Cross-dock distribution and operation planning for overseas delivery consolidation: A case study in the automotive industry

One of the strategic objectives supply chains in automotive industry is development international sourcing. Renault works with a global network cross-docking platforms to link distant assembly plants first-tier suppliers. These act both as information and physical consolidation points. At shop-floor, inland deliveries are received, sorted, repacked (if needed) loaded onto containers for overseas transportation. Distribution operation planning key activities such cross-dock platform but despite its interdependency, current research considers them separately. This paper presents detailed analysis called ILN (International Logistics Networks), their process flows. An integer linear programming model plan jointly distribution shop-floor operations developed. The objective minimize total cost composed transportation (inbound outbound), internal resources storage cost. Numerical offline tests CPLEX, based on real data number past periods, have showed 13% reduction encouraging confirm ability proposed approach deal real-size instances potential gains which can be obtained by considering decision related together. Taking into account these results, part concerning inbound logistics was integrated system used ILN. results first exploitation period shown 20% comparing previous without increasing other costs.