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Supply Chain–Wide Optimization at TNT Express

Author

Listed:
  • Hein Fleuren

    (Department of Econometrics and Operations Research, Tilburg University, 5037 AB Tilburg, The Netherlands)

  • Chris Goossens

    (TNT Express, 2132 LS Hoofddorp, The Netherlands)

  • Marco Hendriks

    (TNT Express, 2132 LS Hoofddorp, The Netherlands)

  • Marie-Christine Lombard

    (TNT Express, 2132 LS Hoofddorp, The Netherlands)

  • Ineke Meuffels

    (Department of Econometrics and Operations Research, Tilburg University, 5037 AB Tilburg, The Netherlands; and ORTEC, 2803 PV Gouda, The Netherlands)

  • John Poppelaars

    (ORTEC, 2803 PV Gouda, The Netherlands)

Abstract

The application of operations research (OR) at TNT Express during the past seven years has significantly improved decision-making quality and resulted in cost savings of 207 million euros. The global optimization (GO) program initiative has led to the development of a suite of optimization solutions to assist the operating units of TNT Express to improve their package delivery in road and air networks. To create and deploy these solutions, we established communities of practice (CoPs), at which internal and external subject matter experts meet three times annually at an internal conference. We also created a unique two-year learning environment, the GO academy, where employees of TNT Express are taught the principles, use, and deployment of optimization techniques. As a result of these combined initiatives, OR is now an effective part of the core values at TNT Express.

Suggested Citation

  • Hein Fleuren & Chris Goossens & Marco Hendriks & Marie-Christine Lombard & Ineke Meuffels & John Poppelaars, 2013. "Supply Chain–Wide Optimization at TNT Express," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 43(1), pages 5-20, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:orinte:v:43:y:2013:i:1:p:5-20
    DOI: 10.1287/inte.1120.0655
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Cynthia Barnhart & Rina R. Schneur, 1996. "Air Network Design for Express Shipment Service," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 44(6), pages 852-863, December.
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    5. Meuffels, W.J.M. & Fleuren, H.A. & Cruijssen, F. & van Dam, E.R., 2009. "Enriching the Tactical Network Design of Express Service Carriers with Fleet Scheduling Characteristics," Other publications TiSEM e146d914-9638-4ae0-9587-b, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
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    9. Meuffels, W.J.M. & Fleuren, H.A. & Cruijssen, F. & van Dam, E.R., 2009. "Enriching the Tactical Network Design of Express Service Carriers with Fleet Scheduling Characteristics," Discussion Paper 2009-79, Tilburg University, Center for Economic Research.
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Quesada Pérez, José Miguel & Lange, Jean-Charles & Tancrez, Jean-Sébastien, 2018. "A multi-hub Express Shipment Service Network Design model with flexible hub assignment," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 120(C), pages 116-131.
    2. Michael F. Gorman & John-Paul Clarke & Amir Hossein Gharehgozli & Michael Hewitt & René de Koster & Debjit Roy, 2014. "State of the Practice: A Review of the Application of OR/MS in Freight Transportation," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 44(6), pages 535-554, December.
    3. Benjamin T. Hazen & Joseph B. Skipper & Christopher A. Boone & Raymond R. Hill, 2018. "Back in business: operations research in support of big data analytics for operations and supply chain management," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 270(1), pages 201-211, November.
    4. Martin, Florian & Hemmelmayr, Vera C. & Wakolbinger, Tina, 2021. "Integrated express shipment service network design with customer choice and endogenous delivery time restrictions," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 294(2), pages 590-603.

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