The building of military logistics network is an important issue for the construction of new forces. This paper has thrown out a concept model of 6R military logistics network model based on Just in Time (JIT). Then we conceive of axis spoke y logistics centers network, flexible 6R organizational network, lean 6R military information network based grid. And then the strategy and proposal for the construction of the three sub networks of 6R military logistics network are given.
By Wan Jie & Wang Wen
Abstract:
The
building of military logistics network is an important issue for the
construction of new forces. This paper has thrown out a concept model of 6R
military logistics network model based on Just in Time (JIT). Then we conceive of axis spoke y
logistics centers network, flexible 6R organizational network, lean 6R military
information network based grid. And then the strategy and proposal for the
construction of the three sub networks of 6R military logistics network are
given.
Keywords: Logistics Network, Construction of Military Logistics Network, JIT, 6R
Introduction:
Nowadays, for adapting to the changing world political environment and meeting
the needs of information war, construction for military logistics has been
accelerated. So we should follow the principles such as the scientific concept
of development and rapid response as the guiding ideologies when construct our
military logistics network. Intensification, specialization, information and
integration,dynamic and quickly response are considered.
JIT method is well known as synchronous manufacturing. It quests for a state of no
waste and emphasizes on the rapid response for demand, which is such an entry
point to build our new military logistics network.
Literature
Review:
Military logistics is an old research project which can be traced back
to World War II. Even thought more and more experts have concerned in this field,
but most of their researches focus on definition of concept, design of
hierarchy network, layout of facilities, or selecting transport route.
On the
definition of concept, Professor Wang Zongxi [1] refers to the generic terms
for various types provided for meeting the needs of living or training in
military operations. Gong Yancheng [2] divides the wartime military logistics
network planning into three steps: the design of hierarchical structure, the
plot of facility, the evaluation of facilities location. By analyzing the
logistics strategies and specifications, the general principle for building military
logistics network were put forward. On others fields, there were also many
research results.
After reviewing some of the most relevant literature, now we
know that due to the special nature of military supplies and the deficiency of
basic data, the research results are relatively poor and scattered. What’s
more, there are only a few of empirical analysis which needed to be further
deepened and systematized.
The Core
Functions of 6R Military Logistics Network
To build our new 6R military logistics
network model included the followings:
Purchasing Followed 5R Procurement
Principles:
5R procurement principles are the right choices
for"price", "quality", "quantity", "land
“and "time".
Lean Logistics:
We should eliminate the non-value added
waste and reduce stock time to improve the value-added logistics service
process efficiency and constantly.
Three-dimensional Distribution:
Mainly
relies on national comprehensive transport network, to integrate railways,
highways, aviation, waterways, pipelines and other modes of transport
comprehensively.
Integrated Information Management:
Fully based on the
information network platform, the scattered procurement planning about
different logistical sector would be unified to achieve the rapid response.
Information and logistics flow will be shown in Fig.1.
The Concept
Model Of 6R Military Logistics Network
After
following the principles of the scientific concept of development as the
guiding ideology, and making full use of multiple technologies, we get our
concept model of 6R military logistics network based on JIT, just would be
shown in Fig.2. What’s more, 6R are the model’s functions to achieve goals,
which stand for Quickly Response (QR), Right Time, Right Quality, Right
Quantity, Right Price, and Right Place.
From Fig.2 we
can get how to design the 6R military logistic network. They are the
unification of three networks and the reconstruction of 6 systems. The unification
of three networks is the integrated the 6R military logistics infrastructure
network, information network and organization network to form a virtual
logistics network. And the reconstruction of 6 systems is the processes of
rebuilding the 6 systems’framework through study and analysis of each part of
the original in the military.
In Fig.2, sign
1,2,3,…25 respectively stand for Information Technologies, Platform Software,
Platform Hardware, Support Environment, 6R Military Logistics Information
Network, Integrated Delivery Systems, 3D Transport Systems, Entities of Local
Suppliers, Entities of Military Factories, Professional Procurement Systems,
Logistics Department, Intensive Planning Systems, Compatible Storage Systems,
Military Logistics Centers, Entities of Forces Users, Information Control
Systems, 6R military Organizational Networks, 6R Military Infrastructure
Network, Multi-suppliers, Department of Forces Procurement, Multi-military
Logistics Centers, Terminal and Airport, Logistics Park, Haulage Plan and
Transport Routes.
The
Constructive Strategy of the Construction of 6R Military Logistics Network
The
Layout of the Military Logistics Centers Based on JIT
The logistics infrastructure
network is an important component of military logistics network. What’s more,
the decisions about the logistics centers’ location and delivery strategies are
also the major component part of the logistics infrastructure network. Whenever
we make the choice of logistics centers’ placement scheme, it is important to
pursue the balance between the total cost and the efficiency of support. That
is, we should follow the maximal "expected efficiency" and the
minimal "expected cost" principles. We can use the existing models
such as the gravity center of location model.
The Flexible 6R
Organizational Network
6R military logistics
network is an open structure which includes logistics alliance, virtual
organizations and other logistics morphology, what’s more can share information
and resources without borders. Our 6R concept model has proposed the six
reconstruction systems; we must to achieve the "three mechanism" for
guaranteeing the efficient operation. It adopts the structure which consisted
of project teams. With this configuration, it can react rapidly. So, when we
design the structure, it is worth noting that the flattening of organizational
structure and delegating the decision making power to lower levels selectively.
At the same time, we’d better set out the different size of the distribution
centers stratify.
