Toward a decision support tool for operative dispatching of agricultural bulk goods – A 4PL approach

Abstract

The dispatching of agricultural bulk goods is subject to reciprocative decision problems. A distinctive feature of agricultural transportation planning is the dynamic and rapid implementation of harvesting processes on the one hand and the continuous transportation of bulk goods throughout all seasons on the other. Activities during the harvesting process as well as the entire transportation process require the cooperation of various actors such as farmers, contractors, agricultural traders, transportation companies and processing industries. This article presents a decision support tool (DSS) for dispatching of agricultural bulk goods through a fourth party logistics provider approach (4PL). The 4PL actor performs the functions of a neutral intermediary within this sector where standard structural information is processed with the help of information and communication technology (ICT). Optimization mechanisms provide efficient dispatching of transportation. The prototype of a DSS was developed based upon recently collected data from the sector. By applying the DSS an increase in efficiency can be expected, and thus contributes to sustainability in terms of CO2 reduction.