Supply Chain Management Journal
Proposal of Transmission Transport Point Infrastructure Division into Mono-, Bi- and Poly-Branch Elements Aleksander PABIAN Marta STAROSTKA-PATYK Czestochowa University of Technology, Faculty of Management
[email protected],
[email protected] Abstract First part of the article is devoted to the presentation of the idea. Point components of the logistic infrastructure of external transport branches can be divided into so- called: mono-, bi- and polibranch elements. Later the author emphasizes that there are no obstacles to divide the components of point infrastructure of transmission transport in accordance with this concept. Keywords: Transmission Transport, Infrastructure Introduction The article presents the concept of division of point components of the logistic infrastructure of external transport branches into so- called: mono-, bi- and polibranch elements. The criterion for such segmentation is the degree of integration of the element with the linear infrastructure of other modes of transport. Such systematic can be successfully used for the distribution of the transmission transport infrastructural components. In the article the importance of bi-, and polibranch components of this mode of transport is also stressed, from the implementation of the transport process point of view. The starting point of
discussion is to present the idea of external transport infrastructure and to define its place within the whole concept of logistics infrastructure. External point infrastructure of transportation as a component of the logistics infrastructure The term ‘infrastructure’ generally refers to basic, physical facilities necessary for the functioning of a state or society (Luger, 2008). There is no doubt that in many cases this laconic statement has become an inspiration and the starting point for formulating more detailed definitions of infrastructure, created for different areas of expertise including logistics.
Table 1. Representative definitions of term: „logistics infrastructure” 1
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a subsystem of technical measures which enables, according to the ‘just-in-time’ principle, relocation, loading and storage of the goods in the supply cycles with the use of automatic identification of goods. tangible resources, methods of their use and usage systems which are designed to meet the physical flow of goods and information.
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technical measures, methods of their use as well as usage systems which enable an economically efficient operation of all essential functions of logistics – handling, transport and stocks securing. technical measures and their components for the management of logistics, which enable the implementation of four essential tasks of logistics: storage of products, their movement, products’ protection and processing the information needed in the control of logistic processes.
Source: personal study on the basis of: Wojciechowski, Wojciechowski, Kosmatka, 2000
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In the literature of this area of expertise, there were numerous interpretations of the term “logistics infrastructure.” Some exemplary are listed in Table 1. Although logistics infrastructure can be defined in many ways and certain differences concerning the interpretation of this term can be seen among researchers, almost all studies emphasize its importance for the implementation of activities in logistics. The occurrence of adequate infrastructure is a prerequisite for the efficient functioning of the logistics system because it allows a reliable and efficient implementation of all ongoing processes within it. The physical movement of materials and goods from a supplier to a customer cannot be conducted without the presence of certain technical means of transportation and appropriate transport routes. Storage operation requires a suitable storage terminal as well as handling facilities. Materials and goods should be protected with appropriate packaging during transport and storage operations. The movement of products through successive
stages of processing in the production cycle also requires implementation of appropriate solutions. Finally, effective control of the physical processes is conditioned by current and credible information about the nature of decisionmaking, which is obtained and transmitted through technical means of generating and processing of information. Thus, “efficiency and reliability of the physical flows of raw materials, materials, goods and services, and accompanying information flows is fundamentally determined by the technical base of logistics called logistics infrastructure” (Ficoń, 2009). S. Abt notices that division of logistics infrastructure is contractual (Abt, 2001). Indeed, in the considerations of particular researchers one may notice some differences in the perception of what specific elements should be included. Figure 1 presents the structure of logistics infrastructure, together with some examples of devices belonging to each of its links, as proposed by Ł. Wojciechowski, A. Wojciechowski and T. Kosmatka.
