A Transdisciplinary Approach to Optimising Distribution Efficiency: Integrating Human Factors for Sustainable Routing Chapter in Scopus uri icon

abstract

  • Intensified competition, heightened customer demands, and mounting pressure for cost savings and carbon footprint reduction characterise the dynamic landscape of contemporary business. Thus, the efficiency of distribution channels plays a pivotal role in meeting the evolving needs of diverse stakeholders. Management's concern for the seamless flow of products to customers is underscored by imperatives to lower costs, enhance customer satisfaction, adhere to policies and regulations, and sustain personnel wellbeing and motivation. Operational research initiatives such as the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) have partially addressed these challenges. However, a comprehensive solution must transcend mathematical optimisation techniques to incorporate the intricate interplay between human resources, sales, customer service, and logistics. Going beyond traditional quantitative solutions, the contribution of this research is twofold: 1) a transdisciplinary framework designed to address the optimisation of distribution channels holistically by recognising the importance of negotiation among key stakeholders. Thus, the VRP solution, while indispensable, serves as a facilitative tool for negotiation, and 2) an industrial case is included to illustrate the application of the transdisciplinary framework, offering practical insights and managerial recommendations for implementing optimised routing strategies for the benefit of stakeholders. This research promotes social change by fostering a collaborative environment beyond mathematical efficiency by integrating environmental and human elements into the decision-making process. © 2024 The Authors.

publication date

  • January 1, 2024