Open Access

Produktionsplanung ermöglicht die Sicherstellung einer wettbewerbsfähigen Produktion und ist zeitgleich dem technologischen und umweltbezogenen Wandel ausgesetzt. Daher wurden basierend auf einer Studie zentrale Anforderungen und Treiber der Produktionsplanung der Zukunft identifiziert. Zusammenfassend lässt sich feststellen, dass die Zukunft der Produktionsplanung durch eine integrierte IT-Systemlandschaft, einen Wandel der Rolle der Planenden von operativen Tätigkeiten zu strategisch Optimierenden sowie die stärkere Berücksichtigung ökologischer Zielgrößen gekennzeichnet ist.

Tobias Schröer, Bereichsleiter Produktionsmanagement am FIR an der RWTH Aachen, und Matthias Martens, Senior Director der All for One Group, zeigen anhand von Forschungsergebnissen aus dem Projekt 'DiCES' (s. URL), wie ReX-Strategien in der Auftragsabwicklung von Unternehmen ein datenbasiertes integriertes Wertschöpfungssystem für die multidimensionale Kreislaufwirtschaft ermöglichen.

The transformation from linear to circular production is cornerstone for mastering sustainability. The fundamental aspect is that products from the utilization phase are fed back into the production phase, and a corresponding reverse supply chain exists for this purpose. Although various models for supply chain networks for value-retention circular economy strategies already exist in the scientific literature, there is a lack of decision rules for designing a suitable supply chain network. This paper aims to derive characteristics for selecting an appropriate supply chain network for value-retention circular economy strategies and to discuss rules of action based on case study research according to Yin.

The transition from linear to circular value-preserving models poses significant challenges, particularly in the context of Reverse Logistics. Variability in returned products in terms of time and quality and logistical complexities referring to decentralized and central factories hamper implementation. While digitalization offers the potential to optimize these processes, many companies lack a structured, scalable, and interoperable approach for integrating digital tools into Reverse Logistics. Moreover, the concept has largely been neglected and limited to managing returns from quality and warranty claims. Existing Enterprise Architecture Models frequently fall short in addressing challenges such as product condition and variability, independence from proprietary systems, and the integration of multiple Circular Economy (CE) strategies thereby constraining their practical applicability. The present paper aims to address these gaps by proposing a generic, vendor-independent, data-driven architecture model that enables companies to implement efficient, sustainable Reverse Logistics in alignment with CE goals. This model fulfills the pressing need for practical frameworks that support interoperability, reuse of existing IT infrastructure, and comprehensive process transparency. Consequently, organizations will be empowered to implement smart Reverse Logistics and to meet regulatory demands, resource efficiency targets, and consumer expectations for sustainable products. Furthermore, the model should serve to meet national and supranational environmental protection targets.

In long-distance road freight transport, capacity utilization of semi-trailers is less than 30 % due to mandatory steering and rest periods. Truck parking spaces are overcrowded while resulting parking search traffic leads to additional emissions. At the same time, the acute driver shortage and customers' expectations of ever faster functioning supply chains force the highest efficiency in transport means and personnel. Multi-carrier relay-transport represents an approach to solving these problems and exploiting untapped efficiency potentials: Via a digital platform, long distances are intelligently divided into short route sections which are distributed among different carriers. At predefined switching points, the asynchronous handover of semi-trailers to rested drivers takes place. To enable a secure cross-company physical handover, IoT-locking mechanisms play a crucial role. This paper details the asynchronous handover process and introduces the technical design of an IoT-lock which provides effective theft protection while the trailer is parked and reliably connects tractor and semi-trailer during transport. Based on an analysis of stakeholder requirements, software functionalities and mechanical properties of the IoT-lock are derived, which ensure effective theft protection as well as real-time data transmission for relay transports. In addition, legal requirements for asynchronous transfers are investigated to determine liability in case of damage or loss. These form the basis for digital handover protocols that record the condition of the freight and trailer during the handover process.