Figure 1. Logistics infrastructure Logistics infrastructure
Internal transport Transporting machines: - trucks -cranes -conveyors - loading machines - manipulators -… Auxiliary devices: - Palettes -containers -…
External transport Road transport
Rail transport
Marine transport
Water inland transport
Aerial transport
Storage Warehouses buildings: -open -semi-open -closed Storage machines: -for storage (shelving, ground beams, stands etc.) -Reloading (bridges, platforms etc.) -fire equipment -air conditioning and ventilation - security systems
Information Hardware
Software
Means of communication Orgatechnical tools
Packaging Consumer packaging: - returnable - non-returnable - labeled for automatic identification - unlabeled for automatic identification Transport packaging: - returnable - non-returnable - marked for automatic identification - unmarked for automatic identification
Transfer transport
Source: own elaboration on the basis of: Wojciechowski, Wojciechowski, Kosmatka, 2009
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The classification of logistics infrastructure presented by the authors distinguishes five basic links, each having different tasks related to the implementation of logistics processes, in particular (Wojciechowski et. al., 2009): storage, protection and maintenance of any materials and products, which is done in buildings and storage structures and with the use of their equipment, protection of materials and goods during transport and storage operations, which is a fundamental function of packaging. What is more, in the form of bulk and shipping containers, they improve movement and handling operations, enable standardization of loading units and due to logos and bar codes they become carriers of product
information, including transport and storage guidelines, processing the flows of information necessary for controlling logistics processes. Apart from traditional computerized office equipment, which is used for this purpose, there are also modern multimedia computer systems and associated ICT systems to support business processes management (Ficoń, 2009); spatial movement of raw materials and products manufactured both within the company (which is done with the use of means of internal transport) and in the macro scale of the broadly defined market. Considerations on the division of logistics infrastructure by K. Ficoń may seem slightly different than the previous one (Figure 2).
Figure 2. The essential elements of logistics infrastructure Means of transportation and handling
Packaging
Buildings and storage structures
Infrastructure of physical flows Logistics infrastructure Infrastructure of flows of information Information processing systems
Equipment/ software
Computer network/the Internet
Source: personal study on the basis of: Ficoń, 2009 It follows that the author makes a distribution of all elements of logistics infrastructure between two major sets: infrastructure of information and physical flows. However, its in-depth analysis results in a conclusion that this classification, in its fundamental assumptions, does not differ significantly from the systematization which was previously presented. Infrastructure of physical flows, interpreted by the author as means of processing logistics information (devices and their systems as well as software), is a peculiar equivalent of IT infrastructure, which constitutes one of five basic infrastructure components in the opinion of the previously cited authors. Infrastructure of physical flows, on the
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other hand, is comprised of four remaining components present in the previous systematization: packaging, storage infrastructure etc, except for the fact that K. Ficoń operates on a different scheme. Thus, the elements that make up for infrastructure of internal and external transportation of the previous division are gathered by the author within one subgroup: means of transportation and handling (devices used for spatial movement of raw materials, materials and goods, both on the enterprise- scale and broadly defined market as well) (Ficoń, 2009). It should be emphasized that not only K. Ficoń is an advocate of grouping logistical infrastructure within the two
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dominant sets. In the foreign- language literature can also meet this kind of divisions (Figure 3). Two essential components of the logistics infrastructure in the scheme mentioned are not, as in the case of K. Ficoń, distinguished on the basis of the nature of the flows taking place within them (physical or virtual- informational). Specific components of the infrastructure
are distributed between the two sets on the basis of which entity organizes and manages them. Here stands out infrastructure, the responsibility over which is transferred to the economic operator (in most cases he is also the owner of the infrastructure) and the social infrastructure, which is made available for entity’s use, but usually at the same time.
Figure 3. Logistics infrastructure division of the company Devices, vehicles and equipment for moving materials, raw materials, products
Devices, buildings and facilities for the storage of materials, raw materials, products
Logistics infrastructure communal, social infrastructure underpinning the operations of the businesses in the economy Point and linear Point and linear Point and linear Point and linear infrastructure of air infrastructure of car infrastructure of water infrastructure of rail Source: personal study on a transport basis of: P. M. Swamidass. 2000. Encyclopedia transport of production transport transport
and manufacturing management. Norwell: Kluwier Academic Publishers, p. 369-370.
