Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Autonomous Co-operation of “Smart-Parts”—Contributions and Limitations to the Robustness of Complex Adaptive Logistics Systems

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:
Dynamics in Logistics

Abstract

In logistic markets, there is an increasing use of new Autonomous Co-operation technologies, like RFID or sensor networks (Riedel et al. 2008). These elements, which are called “Smart-Parts”, are enabled to interact by the appliance of the new technologies (e.g. RFID-chips) in logistic processes, making own decisions without an external control of a superior hierarchic entity. The technologies allow autonomously acting parts getting smaller and the number of logistic systems including “Smart-Parts” is by trend increasing. This higher number of elements consequently results in a higher degree of complexity. Hence, those systems can be described as Complex Adaptive Logistics Systems (CALS). However, the dynamic of these CALS with “Smart-Parts” results in an impossibility to forecast the system’s reactions and behavior due to the fact, that “Smart-Parts” render own decisions, based on information they got from other elements and finally based on the behavior of other system’s elements. Hence, the unpredictability of the system’s future state leads to the problem of achieving its robustness based on the balancing of its required stability and flexibility. Therefore, the question arises how “Smart-Parts” affect a CALS’ robustness as there is a link between them in the way that “Smart-Parts” influence Autonomous Co-operation, Autonomous Co-operation influences adaptivity and finally adaptivity influences robustness (“Smart-Parts” → Autonomous Co-operation → Adaptivity → Robustness). Therefore, the paper intends to analyze the possible effects caused by “Smart-Parts” and Autonomous Co-operation in order to identify contributions and limitations to the CALS’ robustness. So, the paper proceeds as it follows. Firstly, the need for robustness in CALS as the balance of the system’s stability and flexibility is outlined. Secondly, the concept of Autonomous Co-operation in CALS will be described. Thirdly, an evaluation of Autonomous Co-operation regarding the contributions and limitations to robustness will be accomplished.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Ansoff I (1984) Implanting strategic management. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, pp. 10–28

    Google Scholar 

  • Böse F, Windt K (2007) Catalogue of Criteria for Autonomous Control in Logistics. In: Hülsmann M, Windt K (eds.) Understanding Autonomous Cooperation & Control: The Impact of Autonomy on Management, Information, Communication, and Material Flow. Springer, Berlin, pp. 57–72

    Google Scholar 

  • Conner D R (1998) Leading at the Edge of Chaos: How to Create the Nimble Organization. John Wiley & Sons, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Coyle R G (1977) Management system dynamics. John Wiley & Sons, London

    Google Scholar 

  • D’Aveni R A (1995) Coping with hypercompetition; Utilizing the new 7S’s framework. Academy of Management Executive 9(3):45–57

    Google Scholar 

  • De Wit B, Meyer R (2005) Strategy Synthesis—Resolving Strategy Paradoxes to Create Competitive Advantage. South-Western College Pub, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Flämig M (1998) Naturwissenschaftliche Weltbilder in Managementtheorien: Chaostheorie, Selbstorganisation, Autopoiesis. Campus Verlag, Frankfurt/Main

    Google Scholar 

  • Gell-Mann M (2002) What is complexity. In: Alberto Q C, Marco F (eds.) Complexity and Industrial Clusters: Dynamics and Models in Theory and Practice. Physica-Verlag, Heidelberg, pp. 13–24

    Google Scholar 

  • Goldammer E v (2002) Heterarchy and Hierarchy—Two Complementary Categories of Description. Vordenker October 2002

    Google Scholar 

  • Holland J H (1995) Hidden Order. Perseus Books, Cambridge, MA

    Google Scholar 

  • Hülsmann M, Berry A (2004) Strategic Management Dilemmas: Its Necessity in a World of Diversity and Change. In: Lundin R et al. (eds.) Proceedings of the SAM/IFSAM VIIth World Congress on Management in a World of Diversity and Change. Göteborg, Sweden, 2004, CD-Rom, 18 pages

    Google Scholar 

  • Hülsmann M, Grapp J (2006) Monitoring of Autonomous Cooperating Logistic Processes in International Supply Networks. In: Pawar K S et al. (eds.) Conference Proceedings of 11th International Symposium on Logistics (11th ISL). Loughborough, United Kingdom, 2006, pp. 113–120

    Google Scholar 

  • Hülsmann, et al. (2007), Hülsmann M, Scholz-Reiter B, Austerschulte L, de Beer C, Grapp J (2007) Autonomous Cooperation—A Capable Way to Cope with External Risiks in International Supply Networks?. In: Pawar K S, Lalwani C S, de Carvalho J C, Muffatto M (eds.) Proceedings of the 12th International Symposium on Logistics (12th ISL). Loughborough, United Kingdom, 2007, pp. 172–178

    Google Scholar 

  • Hülsmann M, Windt K (2007) Changing Paradigms in Logistics. In: Hülsmann M, Windt K (eds.) Understanding Autonomous Cooperation & Control: The Impact of Autonomy on Management, Information, Communication, and Material Flow. Springer, Berlin, pp. 1–12

