OPTIMIZATION OF TRANSPORT ACTIVITIES IN THE SUGAR  BEET HARVESTING CAMPAIGN

Dejan Brcanov; Stojanka Dakić; Danilo Đokić; Nebojša Gvozdenović; Stanislav Zekić

doi:10.59267/ekoPolj2501155B

Authors

Dejan Brcanov Faculty of economics Subotica, University of Novi Sad, Subotica, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4059-5232
Stojanka Dakić Faculty of economics Subotica, University of Novi Sad, Subotica, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2416-7847
Danilo Đokić Faculty of economics Subotica, University of Novi Sad, Subotica, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7962-4910
Nebojša Gvozdenović Faculty of economics Subotica, University of Novi Sad, Subotica, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9230-9528
Stanislav Zekić Faculty of economics Subotica, University of Novi Sad, Subotica, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3872-1332

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59267/ekoPolj2501155B

Keywords:

optimization, harvesting, transport, strategy

Abstract

This paper explores the optimization of sugar beet transport from loading points to processing plants throughout the harvest campaign. An optimization model was developed to address the key logistical aspects of this process. The approach was applied to data from a company that encompasses 50% of Serbia’s sugar beet processing, with operations across three sugar factories. The results include an evaluation of the current operating method and the analysis of two alternative scenarios that present further opportunities to reduce logistical costs. These savings not only lower company expenses but also contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring both economic and environmental benefits.

Downloads

References

Ali, O., Verlinden, B., & van Oudheusden, D. (2009). Infield logistics planning for crop-harvesting operations. Engineering Optimization, 41(2), 183–197. https://doi.org/10.1080/03052150802406540

Bala, K., Brcanov, D., & Gvozdenović, N. (2017). Two-echelon location routing synchronized with production schedules and time windows. Central European Journal of Operations Research, 25(3). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10100-016-0463-6

Bala, K., Brcanov, D., Gvozdenović, N., (2010). Meeting points positioning in Newspaper distribution, Euro Working Group on Locational Analysis 65 (5).

Behzadi, G., O’Sullivan, M. J., Olsen, T. L., & Zhang, A. (2018). Agribusiness supply chain risk management: A review of quantitative decision models. Omega, 79, 21–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omega.2017.07.005

van Campen, J., Marihart, J. (2010). The EU Beet and Sugar Sector: A model of environmental sustanability, Retrieved from https://www.cibe-europe.eu/Brochures, (05.06.2024).

European Commission. (2020). Farm to fork strategy: for a fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly food system. Available at: https://food.ec.europa.eu/horizontal-topics/farm-fork-strategy_en

FAOSTAT (2024). Official database. Retrieved from: http://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#home (8.11.2024)

Fikry, I., Gheith, M., & Eltawil, A. (2021). An integrated production-logistics-crop rotation planning model for sugar beet supply chains. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 157, 107300. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cie.2021.107300

Grunow, M., Günther, H.O., & Westinner, R. (2007). Supply optimization for the production of raw sugar. International Journal of Production Economics, 110(1–2), 224–239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2007.02.019

Gvozdenović, N., & Brcanov, D. (2018). Vehicle scheduling in a harvest season. Ekonomika Poljoprivrede, 65(2), 633–642. https://doi.org/10.5937/ekoPolj1802633G

Higgins, A. (2006). Scheduling of road vehicles in sugarcane transport: A case study at an Australian sugar mill. European Journal of Operational Research, 170(3), 987–1000. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2004.07.055

Higgins, A. J. (1999). Optimizing cane supply decisions within a sugar mill region. Journal of Scheduling, 2(5), 229–244. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-1425(199909/10)2:5<229::AID-JOS29>3.0.CO;2-L

Jena, S. D., & Poggi, M. (2013). Harvest planning in the Brazilian sugar cane industry via mixed integer programming. European Journal of Operational Research, 230(2), 374–384. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2013.04.011

Jonkman, J., Barbosa-Póvoa, A. P., & Bloemhof, J. M. (2019). Integrating harvesting decisions in the design of agro-food supply chains. European Journal of Operational Research, 276(1), 247–258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2018.12.024

Lopez Milan, E., Miquel Fernandez, S., & Pla Aragones, L. M. (2006). Sugar cane transportation in Cuba, a case study. European Journal of Operational Research, 174(1), 374–386. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2005.01.028

Paiva, R. P. O., & Morabito, R. (2009). An optimization model for the aggregate production planning of a Brazilian sugar and ethanol milling company. Annals of Operations Research, 169(1), 117–130. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-008-0428-9

Rong, A., Akkerman, R., & Grunow, M. (2011). An optimization approach for managing fresh food quality throughout the supply chain. International Journal of Production Economics, 131(1), 421–429. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2009.11.026

Statistical Office of Republic of Serbia (2024). Official database. Retrieved from: https://data.stat.gov.rs/ (8.11.2024)

van der Vorst, J. G. A. J., Tromp, S.-O., & Zee, D.-J. van der. (2009). Simulation modelling for food supply chain redesign; integrated decision making on product quality, sustainability and logistics. International Journal of Production Research, 47(23), 6611–6631. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207540802356747