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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
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    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.
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