Time compression technique of collaborative logistics based on pipeline

In order to improve operation efficiency of the total network and each logistics node, time controlling technique of collaborative logistics on pipeline view is put forward. As a quantitative method, it optimizes logistics collaboration performance by controlling the pipeline structure and parameters of each logistics node. Logistics pipeline is a dynamic input/output system composed of feed-forward logistics, feedback information and relational control actions, and collaborative logistics network is considered as an assemble of many serial and parallel logistics pipeline. Time-overlapping technique was applied to controlling operation time of every logistics function so as to get staggered schedule of the logistics processes. So the pipeline time of collaborative logistics was compressed by three optimizing methods: subdividing logistics functional segments, overlapping logistics installations in parallel and combining pipeline segments. Performance analysis on throughput rate, efficiency and speedup ratio indicates that pipeline-based control technique can effectively reduce the logistics lead time of serial parallel pipeline and improve the operating efficiency, circulation speed and customer service level of collaborative logistics network.