Division Members,
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As another IISE year ends and we prepare for the upcoming Annual Conference in Montreal, it’s a great time to reflect on the accomplishments of the Division and what is still left to be done. The feedback we received from attendees of the LSC Division Townhall Meeting at the 2023 Annual Conference in New Orleans served as a springboard for our 2024 priorities – launch the IISE LSC Micro-Credential Program, improve student engagement, update the Body of Knowledge, improve the Division’s competitions and awards, and prepare for the 2024 Annual Conference. I’m pleased to report that progress has been made on the IISE Micro-Credential Program, but we are still a few paces short of the finish line. I am honored to be moderating a special session at the 2024 Annual Conference themed “I wish I knew then what I know now.” We hope that students will take advantage of the opportunity to interact with seven amazing panelists at various stages of their careers and with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Dr. Sasha Dong led the updates to our Body of Knowledge. Dr. Mohamed Awwad and Dr. Tanveer Hossain Bhuiyan did an amazing job coordinating, leading, and improving our awards process. I want to give a special thanks to Dr. Payam Parsa, Dr. Erin Gerber, and Dr. Tanveer Hossain Bhuiyan for serving as Co-Chairs for the LSC and FDP tracks and collaborating with me to assist in the Division’s preparation for the 2024 Annual Conference. We made a concerted effort across all activities this year to have redundancies in our board roles to assist in succession planning as our Board transitions to new members. Last but certainly not least, I thank Dr. Hector Vergara (Past-President) for his unwavering and timely support throughout the year.
I hope that you will be joining us at the 2024 Annual Conference in Montreal. Our Townhall Meeting is scheduled for Sunday (19 May) at noon. Please join me in congratulating our award winners at the Townhall meeting and afterward hearing from our Best Paper Competition Awardees at the Special Session at 1:30 PM. On Monday (20 May), we will host two Panel Discussions. The first is on Humanitarian and Health Supply Chains (8:00 AM), and the second is the Professional Skills for Students panel discussion, which will be at 1:30 PM. Please check the conference app for any changes and details about the locations of these events.
Our Townhall meeting will serve as the official transition of the LSC Division Board roles. The Division will be in great hands under the leadership of Dr. Sasha Dong (President) and Dr. Esma Gel (President-Elect). I look forward to supporting them as immediate Past-President. Thank you to Dr. Erin Gerber, who was re-elected to the Board for another term. I would also like to welcome new Board Members Dr. Junfeng Ma and Dr. Mohammad Moshref-Javadi. I sincerely appreciate the work of outgoing Board Member Dr. Payam Parsa. Your experience and leadership will be missed! Please visit our website for a current list of our Board members and other information.
Thank you to everyone for your support during the past year, especially our Board Members—Dr. Mohamed Awwad, Dr. Tanveer Hossain Bhuiyan, Dr. Taner Cokyasar, Kaushik Narendran, Rajkumar Mishra, Dr. Erin Gerber, Dr. Payam Parsa, and Haowei Yang. We accomplished quite a lot yet still have much to do. Without volunteers like you, none of this would be possible. I look forward to our continued collaboration and friendship and seeing you in Montreal!
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Mike Sherwin, Ph.D., P.E.
LSC Division President 2023-2024
Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers
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Best Track Paper Award Winners
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Logistics and Supply Chain Track Best Paper Award
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“Neural Embedded Optimization for Integrated Location and Routing Problems”
Waquar Kaleem, Harshita Ayala, and Anirudh Subramanyam
Pennsylvania State University
Abstract
This paper presents a novel framework that combines supervised machine learning with integer programming to solve the Capacitated Location-Routing Problem (CLRP). The CLRP is strongly NP-hard and includes two classical combinatorial optimization problems: discrete facility location and vehicle routing. The paper develops a new solution method that begins by learning a permutation-invariant and sparse neural network that approximates the optimal vehicle routing cost over the sub-graph induced by assigning a subset of customers to any candidate facility.
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Facilities Design and Planning Track Best Paper Award
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“Order Batching Optimization for a Warehouse Digital Twin Based on Heuristics and Mixed Integer Programming”
Amir Zarinchang, Jun Yang, and George Knopf
The University of Western Ontario
Abstract
A warehouse digital twin is a virtual model that can accurately simulate and capture the key functional attributes of industrial operations such as warehouse order-picking. Order-picking is a labor-intensive task that often contributes to over 55% of the warehouse’s operating costs. With growing online orders and customer demands for rapid delivery, commercial warehouses have begun to exploit dynamic order-batching optimization software in their product retrieval processes. However, order-batching is an NP-Hard problem that requires grouping the received orders into batches before starting the actual shelf picking process. This study introduces a warehouse digital twin based on a discrete event simulation platform which incorporates practical constraints when performing the dynamic order-batching process.
