Contemporary supply chains operate under the pressure of customer requirements, increasing price competition, sudden increases or decreases in demand, unforeseen obstacles and new threats. The right way to improve the functioning of the flow of material and accompanying information is not only the continuous collection of data but also their collection, analysis, inference and decision-making with the use of decision support systems, expert systems and artificial intelligence. Such procedures make it easier for logisticians not only to forecast processes but also to predict (forecast) and identify potential problems and facilitate the implementation of optimal modern solutions, paying attention to current trends in the supply chain market.
An important issue that affects the quality, efficiency and availability (continuity) of the processes implemented within the supply chain is security. This is an area that is not clearly defined. This book uses theoretical and practical knowledge to define security in the supply chain as a state that gives a sense of certainty and guarantees the flow of material goods and services (in accordance with the 7w rule) as well as a smooth flow of information for the planning and management of logistics processes. Tools and instruments used to ensure the security of the supply chain contribute to the protection and survival in times of dangerous situations (threats) and adaptation to new conditions (susceptibility to unplanned situations).
When analyzing the needs and structure of the 21st century supply chains, in the context of their security, it is impossible to ignore the problem of their digitization, which enables the determination of optimal routes and the anticipation of possible threats (crisis situations). Automatic data exchange between various departments of the company along the upper and lower part of the supply chain improves the functioning of the warehouse management through, among others, automation, robotization and pro-activity. It also contributes to efficient, good communication and market globalization. Automation also brings new, extremely attractive business models with regard to occupational safety, ergonomics and environmental protection. To meet the needs of creating modern supply chains, the book analyzes and presents current and future solutions that affect security and the continuity of supply chains.
Andrzej Szymonik has the title of professor in the field of social sciences, and the degree of habilitated doctor in the field of management sciences - he obtained at the University of Warsaw. In the years 1972-2010, he performed military service, which he completed with the rank of brigadier general. He has extensive practical experience (over 25 years) in managing logistics in the domestic and foreign dimensions, taking into account threats and unplanned situations. He is the author and co-author of many books on logistics and security (details can be found at www.gen-prof.pl). He has similar achievements in published articles, the content of which is related to logistics, ecology, and security of supply chains. Currently, he works at the Lodz University of Technology, at the Faculty of Management and Production Engineering, at the Department of Production Management and Logistics, of which he is the head.
Robert Stanisławski has been a Professor at the Department of European Integration and International Marketing of Faculty of Management and Production Engineering at the Technical University of Lodz since 2004. His research interests are involved in Logistics (new systems and artificial intelligence in logistics), European integration, the SME sector in Poland and Europe, and also the innovativeness (open innovation) of this sector in the Polish and European areas. His scientific publications include about 140 articles (authorship and co-authorship) at the national and international editions and many monographs, which were edited by him in Polish as well as English versions.
