Supply Chain–Wide Optimization at TNT Express

Hein Fleuren, Chris Goossens (), Marco Hendriks (), Marie-Christine Lombard, Ineke Meuffels () and John Poppelaars ()
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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

Interfaces, 2013, vol. 43, issue 1, 5-20

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.

Keywords: express service providers; transportation; supply chain optimization; network design problem; pickup and delivery problem; change management; OR deployment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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