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Best Student Paper Competition Winners
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Mahdi Ghorashi Khalilabadi
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"Swarm or System-directed? Analysis of Human-Robot Matching Policies in Collaborative Order Picking Systems”
Mahdi Ghorashi Khalilabadi, Debjit Roy, and Rene de Koster
Erasmus University, India Institute of Management
Abstract
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) collaborate with humans in order-picking and can increase order-picking efficiency by reducing walking. AMRs can operate under two policies: Swarm or System-Directed. This study models the Swarm policy using a closed queuing model to determine system throughput capacity.
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“Optimizing Food Bank Logistics: A synchronized Approach to Mobile Food Pantry Routing”
Rabiatu Bonku, Ricky Owusu, Lauren Davis, Faisal Akaabneh
North Carolina A&T State University, American University of Sharjah
Abstract
Food insecurity is a global challenge affecting nations across different economic spectrums, from under developed to developed regions. Food banks, driven by a humanitarian mission, strive to achieve a delicate balance between ensuring equitable distribution among areas in need and increasing the number of individuals served within the constraints of limited resources. This study introduces a Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) model specifically crafted to address the synchronized routing of Mobile Food Pantry Trucks (MFPTs) for food distribution.
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“Optimal Design of a Bioethanol Supply Chain Considering Government Subsidies: Mixed-Integer Linear Programming Model”
Niloofar Akbarian-Saravi, Ali Akbarian-Saravi, Masoud Rabani
University of Tehran
Abstract
Renewable energies have gained a significant attraction due to the increasing growing demand for energy and environmental concerns. As one of the alternatives to fossil fuels, bioethanol from switchgrass is considered. To realize the strategic and tactical Bioethanol Supply Chain (BSC) decisions, in this study, we developed a mixed-integer linear programming model aiming to minimize total annualized costs over a 5-year planning horizon by incorporating financial incentives. Using this model, the optimal allocation of material flows is determined along with supply and pre-processing locations for producing a gasoline-ethanol blend (E5).
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Student Case Competition Winners
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Dalhousie University
Abstract
In this case study, in response to the challenge posed by XYZ company to design an efficient supply chain for bioethanol production in Texas, we developed a multi-level network comprising suppliers, hubs, and biorefineries. The critical goal was to minimize investment and transportation costs while ensuring demand fulfillment through a blend of internal production and third-party supply.
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Anh Phuong Ngo
North Carolina A&T State University
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Abstract
This study develops a two-stage stochastic mixed-integer programming model for an efficient biofuel supply chain network in Texas as a proposed solution for the student case competition. The model tackles uncertainties about bioethanol market prices and optimizes the number of suppliers, hubs, and biorefineries while minimizing transportation and investment costs. Using the progressive hedging algorithm, the model ensures cost-effective bioethanol demand fulfillment through in-house production or third-party suppliers. The model aligns with the company’s objective of establishing a sustainable biofuel supply chain and provides valuable solutions for biofuel industry practitioners and decision-makers.
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Basava Sri Krishna
Vamsy Lanka
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Dalhousie University
Abstract
The study presents a comprehensive optimization of the bioethanol supply chain for XYZ Company in Texas, employing Integer Linear Programming (ILP) and tabu search metaheuristic to identify an efficient configuration of hubs and biorefineries, yielding significant reductions in investment and transportation costs.
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Outstanding Industry Practitioner Award Winner
Thomas Beil, Perfect Planner LLC
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Thomas Beil, MBA, LSSBB, is a distinguished expert in digital transformation, operational excellence, and supply chain management. His career is highlighted by significant roles at top Fortune 500 companies, where he leveraged advanced analytics and digital transformation techniques to deliver exceptional outcomes. As the Founder & CEO of Perfect Planner LLC, Thomas has developed an innovative supply chain solution that focuses on the optimization and automation of material planning, significantly enhancing procurement processes and operational efficiency. In the academic sphere, Thomas is an Adjunct Professor of Business Analytics at Lee University. Here, he imparts knowledge on data analytics, servant leadership, team building, and strategic planning. His dedication to continuous improvement shines through his scholarly work in Lean Six Sigma and Agile methodologies, which have greatly advanced manufacturing and distribution efficiency. Thomas holds an MBA and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and is currently pursuing a DBA to further enrich his expertise in operational strategy and transformation. Beyond his professional commitments, Thomas is actively involved in community service. He volunteers with organizations such as the Ludic Spectrum Center and Westmore Church of God, where he focuses on leadership development for the next generation.