did not originate on the initiative of the individual business, the company has no ownership of this infrastructure, a business unit does not affect the operations of the infrastructure (in most cases it is maintained by the relevant government authorities). The first group includes all means of transport and ancillary equipment used to move materials, goods and raw materials both within the company and outside it, as well as buildings and equipment for their storage. The second involves primarily the road all modes of transport, together with the necessary equipment and point elements, necessary for the implementation of logistics activity, therefore: airports, river ports and seaports, train stations, etc. Such division emphasizes very clearly the dual nature of the elements of the logistics infrastructure: some of them have a microeconomic nature, while others are
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the basis of the enterprises’ activities from the macroeconomic point of view. The above-mentioned systematizations confirm that there is no one, universal division of logistics infrastructure. Various classifications usually differ to a greater or lesser extent. However, you can successfully distinguish certain essential components of infrastructure, the existence of which most researchers agree on. One of them is undoubtedly transportation infra-structure, which is defined by some authors as ‘external’. In contrast to the infrastructure of internal transportation, it serves a purpose of movement of materials, raw materials and products not within the logistics micro system (of a particular enterprise), but among the components of metaor macro system. This infrastructure is subsequently divided due to the branches of transportation it operates (Figure 3). Infrastructure of each particular branch of transportation consists of means
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of transportation and their linear (natural and artificial roads1 for moving vehicles, and often materials and products directly) (Ficoń, 2009) as well as point elements: includes facilities along the roads of all transport branches, which are necessary for realizing transport tasks
(Wojciechowski et. al., 2009). These are elements of all kinds, without the presence of which movement of loads could not be done “as they serve to support means of transport during standstill as well as transported cargo” (Ficoń, 2009)
Figure 3. Types of external transportation infrastructure Logistics infrastructure of external transportation Car Water
Inland
Rail
Marine
Aerial Transfer
Source: own elaboration on the basis of: Wojciechowski, Wojciechowski, Kosmatka, 2009 Mono-, bi- and poly- branch character of point infrastructure of external transportation Division of the elements making up the point infrastructure of external transport is made on a basis of mode of transport, they serve. On the basis of this criterion one can distinguish the point infrastructure of road, rail, air, inland waterway, maritime and transmission transport. Further distinction usually consists in listing specific elements belonging to the infrastructure of each branch. And so, for example, the essential elements of the point rail transport infrastructure are railway stations, which can be further divided due to different criteria such as the type of transport supported, the type of railway line on which they are located, workload, working time and so on (Wojciechowski et. al., 2009; Zalewski et. al., 2004). At the same time, one can judge, that depending on their spatial position and the performance scope, point elements of infrastructure of each mode (e.g. stations within rail transport) may have threefold
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character: either mono-, bi- or polybranch (case nb. 1) (Pabian, 2010). Mono- branch elements of point infrastructure of specified transport branch are only located on the road of their transport mode and support it (hence the name of these items). Don’t have connection with the paths of the other modes. Petrol stations (motor transport) are an example. Bi-branch elements mainly support the road of their transport branch. However they are at the intersection with the path of another branch of transport or this road reaches them. Within bi- branch elements handling of cargo can take place from one mode of transport to another. In this context, the bi- branch elements perform derivative operating functions in relation to other modes of transport. Poly-branch elements are transport nodes where the roads of three or more modes of transport meet with each other. For example, rail station can be located in harbor, while crossing routes of water, rail and road transport. In the poly-branch elements’ areas can occur, in a variety of
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configurations, exchange of cargo between means of transport of different transport
branches.
Case 1. To illustrate the difference between the mono-, bi- and poly- branch elements of transport branches point infrastructure on the example of rail transport Sea roads
Water area
In the example provided, maneuvering station, not linked with the roads of other transport branches is a mono- branch point element of rail transport infrastructure. Passenger rail station owns bibranch character because has connection with the road of motor transport. In turn the station in the port area is polybranch- roads of three modes of transport coincide there. Same way should be explained the threebranch character of the harbor (poly- branch point element of infrastructure of sea- water transport).
AKWATORIUM Rail station in the port area Mono- branch elements of point infrastructure Sea harbour Bi- branch elements of point infrastructure
Poly- branch elements of point infrastructure
Passanger rail station
Maneuvering station unconnected with the road of car transport
Road of motor transport
Rail trail
Source: own study
To sum up: point infrastructural elements of particular transport branch acquire the bi- or poly-branch character, if they have connection with road or roads of the other transport branches and thus it is possible to make transshipment between different means of transport within them. Point infrastructure of transmission transport in the light of mono-, biand poly- branch concept Transmission transport includes: cable (rope), pipeline and wired (Figure 4). Point infrastructure in the case of the first-mentioned consist of railway stations. This elements, both in the case of ground railways and the overhead cable, can be classified due to their location. The distinction is made between upper and lower stations. Due to their functions in
turn, can be distinguished: loading, unloading and side stations. In addition, stations of overhead, cable railway are sometimes divided based on the criterion of their exploitation functions. Drive, rope tension and curve stations are distinguished in this case. „At the stations are located: mechanical equipment, anchors, tighteners of tow ropes, transmission lines’ drivers, anchors of ropes, spring fenders, electrical equipment (engine, switchboard, brake levers, speedometer, measuring instruments, speed reducer, backup electricity generator), safety devices (breaks: ignition, solenoid and manual), signal devices and station buildings, silos hoppers or storage yards” (Basiewicz et. al., 2007).
