Plastics Logistics Management

Raw Material Management: 

Resin Storage:

• Temperature: 15-25°C
• Humidity: <50%
• Ventilation requirements
• Stack height limits
• FIFO (First In, First Out)

Additives Storage:

• Climate-controlled areas
• Segregation requirements
• Safety considerations
• Shelf life monitoring
• MSDS compliance (Material Safety Data Sheets)

Inventory Control:

Stock Levels:

Material Tracking:

• Lot number tracking
• Expiration date monitoring
• Usage rate tracking
• Supplier certification status
• Quality certificates

Production Logistics: 

 
Material Flow Management:

Production Line Supply:

• Just-In-Time delivery
• Kanban systems (method for managing work by balancing demands with available                                    capacity)
• Material staging areas
• Line-side storage
• Quick changeover support 

Internal Transport:

• Forklift routes
• AGV systems
• Conveyor systems
• Manual handling limits
• Safety protocols

AGV : (Automated Guided Vehicle) system is a fleet of self-driving vehicles that transport materials through defined routes in warehouses, factories, or distribution centers without direct human operation.

Work in Progress (WIP): 

Buffer Management:

• Between-process storage
• FIFO lanes (First-In First-Out)
• Buffer size calculations
• Visual management systems
• Emergency storage areas

Finished Goods Management: 

Storage Systems:

Racking Requirements:

• Static racking
• Mobile racking
• Block stacking
• Drive-in racks
• Automated systems

Storage Conditions:

• Temperature control
• UV protection
• Dust control
• Static control
• Moisture protection

Packaging Specifications:

• Primary Packaging:
• Product protection
• Moisture barriers
• Static control
• Stackability
• Label requirements

Secondary Packaging:

• Carton specifications
• Pallet patterns
• Load stability
• Transport security
• Weather protection

Transportation Management: 

Internal Transport:

Equipment Requirements:

• Forklift specifications
• Pallet truck requirements
• AGV systems
• Conveyor systems
• Manual handling aids

AGV : (Automated Guided Vehicle) system is a fleet of self-driving vehicles that transport materials through defined routes in warehouses, factories, or distribution centers without direct human operation.

Route Optimization:

• One-way systems
• Cross-traffic minimization
• Loading bay access
• Emergency routes
• Maintenance access

External Transport:

Mode Selection:

Decision matrix include the below elements: 

• Distance 
• Volume
• Time sensitivity 
• Cost 
• Environmental impact

Carrier Requirements:

• Equipment specifications
• Temperature control
• Load securing methods
• Transit time limits
• Insurance coverage 

Quality Control in Logistics: 

Inspection Points:

Receiving Inspection:

• Material verification
• Quantity check
• Damage inspection
• Documentation review
• Quality testing

In-Process Inspection:

• Storage conditions
• Handling damage
• Contamination check
• Packaging integrity
• Label accuracy

Documentation Requirements:

Material Certificates:

• Raw material specs
• Test results
• Lot traceability
• Safety data
• Regulatory compliance 

Movement Records:

• Transfer documents
• Location tracking
• Time stamps
• Handler identification
• Equipment used

Environmental Considerations: 

Waste Management:

Scrap Handling:

• Collection systems
• Segregation methods
• Recycling protocols
• Disposal procedures
• Documentation requirements

Packaging Waste:

• Reduction strategies
• Reuse programs
• Recycling systems
• Disposal methods
• Compliance reporting

Sustainability Measures:

Energy Efficiency:

• Equipment selection
• Route optimization
• Loading efficiency
• Lighting systems
• HVAC optimization

HVAC optimization is the process of fine-tuning heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to achieve maximum energy efficiency while maintaining optimal indoor comfort levels.

Material Conservation:

• Packaging reduction
• Reusable containers
• Material recovery
• Water conservation
• Energy recovery

Cost Management:

Cost Categories:

Storage Costs:

Handling Costs:

Performance Metrics:

Efficiency Metrics:

• Inventory turns
• Space utilization
• Labor productivity
• Equipment utilization
• Energy efficiency

Cost Metrics:

• Cost per unit
• Storage cost per unit
• Transport cost per unit
• Handling cost per unit
• Waste cost per unit 

Technology Integration: 

Management Systems:

Warehouse Management System (WMS):

• Location management
• Inventory control
• Order processing
• Labor management
• Report generation

Transportation Management System (TMS):

• Route planning
• Carrier selection
• Load planning
• Cost tracking
• Performance monitoring

Automation Systems:

Material Handling:

• AGV systems
• Robotic systems
• Conveyor systems
• Automated storage
• Picking systems 

AGV : (Automated Guided Vehicle) system is a fleet of self-driving vehicles that transport materials through defined routes in warehouses, factories, or distribution centers without direct human operation.

Data Collection:

• Barcode systems
• RFID systems
• IoT sensors
• Mobile devices
• Integration platforms

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) systems are wireless tracking technologies that use radio waves to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. 

IoT (Internet of Things) is a network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies that enable them to connect, exchange data, and interact with other devices and systems over the internet.

Risk Management:

Risk Categories:

Operational Risks:

• Equipment failure
• System downtime
• Labor issues
• Quality problems
• Capacity constraints

External Risks:

• Supply disruptions
• Transport delays
• Weather impacts
• Market changes
• Regulatory changes

Mitigation Strategies:

• Preventive Measures: 
• Maintenance programs
• Training programs
• Backup systems
• Alternative suppliers
• Insurance coverage

Response Plans:

• Emergency procedures
• Communication plans
• Recovery protocols
• Business continuity
• Crisis management