IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jmathe/v13y2025i3p498-d1582330.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Ranking of Autonomous Technologies for Sustainable Logistics Activities in the Confectionery Industry

Author

Listed:
  • Mladen Božić

    (Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11000 Beograd, Serbia)

  • Svetlana Dabić-Miletić

    (Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11000 Beograd, Serbia)

  • Milan Andrejić

    (Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11000 Beograd, Serbia)

  • Dragan Djurdjević

    (Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11000 Beograd, Serbia)

Abstract

The food supply chain (FSC) faces significant challenges, including the short shelf life of products, stringent food safety standards, and the growing demand for online ordering. These challenges underscore the need for a resilient and sustainable FSC, particularly in the confectionery industry, which is further burdened by the demand for innovative and healthier products. The aim of this paper is to optimize material handling activities in warehouse operations within the confectionery industry by ranking and selecting adequate material handling equipment (MHE). This paper proposes a novel hybrid multi-criteria decision-making model that integrates the Simple Aggregation of Preferences Expressed by Ordinal Vectors Group Decision Making (SAPEVO-M), Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP), and Fuzzy COmprehensive distance-Based Ranking (FCOBRA) methods. The model was applied to a real-world case study involving four alternative solutions and twelve defined evaluation criteria. The application of the model identified the implementation of an Automated Guided Vehicle system (AGVs) as the optimal alternative, offering substantial automation of logistics activities and addressing identified company challenges. The engagement of AGVs is estimated to reduce operational costs by 20%, improve warehouse operation efficiency by 30%, and decrease CO 2 emissions by 25%. The contribution of this paper lies in the development of a methodological framework for evaluating and selecting MHE, as well as in highlighting the importance of optimizing material handling processes in the confectionery industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Mladen Božić & Svetlana Dabić-Miletić & Milan Andrejić & Dragan Djurdjević, 2025. "Ranking of Autonomous Technologies for Sustainable Logistics Activities in the Confectionery Industry," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-32, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jmathe:v:13:y:2025:i:3:p:498-:d:1582330
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/13/3/498/pdf
    Download Restriction: no

