Question 2: Logistics and Technology

Technology is a critical feature of any logistics system, ranging from simple computerised software to fully automated processes. The advantages of technologies are plentiful, depending upon the function that the technology supports. Using at least 2 academic sources for each section, and supported by real-life examples, please answer the following:

1. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for adopting semi and fully autonomous technologies within warehousing.

2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?

The ethical concerns associated with adopting semi-autonomous or fully autonomous transportation are negated by the benefits they could bring to a logistics system

Question 3: Global Logistics and Performance Measurement

You are the logistics manager for Dawes Skincare, a cosmetics company based out of Frankfurt, Germany. You are tasked with designing the network for an anticipated expansion into the United States, where you will export goods that are manufactured within your plants in Germany to the United States.

You have the option of outsourcing your manufacturing for the US market to a cosmetics manufacturer located in Mexico. The primary benefits of this are a substantial reduction in per-unit manufacturing costs, however there are some potential concerns with regards to product quality. Your existing manufacturing plants operate on a 6-sigma quality assurance model, whereas there is no clear quality management strategy with the supplier in Mexico.

Answer the following 2 questions, ensuring that you use at least 2 relevant academic sources for each question.

1. What are the logistics implications for this strategy for your current, in-house manufacturing strategy?

2. It has been decided that you will adopt a hybrid model, whereby you will be supplied by finished products from the supplier in Mexico but still retain warehouse capability for periodic safety stock shipped from Germany. As part of the contract, the supplier will also provide transportation from their manufacturing plant to your warehouses in the United States. Discuss two (2) metrics you would recommend to measure the performance of your supplier. Justify your decision using academic sources.

Question 4: Logistics Risk and Security

Resilience and robustness are two key components of logistics risk. Adopting the basic argument made in the subject that robustness is the ability to absorb disruptions, and resilience is the ability to recover from disruptions, please answer the following questions:

1. What would a purely-robust logistics system look like, and what are the implications of this on the various logistics processes? Please use at least 2 academic sources to support your answer.

2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement:

It is impossible to entirely eliminate security concerns and other risks from a logistics system. Therefore, the system needs to be designed based on mitigating consequences, rather than detecting occurrences

Use at least two academic sources and real-life examples to support your answer for each section.