Supply Chain Management and Productivity Cluster
Contact
For more information, please visit http://www.rp.edu.sg/tdc/
General Description
The Supply Chain Management and Productivity Improvement Cluster focuses on developing emerging technologies and capabilities in crucial areas of global logistics network operations. Leveraging the expertise of RP’s Technology Development Centres, our key areas of specialisation include:
- Applications for the food and pharmaceutical sectors
- Mobile applications
- RFID-enabled supply chain systems
- Logistics systems modelling, scheduling and optimisation
- Warehouse layout design
- Logistics profiling
- Quality management systems and tools (e.g. Six Sigma) to create the most responsive and adaptive supply chains
Specific Competencies
a. Process analysis and optimisation
We adopt a structured approach to carrying out business process reviews in order to measure existing performance and identify opportunities for further improvement. Our industrial engineering competencies enable us to map out and measure current processes for subsequent improvements using techniques such as design of experiments (DOE).
b. System modelling and simulation
We have capabilities for studying complex manufacturing processes and logistics systems at the system level. A well-conducted simulation study can significantly improve operational efficiencies and reduce risks during planning. Our focus areas include:
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System modelling, simulation and optimisation for logistics and manufacturing
- Monitoring and enhancing the quality of supply chain processes using Six Sigma and failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA)
To support our work in this field, we make use of specialist software and technologies such as Minitab™, Flexsim™ and Double E™.
c. ePC RFID, industry standards and barcoding
With its non-line of sight and simultaneous multi-product identification capabilities, radio frequency identification (RFID) has tremendous potential to automate supply chain processes. However, realising the full potential of RFID requires careful strategic planning, test-bedding and integration into real-life systems. We are at the forefront of RFID development for supply chain applications, using HF and UHF RFID readers and tags, as well as ePC RFID networks. We also determine where and when barcode and other mobile applications can be applied instead of (or alongside) RFID systems to provide holistic solutions in line with scalable global standards.
d. Low-cost mobile applications
We have key competencies in the use of open source and mobile software and methodologies, which enable us to provide cost-effective solutions for industry partners. Our team can develop cloud-computing applications, analytics and mobile applications for logistics providers that can significantly reduce capital investments and cash-flow requirements.
e. Integrated manufacturing and supply chain applications for the food and pharmaceutical sectors
We have complementary capabilities in pharmaceutical and food sciences, as well as in the crossover areas of specialist nutrition and functional foods. Our knowledge of pharmaceutical and food regulations and our industrial engineering skills allow for quick formulation and product development, as well as full-scale manufacturing and logistics. In addition, our intimate knowledge of chemical constituents in various products allows us to:
- Streamline logistics processes while meeting regulatory requirements
- Develop formulations and provide product testing services
- Perform shelf-life testing
- Carry out controlled vibration and drop testing
We use advanced equipment in our formulation and product-testing work, including:
- Ball mill
- Cube mixer
- Disintegration tester
- Dry and wet granulator
- Extruder and spheronisers
- Film coater
- Fluidised bed dryer
- Freeze dryer
- Friability tester
- High shear mixer
- Humidity chambers
- Melting point apparatus
- Moisture analyser
- Powder characterisation system
- Sieve analysis system
- Spray dryer
- Sugar coater
- Tablet hardness tester
- Tapped density tester and Y blender
- NMR
- QIT-MS
- LCMS
- GCMS
- HPLC purification
- 16-station tablet press
Industry Projects
Take a look through the following examples of completed projects to learn more about what we can do for you.
Area of Focus/
Competency Area |
Project |
| Process Analysis and Optimisation |
Process Improvement for Fresh Food Distributor
In this project, we work with a fresh food distributor to remove redundant quality control processes and empower process staff. We also restructured the order process according to inventory storage location, which reduced pick times by 30 percent. This represents a reduction of more than 170 man-hours a month.
Process improvement enabled us to help the distributor not only improve productivity, but also ensure fresher produce is delivered to end-consumers. Retailers also benefit from these improvements through longer product shelf life.
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| Food Formulations, Bioassays, and Chemical Analysis |
Secured Drug Supply Chain Using e-Pedigree Standards for the Pharmaceutical Industry
In this project, we developed prototype software for a drug authentication system in RP using HF and UHF tags and readers with open source EPCIS and drug pedigree standards.
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| System Modelling and Simulation |
Development of Logistics Object Library for Process Simulation Scenario Planning
In this project, we developed a logistics object library as a quick, customisable tool for process simulation scenario planning. The logistics object library has helped a local company reduce the time and skills needed for simulation modelling of inbound and outbound warehouse logistics. This solution was developed according to the company's logistics operations and allowed it to test alternative logistics scenarios for feasibility and resource requirements prior to implementation.
The use of the logistics object library provides an operational competitive advantage to logistics companies and allows their customers to visualise how operations will change with different scenarios before funds are committed or costs incurred.
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| Open Source/Mobile Applications |
Fleet Tracking and Supply Chain Management Planning using Android and Google App Engine
In this project, we collaborated with a major logistics company to make use of Google phones to improve fleet visibility, route analysis and scheduling.
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| ePC RFID/barcode/ standards |
Enhanced Supply Chain Velocity and Visibility Using EPCIS Standards for the Retail Industry
In this project, we improved the speed at which outgoing products leave the manufacturer through the use of an RFID label applicator and RFID gantry interfaced with EPCIS. We also developed a parallel run of an RFID-enabled retail supply chain to evaluate its effectiveness versus existing processes.
This project allows retailers to evaluate when RFID will be feasible as the technology cost decreases over time. The enhanced supply chain velocity resulting from the use of this technology will significantly reduce the retailers’ supply chain lead-times. This enables retailers to respond much more quickly to market demand than before.
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