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/13/3/498/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Gabriella Dellino & Teresa Laudadio & Renato Mari & Nicola Mastronardi & Carlo Meloni, 2018. "A reliable decision support system for fresh food supply chain management," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 56(4), pages 1458-1485, February.
    2. Ahmed Zainul Abideen & Veera Pandiyan Kaliani Sundram & Jaafar Pyeman & Abdul Kadir Othman & Shahryar Sorooshian, 2021. "Food Supply Chain Transformation through Technology and Future Research Directions—A Systematic Review," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 5(4), pages 1-24, November.
    3. Nikola Pavlov & Dragan Đurdjević & Milan Andrejić, 2023. "A Novel Two-Stage Methodological Approach for Storage Technology Selection: An Engineering–FAHP–WASPAS Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-20, August.
    4. Yoram Wind & Thomas L. Saaty, 1980. "Marketing Applications of the Analytic Hierarchy Process," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 26(7), pages 641-658, July.
    5. Snežana Tadić & Mladen Krstić & Svetlana Dabić-Miletić & Mladen Božić, 2023. "Smart Material Handling Solutions for City Logistics Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-26, April.
    6. Thomy Eko Saputro & Ilyas Masudin & Babak Daneshvar Rouyendegh (Babek Erdebilli), 2015. "A literature review on MHE selection problem: levels, contexts, and approaches," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 53(17), pages 5139-5152, September.
    7. Choe, Pilsung & Tew, Jeffrey D. & Tong, Songzhen, 2015. "Effect of cognitive automation in a material handling system on manufacturing flexibility," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 170(PC), pages 891-899.
    8. Milan Andrejić, 2023. "Modeling Retail Supply Chain Efficiency: Exploration and Comparative Analysis of Different Approaches," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-24, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Banai, Reza, 2010. "Evaluation of land use-transportation systems with the Analytic Network Process," The Journal of Transport and Land Use, Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, vol. 3(1), pages 85-112.
    2. Fatih Yiğit & Şakir Esnaf, 2021. "A new Fuzzy C-Means and AHP-based three-phased approach for multiple criteria ABC inventory classification," Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, Springer, vol. 32(6), pages 1517-1528, August.
    3. Rachele Corticelli & Margherita Pazzini & Cecilia Mazzoli & Claudio Lantieri & Annarita Ferrante & Valeria Vignali, 2022. "Urban Regeneration and Soft Mobility: The Case Study of the Rimini Canal Port in Italy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-27, November.
    4. Lin, Sheng-Hau & Zhao, Xiaofeng & Wu, Jiuxing & Liang, Fachao & Li, Jia-Hsuan & Lai, Ren-Ji & Hsieh, Jing-Chzi & Tzeng, Gwo-Hshiung, 2021. "An evaluation framework for developing green infrastructure by using a new hybrid multiple attribute decision-making model for promoting environmental sustainability," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    5. Pishchulov, Grigory & Trautrims, Alexander & Chesney, Thomas & Gold, Stefan & Schwab, Leila, 2019. "The Voting Analytic Hierarchy Process revisited: A revised method with application to sustainable supplier selection," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 211(C), pages 166-179.
    6. Seung-Jin Han & Won-Jae Lee & So-Hee Kim & Sang-Hoon Yoon & Hyunwoong Pyun, 2022. "Assessing Expected Long-term Benefits for the Olympic Games: Delphi-AHP Approach from Korean Olympic Experts," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(4), pages 21582440221, December.
    7. Denys Yemshanov & Frank H. Koch & Yakov Ben‐Haim & Marla Downing & Frank Sapio & Marty Siltanen, 2013. "A New Multicriteria Risk Mapping Approach Based on a Multiattribute Frontier Concept," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 33(9), pages 1694-1709, September.
    8. Mangla, Sachin Kumar & Srivastava, Praveen Ranjan & Eachempati, Prajwal & Tiwari, Aviral Kumar, 2024. "Exploring the impact of key performance factors on energy markets: From energy risk management perspectives," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
    9. Seyed Rakhshan & Ali Kamyad & Sohrab Effati, 2015. "Ranking decision-making units by using combination of analytical hierarchical process method and Tchebycheff model in data envelopment analysis," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 226(1), pages 505-525, March.
    10. V. Srinivasan & G. Shainesh & Anand K. Sharma, 2015. "An approach to prioritize customer-based, cost-effective service enhancements," The Service Industries Journal, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 35(14), pages 747-762, October.
    11. Mónica García-Melón & Blanca Pérez-Gladish & Tomás Gómez-Navarro & Paz Mendez-Rodriguez, 2016. "Assessing mutual funds’ corporate social responsibility: a multistakeholder-AHP based methodology," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 244(2), pages 475-503, September.
    12. Jitendar Kumar Khatri & Bhimaraya Metri, 2016. "SWOT-AHP Approach for Sustainable Manufacturing Strategy Selection: A Case of Indian SME," Global Business Review, International Management Institute, vol. 17(5), pages 1211-1226, October.
    13. Vlachokostas, Ch. & Michailidou, A.V. & Achillas, Ch., 2021. "Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis towards promoting Waste-to-Energy Management Strategies: A critical review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
    14. Cui, Ye & E, Hanyu & Pedrycz, Witold & Fayek, Aminah Robinson, 2022. "A granular multicriteria group decision making for renewable energy planning problems," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 199(C), pages 1047-1059.
    15. Jha, Madan K. & Chowdary, V.M. & Kulkarni, Y. & Mal, B.C., 2014. "Rainwater harvesting planning using geospatial techniques and multicriteria decision analysis," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 83(C), pages 96-111.
    16. Om Prakash Mishra & Mahesh Chand & Krishan Kumar & Prashant Mishra, 2023. "Investigating applicability of green supply chain management in manufacturing sectors," International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management, Springer;The Society for Reliability, Engineering Quality and Operations Management (SREQOM),India, and Division of Operation and Maintenance, Lulea University of Technology, Sweden, vol. 14(4), pages 1183-1196, August.
    17. David Han-Min Wang & Quang Linh Huynh, 2013. "Mediating Role of Knowledge Management in Effect of Management Accounting Practices on Firm Performance," Journal of Knowledge Management, Economics and Information Technology, ScientificPapers.org, vol. 3(3), pages 1-10, June.
    18. Luis Pérez-Domínguez & Luis Alberto Rodríguez-Picón & Alejandro Alvarado-Iniesta & David Luviano Cruz & Zeshui Xu, 2018. "MOORA under Pythagorean Fuzzy Set for Multiple Criteria Decision Making," Complexity, Hindawi, vol. 2018, pages 1-10, April.
    19. Neha Arora & Naresh Kumar, 2021. "Does Financial Inclusion Promote Human Development? Evidence from India," Jindal Journal of Business Research, , vol. 10(2), pages 163-184, December.
    20. Hossain, Mohammad Khalid & Meng, Qingmin, 2020. "A fine-scale spatial analytics of the assessment and mapping of buildings and population at different risk levels of urban flood," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 99(C).

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jmathe:v:13:y:2025:i:3:p:498-:d:1582330. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.