Integral Logistics Management — Operations Management and Supply Chain Management Within and Across Companies

4.1.2b Graphical Representation of Logistics Processes: Connection of the MEDILS Symbols

Intended learning outcomes: Explain the connections of the MEDILS symbols.



Continuation from previous subsection (4.1.2)

Logistics systems are represented in graphic form by using and connecting the symbols. Figure 4.1.2.2 shows the connections used conventionally in MEDILS.

Fig. 4.1.2.2        MEDILS: connecting the symbols.

  • Goods or data along with control information or control informa­tion alone flow from storage into a task or function, or process. Execution of the task, function, or process transforms the goods or data, and they are then moved to new storage points. Multiple flows to a task must be coordinated at the start of the task. Depen­ding upon the context, related flows may be combined in the sense of “and” connections. Flows that need to be separated in the sense of an “or” or “exclusive or” connection are handled separately. Flows leading out from the task are handled analogously.
  • Goods, data, or control flow originate in a task outside the logis­tics system LS into a process store in the LS or from a task within the LS to a process store outside the LS. We can think of this as follows: goods or information in the order processing “train” are transferred to a transport “train” and delivered to another logistics systems “train.” This takes place, for example, when production turns over a completed customer order to distribution.
  • Special brackets stand for sequential or overlapping repetition of (sub)logistics, for as many times as demanded by the situation (even zero times). The flows leading into the brackets must be of the same type as those leading out of the brackets. The contents within the brackets can also be executed selectively, i.e., under conditions.

Small exercise: Logistics systems are represented in graphic form by using and connecting the symbols. The animation shows the connections used conventionally in MEDILS.
Roll over the various elements and see what they signify. By clicking the forward button you can change between three different figures.




Course section 4.1: Subsections and their intended learning outcomes