    Google Scholar 

  • Hülsmann M, Grapp J (2008) Economic Success of Autonomous Cooperation in International Supply Networks?—Designing an Integrated Concept of Business Modelling and Service Engineering for Strategic Usage of Transponder-Technologies. In: Pawar K S, Lalwani C S, Banomyong R (eds.) Integrating the Global Supply Chain. Conference Proceedings of 13th International Symposium on Logistics (13th ISL), Loughborough, United Kingdom, 2008, CD-Rom, pp. 117–124

    Google Scholar 

  • Hülsmann M, Grapp J, Ying L (2008) Strategic Adaptivity in Global Supply Chains—Competitive Advantage by Autonomous Cooperation. Special Edition of the International Journal of Production Economics 114(1):14–26

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kappler E (1992) Autonomie. In: Frese E (ed.) Handwörterbuch der Organisation, 3rd edn. Poeschel, Stuttgart, pp. 272–280

    Google Scholar 

  • Klaus P, Kille C (2006) Die Top 100 der Logistik –Marktgrößen, Marktsegmente und Marktführer in der Logistik dienstleistungswirtschaft. Deutscher Verkehrs-Verlag, Hamburg

    Google Scholar 

  • Krieger D J (1998) Einführung in die allgemeine Systemtheorie, 2nd edn. Fink, Munich

    Google Scholar 

  • Luhmann N (1994) Soziale Systeme: Grundriss einer allgemeinen Theorie. Suhrkamp, Frankfurt/Main

    Google Scholar 

  • McKelvey B, Wycisk C, Hülsmann M (2008) Designing Learning Capabilities of Complex ‘Smart Parts’ Logistics Markets: Lessons from LeBaron’s Stock Market Computational Model. Working paper, Unpublished

    Google Scholar 

  • Meepetchdee Y, Shah N (2007) Logistical Network Design with Robustness and Complexity Considerations. International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management 37(3):201–222

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Müller-Stewens G, Lechner C (2005) Strategisches Management—Wie strategische Initiativen zum Wandel führen. Schäffer-Poeschel, Stuttgart

    Google Scholar 

  • Patzak G (1982) Systemtechnik. Springer, Berlin

    Google Scholar 

  • Pfeiffer K (2008) Zuverlässigkeit zählt. Logistik heute 11

    Google Scholar 

  • Poundstone W (1993) Prisoner’ dilemma. In: von Neumann J (ed.) Game theory, and the puzzle of the bomb. Anchor Books, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Riedel J, et al. (2008) A Survey of RFID Awareness and Use in the UK Logistics Industry. In: Haasis H D et. al (eds.) Dynamics in Logistics. Springer, Berlin

    Google Scholar 

  • Scholz C (1987) Strategisches Management—ein integrativer Ansatz. Berlin, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Schreyögg G, Sydow J, Koch J (2003) Organisatorische Pfade – Von der Pfadabhängigkeit zur Pfadkreation? In: Schreyögg G, Sydow J (eds.) Strategische Prozesse und Pfade, Managementforschung 13, Wiesbaden: Gabler

    Google Scholar 

  • Scholz-Reiter B, Windt K, Freitag M (2004) Autonomous logistic processes: new demands and first approaches. In: Monostori L (ed.) Proceedings of the 37th CIRP International Seminar on Manufacturing Systems, Budapest, pp. 357–62

    Google Scholar 

  • Spekman R E, Sweeney P J (2006) RFID: from concept to implementation. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management 36(10):736–754

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Surana et al. (2005) Supply-chain networks: a complex adaptive systems perspective. International Journal of Production Research 43(20):4235–4265

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wycisk C, McKelvey B, Hülsmann M (2008) ‘Smart parts’ logistics systems as complex adaptive systems. International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management 38(2):108–125

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) as part of the Collaborative Research Centre 637 “Autonomous Cooperating Logistic Processes—A Paradigm Shift and its Limitations”. Special Thanks to Elisabeth Meußdoerffer for reviewing and comments.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Systems Management, School of Engineering and Science, Jacobs-University Bremen, Campus Ring 1, 28759, Bremen, Germany

    Michael Hülsmann, Benjamin Korsmeier, Christoph Illigen & Philip Cordes

Authors
  1. Michael Hülsmann
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Benjamin Korsmeier
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Christoph Illigen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Philip Cordes
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael Hülsmann .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. FB Mathematik und Informatik, AG Theoretische Informatik, Universität Bremen, Linzer Str. 9a, Bremen, 28359, Germany

    Hans-Jörg Kreowski

  2. BIBA GmbH, Bremer Institut für Messtechnik, Universität Bremen, Hochschulring 20, Bremen, 28359, Germany

    Bernd Scholz-Reiter

  3. BIBA GmbH, Bremer Institut für Messtechnik, Universität Bremen, Hochschulring 20, Bremen, 28359, Germany

    Klaus-Dieter Thoben

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2011 Springer -Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this paper

Cite this paper

Hülsmann, M., Korsmeier, B., Illigen, C., Cordes, P. (2011). Autonomous Co-operation of “Smart-Parts”—Contributions and Limitations to the Robustness of Complex Adaptive Logistics Systems. In: Kreowski, HJ., Scholz-Reiter, B., Thoben, KD. (eds) Dynamics in Logistics. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-11996-5_23

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-11996-5_23

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-11995-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-11996-5

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation