ETS Chapter 23 Flashcards
What is chain loss in transportation?
the inefficiencies or losses that occur at various stages of a supply chain or transport process, which can affect the overall performance, cost, or effectiveness of the transportation system.
losses tend to arise as goods move from one point to another, especially when they pass through multiple stages such as warehousing, handling, and distribution.
How does cycle adjustment reduce chain loss?
Cycle adjustment ensures that goods flow is synchronized with a planned time cycle to prevent inefficient waiting or rushes.
Example: A bus company schedules trips based on passenger demand to avoid running empty buses at certain hours.
What happens if a transport assignment takes longer than expected?
If transport time exceeds planned cycle time, resource utilization is affected, leading to delays in other assignments.
Example: A cargo ship delayed at one port might miss its next scheduled departure, affecting the entire shipping schedule.
Why is balancing transport and node times important?
Proper synchronization between transport time and node time ensures that goods flow smoothly, reducing waiting periods and inefficiencies.
Example: If a train arrives at a loading station before the goods are ready, it must wait, wasting time and reducing efficiency.
How do distribution and collection systems affect chain loss?
If distribution and collection are not integrated, transport units may run partially empty, leading to wasted capacity.
Example: A mail delivery service that delivers packages but returns without picking up new shipments loses efficiency.
What is the fill rate in transportation systems?
The fill rate measures how fully loaded a transport unit is over a certain distance. Higher fill rates mean better resource utilization.
Example: A truck with a 70% fill rate means it is carrying 70% of its maximum load capacity.
How can companies reduce chain loss?
- Better scheduling to align transport times with demand.
- Optimized loading and unloading times at nodes.
- Combining distribution and collection to improve fill rates.
Example: A retail chain coordinates shipments so that trucks delivering goods also pick up returns, maximizing efficiency.