The logistics
department in military region or armed services is the highest organ of
regional military logistic network. There are many subordinate bodies attached
the logistics department in military region or armed services. These
subordinate bodies have the responsibility for guaranteeing the activities of all
levels military institutions and security platforms. The leading organ of
logistics department is consisted of headquarters, political department and
professional logistics department. With such a structure, it is preferable to
incorporate the organizations, strategic rear base and security force into a
whole body. And then, it can coordinate the whole army logistics work
organizationally. The logistics department in every armed service is also
consisted of headquarters, political department and professional logistics
department. And as the highest organ of this army, it manages the lower
logistics departments to ensure the supply of all materials. The structure is
shown in Fig. 3.
As shown in
Fig. 3, as the second highest organization, the joint Logistics Divisions are
the administrative organization. Regularly, they are made up of warehouse and
some distinguishable functions military platoon or squad such as transport
squad, maintenance platoon, and so on. They have the duty and responsibility to
store, manage, provide the logistical materials, to complete the nearby
transport tasks.
Each level of
distribution center is made of human department, purchase department, Warehouse
department, transport department, technical department, financial department
and some different project teams. With these project teams, it can process
military materials’ delivery service of different levels. The structure is
shown in Fig.4.
In Fig.4, sign
1,2,3,…10 respectively stand for Superior Logistics Center, Logistics Centers,
Headquarter, Political Department, Oil Department, Temporary Project Team,
Military Traffic Department, Finance Department, Transport Department and
Commissariat. According to the level in the 6R military logistics network,
logistics centers can be divided into several stages, as shown in Fig 5.
Lean 6R
Military Information Network Based Grid[3]
For achieving the Visualization
Management, not only the instantaneous information of demand and combats
deployment are required, but also the instantaneous number and availability of
materials in stock. Grid is an important international information technology
in recent years [4]. It is a synthesis of standardized, interface-oriented,
modularized technologies. The technologies include the management and
monitoring mechanism service abstractly and rigorously, the high performance
scheduling, providing structural framework and a developmental operation mode.
Compared with the general Web services, the grid has the ability to create,
use, detect, and manage the acquirable resources. Brought grid into the
construction of military logistics information network can solve the
integration of information resource effectively. One new model for lean 6R
military logistics information network based on JIT is presented in this paper,
just like shown in Fig.6.
In Fig.6, sign
1,2,3, … 12 respectively stand for Superior Information Service System,
Demander of Logistics Service, military Account Management, Operations
Management, Network Database, Geographic Information System Searching Database,
Expert Knowledge Database, Global scheduling Module, Middleware of Globus,
Platform of Logistics Information Service, multi-level network of military
logistics centers and military logistics center.
Generally, the grids achieve
their managerial functions through logistics information service platform
indirectly. As shown in Fig. 9, the military logistics information network has
four major components, the demand-side of logistics service, grid of logistics
service processing center, logistics information service platform and the
network providing logistics service. Logistics refers to the abstract syntheses
of many logistics activities. It controlled, directed and scheduled the
logistics operation through managing logistics information.
The demand-side of
logistics service can log on the grid through a browser. Then it can interact
with grid Logistics Services Center (part of the diagram surrounded by the
dashed box). In order to achieve this functionality, we need to establish the
automation network management system of the joint martial warehouse. Through
this system, we link up the whole martial warehouse. And according to the
differences of requirement, support capabilities and distribution of resource,
we can select the best support model. Establishing the automation network
management system of the joint martial warehouse is not a simple task. First it
must build Local Area Network, and second the LAN, then the wide area network.
It must obey this sequence and use the unified specifications, standards and
codes. Step by step, finally we may set up the joint warehouse transversely,
and the automation network system of headquarter lengthways.
The Conclusion
Building our military logistics network’s with the method JIT and other
technologies is just meeting the need for adapting the changed environment.
This paper has thrown out a concept model of 6R military logistics network
model based on JIT and given the strategy and proposal for the construction of
the three sub networks.
Acknowledgment:
The paper is supported by the 2008 Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province
(G2008000122). We especially wish to thank all the people who had helped us a
lot in the course of study.
About The Authors:
The Authors are associated with Department of Industry Engineering, School Of Management,
Hebei University of Technology,Tianjin, China. Email: jeanwan1218@hotmail.com,
wenwenbabi@163.com.
Publication Details:
© 2011
Published by Elsevier Ltd. Peer-reviewed and Published by the Original Publisher under Creative Commons License
Download The Pdf
References:
[1] Wang Zongxi. Military Logistics [M]. Beijing:
Tsinghua University Press, 2007
[2] Gong Yancheng. Study on the Decision on
theory and Method of Wartime Military Logistics System. (PhD thesis). Xi an:
Chang an University, 2004
[3] Bian Wenliang. Study on MF Networks Adapting to
Grid Environment. (PhD thesis). Beijing: Beijing Jiaotong University, 2007
[4]
Xu Jie, Ju Songdong. A Connotative Analysis on MF Network [J]. Beijing Jiaotong
University (Social Science Edition), 2005 (2)
[5] Wang Zhitai. The modern
Logistics Management [M]. Chinese Workers Press, 2001
[6] Tao Yi. Center
Location Models of Military Logistics and Optimization Using Genetic Algorithm.
(Master thesis). PLA Information Engineering University, 2007
[7] Kevin R.
Gue.A dynamic distribution model for combat logistics. Computers &
Operations Research .2003 (30), pp. 367 381
