Supply Chain Management

To understand, control, and manage supply chain complexity it is vital to combine insights from various disciplines. Thus, the competence field follows a multidisciplinary approach to investigate supply chain complexity. Furthermore, quantitative and qualitative research methods are used to gain meaningful results.

The aim of the research area Supply Chain Risk Management, Resilience and Security is to conduct research on how supply chains can be made less prone to risks and how competitive advantages can be generated through preparations and measures in the event of unforeseen disruptions. Methods for evaluating and managing flexibility and resilience are developed. Current examples such as Covid-19, Solarwinds supply chain cyber attack, reduced freight volume sea route Asia-Europe, low water inland shipping, and many more show how diverse the risks in supply chains are.

Logistical value creation networks are complex structures consisting of independent corporate partners, the relationships between them and a multitude of stakeholders. In order to be able to overview or optimize these networks in the context of global competition, it is necessary to obtain network data and to systematically evaluate and interpret it. 

Companies are increasingly dependent on the knowledge and competence of external organizations in order to improve their supply chain performance, develop problem-solving ability or realize marketable innovations. Risks caused by the entry into new markets or launches of new products, services and technologies are continuously rising. Therefore, new forms of cooperation such as a close cooperation with the own competitors have developed.

The goal of the competence field ‘Sustainable Transport’ is a modal shift from road to environmentally friendly inland waterways. The focus of research and development are innovative transport concepts (e.g. synchromodality) and the integration of inland navigation into the multimodal transport chains. Furthermore, a major part of the research focuses on creating knowledge and raising awareness for sustainable freight transportation in order to achieve a mental shift.

Designing Smart Hyperconnected Logistics Systems

Recent research and development in the area of Logistics IT and Digitalization targets smart and hyperconnected logistics systems in order to optimize the flow of information and goods in value networks. The research field Smart Hyperconnected Logistics Systems investigates human-logistics-technology systems and aims at the development of methods and tools for designing such systems. Thereby, the focus is on the integrative consideration of Digital Supply Chains, Intelligent Transportation Systems and Automated Driving.

The so-called Physical Internet forms the base for the transport of the future, when material will flow analogous to data in the digital internet. A global and open logistics system is based on physical, digital and operative connectivity. Participants follow standardized protocols and use specific interfaces and modules. In several projects and cooperations the LOGISTIKUM and other Upper Austrian researchers and industry partners join forces to design a Physical Internet model region. The next step would be the development of an Austrian entry point into a global Physical Internet.