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Teaching Award Winner
Murat Erkoc, University of Miami
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Dr. Murat Erkoc, an Associate Professor with expertise in Operations Research, Supply Chain Management, Production Systems, Logistics, and Simulation, obtained his Ph.D. from Lehigh University in 2003. Prior to that, he completed his MS at Bogazici (Bosphorus) University and his BS at Istanbul Technical University. Following his doctoral studies, he embarked on a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, from 2003 to 2005. Dr. Erkoc's research interests encompass a wide array of topics within operations research and supply chain management, evident in his numerous publications and conference proceedings. Noteworthy among his accolades are his invitations to prestigious programs such as the Frontiers of Engineering Education (FOEE) by the National Academy of Engineers in 2011 and his receipt of the Alexander Orr JR. Award for Excellence in Teaching from the University of Miami College of Engineering in 2007. He actively contributes to the academic community through editorial roles, committee memberships, and his engagements as a reviewer and referee for prominent journals and conferences in his field.
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Welcome to Our New Board Members
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President Elect
Esma Gel, University of Nebraska
Dr. Esme Gel received her bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering from the Middle East Technical University, and master's and doctoral degrees in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University in 1995 and 1999, respectively. She is Cynthia Hardin Milligan Chair of Business and Professor at the Department of Supply Chain Management and Analytics of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Gel was a faculty member of Industrial Engineering at Arizona State University between 2000-2022. She has been teaching graduate and undergraduate-level courses in the area of operations research and production systems. Her research focuses on the use of stochastic modeling and control techniques for the design, control and management of operations in various settings, with emphasis on manufacturing and service systems, business and logistics processes, health care systems and pandemic operations and resource management. Her work has been published in leading journals of her field as well as medical journals such as the British Medical Journal. Her work has been supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health (current R01 project) and National Science Foundation as well as her industrial partners (e.g., Intel, Mayo Clinic).
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Board Director (2024-2026)
Erin Gerber, University of Louisville
Dr. Erin Gerber pursued her academic journey at the University of Louisville's J.B. Speed School of Engineering, culminating in a B.S., M.Eng., and Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering. Throughout her tenure at UofL, she conducted research for NSWC - Crane during her undergraduate years, engaged in doctoral research with LoDI, and contributed to projects for the Department of Defense during her postdoctoral tenure. She now serves as the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Affairs at JB Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville.
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Board Director (2024-2026)
Junfeng Ma, Mississippi State University
Dr. Junfeng Ma received his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from Pennsylvania State University in 2016. He received his M.S. in Engineering Management from Wilkes University at 2010, and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Automation from Xi’an Jiaotong University, China at 2007. He joined Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Mississippi State University in 2016. His primary research interest concentrates on operations research and data analytics in engineering and management. The implementations involve sustainable product/systems design, life cycle assessment and improvement, supply chain management, multidisciplinary/large scale systems design optimization, and advanced design and manufacturing. His publications have appeared in journals such as Journal of Cleaner Production, International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Supply Chain Forum: An International Journal and several conference proceedings. He is an active member of Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE), The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), The Design Society (DS) and American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). He was the recipient of ASME-DFMLC scholar in 2014 and 2015.
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Board Director (2024-2026)
Mohammad Moshref-Javadi, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Dr. Mohammad Moshref-Javadi is a distinguished academic with a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University. Currently serving as the Teaching Assistant Professor and the Director of the Illinois Supply Chain Management Corporate Affiliates Program at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, he has held various esteemed positions in academia. Dr. Moshref-Javadi's expertise lies in applied operations research, data-driven decision-making, and mathematical modeling, particularly within production systems, supply chain management, and disaster relief operations. His extensive research contributions are evidenced by numerous publications and presentations, notably focusing on the impact of COVID-19 on supply chains and innovative logistics models integrating drones. In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Moshref-Javadi is recognized for his service to the scholarly community as a prolific reviewer for esteemed journals and conferences.
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Call for Volunteers and Student Board Members
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The Logistics & Supply Chain (LSC) Division welcomes volunteers for becoming board members and participate in the activities of the division. We especially encourage students to join the division and serve on the board to help us in representing the student perspective. Our goal is to provide the highest value proposition for the division members and the IISE community.
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Have you considered a corporate membership? If not, why? Companies large and small enjoy the benefits. Include your entire team and receive all the benefits of individual membership, plus lowest rates to attend the Conferences and much more.
Contact Doug Long IISE Global Director for Strategic Alliances for more details.
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