Figure 4. Transmission transport’s autorament
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Rope Pipeline
TRANSMISSION TRANSPORT Energy/ Wire
Source: personal study on the basis of: Dębski, 2009
Point infrastructure in the case of transmission transport is also made of stations, with the difference that they perform another function (Wojciechowski et. al., 2009). initial (feed pumps, flow meters), occurring every few kilometers pump stations: - fuel, compressor and reduction (gas pipeline), - measurement and control points for measuring pressure or flow, endpoints (flow meters, tanks for the adoption of the product, the control panel). Point infrastructure, in the case of the wired transport, consists of all kinds of structures and equipment supporting and controlling the flows of electricity and information.
Summary Specific, occurring in the provided area point elements of transmission transport infrastructure can be successfully qualified for one of the three sets of items awarded under the rules of the outlined concept. The special role of bi- and poli- branch elements should be mentioned at this stage. They enable the implementation of multimodal transport, as there are located terminals of this type of transport. This feature is of particular importance when considering the two basic facts. Firstly, multimodal transport allows smooth realization of carriage service (Gołembska, 2009). Secondly, as D. J. Bowersox, D. J. Closs and M. B. Cooper note, the most prominent of logistics costs are those associated with transport (Bowersox et. al., 2010). At the same time the use of said type of transport may be associated with a prominent reduction of them.
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Artificial roads were build from scratch by a man, whereas natural ones occurred without his larger interference (boiling down only to the delimitation of the specific pathways). Using natural transport routes therefore does not imply the necessity of incurring the costs as to their construction and
operation. Compare: T. Nowosielski. 2008. Infrastrukturalne uwarunkowania rozwoju logistyki morskiej. In Funkcjonowanie systemów logistycznych. Ed. by: J. Jaworski, A. Mytlewski. Warszawa: Wyższa Szkoła Bankowa w Gdańsku, p. 153.
BIBLIOGRAPHY Abt S., (2000), Logistyka ponad granicami, Poznań: Instytut Logistyki i Magazynowania. Abt S., (2001), Logistyka w teorii i praktyce. Poznań: Wydawnictwo Akademii Ekonomicznej w Poznaniu. Basiewicz T., Gołaszewski, A., Rudziński, L., (2007), Infrastruktura transportu. Warszawa: Oficyna Wydawnicza Politechniki Warszawskiej.
Bowersox D. J., Closs D. J., Cooper M. B., (2010), Supply Chain Logistics Management. Boston, Burr Ridge, Dubuque, Madison, New York, San Francisco, St. Louis, Bangkok, Bogota, Caracas, Kuala Lumpur, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Mexico City, Milan, Montreal, New Delhi, Santiago, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei, Toronto: McGraw- Hill. David P., Stewart R., (2010), International logistics. The management of international
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trade operations. Mason: Cengage Learning. Dębski D., (2009), Ekonomika i organizacja przedsiębiorstw. Warszawa: WSiP. Swamidass P. M., (2000), Encyclopedia of production and manufacturing management. Norwell: Kluwier Academic Publishers. Ficoń K., (2009), Logistyka techniczna. Infrastruktura logistyczna. Warszawa: BEL Studio. Gołembska E., (2009), Logistyka w gospodarce światowej. Warszawa: Wydawnictwo C. H. Beck. Luger K., (2008), Contributions to economics. Heidelberg: Physica- Verlag. Milewska B., Milewski D., (2001), Just in time. Kraków: Wydawnictwo Profesjonalnej Szkoły Biznesu. Nowakowska- Grunt J. Impact of Lean management on logistics infrastructure in enterprises. In Advanced logistic systems.
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Edited by: Illes B., Szkutnik J. and Telek P., Miskolc: University of Miskolc. Nowosielski T., (2008), Infrastrukturalne uwarunkowania rozwoju logistyki morskiej. In Funkcjonowanie systemów logistycznych. Edited by: J. Jaworski, Mytlewski A., Warszawa: Wyższa Szkoła Bankowa w Gdańsku. Pabian A., (2010), Koncepcja mono-, bi- I poligałęziowych składowych infrastruktury punktowej transportu zewnętrznego. In Systemy logistyczne- analiza przypadków. Edited by: Brzozowska A., Częstochowa: Sekcja Wydawnictwa Wydziału Zarządzania Politechniki Częstochowskiej. Wojciechowski Ł., Wojciechowski, A., Kosmatka T., (2009), Infrastruktura magazynowa i transportowa. Poznań: Wyższa Szkoła Logistyki. Zalewski P., Siedlecki P., Drewniowski A., (2004), Technologia transportu kolejowego. Warszawa: Wydawnictwa Komunikacji i Łączności.
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