In this work, operational performance in the green supply chain management (SCM) of the Thai auto parts industry was investigated. A green supply chain performance measurement (GSPM) model was developed from the combination of various concepts including an SCM logistics scorecard, a supply chain operations reference model, a balance scorecard, and green supply chain management. The GSPM has been designed for use as a self-evaluation tool focusing on five decisive areas, or factors, and 28 sub-factors. A factor analysis was conducted using the survey results of the GSPM in order to identify significant factors that represent the green supply chain operation performance. Grouped as three major factors, namely green procurement, green transportation, and green manufacturing; reverse logistics and eco-design; and reuse and recycle of manufacturing, their significance and impact on the auto parts industry in Thailand were highlighted. Specifically, the factor of green procurement, green transportation, and green manufacturing, as major factor 1, in relation with the factor of reverse logistics and eco-design, as major factor 2, were found to have a strong positive relationship with the asset turnover ratio.

Background: Thailand’s logistics costs significantly exceed global averages. This study examines the novel application of a triple-helix model in factory logistics improvement projects in Northern Thailand from 2022 to 2024, addressing industrial logistics inefficiencies. Methods: The project involved 30 factories across various sectors, employing a case study methodology to analyze improvement initiatives in transportation, warehouse/inventory management, and logistics administration. Results: Transportation management interventions yielded up to 25% cost savings and improved delivery performance. Warehouse and inventory management upgrades led to inventory cost reductions of up to 55%. Logistics administrative improvements resulted in up to 20% cost savings and enhanced planning capabilities. Conclusions: The project demonstrates the effectiveness of the triple-helix model in facilitating knowledge transfer and practical improvements in industrial logistics. These findings are valuable for Thai industries, policymakers, and logistics managers globally, offering a blueprint for similar initiatives in developing economies. The success of this approach provides practical insights for optimizing logistics operations, potentially benefiting supply chain stakeholders, economic planners, and researchers seeking to enhance logistics efficiency and reduce costs in various industrial contexts.

This chapter examines how the SMEs 4.0 concept can be implemented. The objective is to map organizational requirements for movement from current state to smart SMEs. The toolkit begins with the readiness assessment and gap analysis of an organization. The assessment guideline composes of four dimensions, i.e., Information Technology, Operations Management, Automation, and Human Resource modules. Then, the readiness of each organization is analyzed. The result suggests organization on how to implement module by considering products, processes, organization infrastructure, and financial status of the organization. Four case study companies in Northern Thailand are used to preliminarily test the toolkit. Results are presented and discussed. Keywords Industry 4.0 Small-and medium-sized enterprise SME Implementation Toolkit Smart Factory

Industry 4.0 technologies enable the automation of information and material flow processes in logistics systems. Automation strategies can be used to increase the efficiency of internal transport, transition, and storage processes, and, moreover, improve service levels and thus strengthen competitiveness. Besides the material flow processes, automation based on state-of-the-art technologies, e.g., cyber-physical system (CPS), Internet of Things (IoT), and physical internet (PI), serves to optimize information flow in logistics processes. This chapter analyzes the importance and potential of effective and efficient logistics operations and outlines enabling technologies for automation in logistics systems. Based on a literature review, the authors discuss both technologies that have already reached market maturity and technologies which have high potential but still require future research and development.

Supply chain and logistics management is of tremendous importance for multinational organizations. Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) provide logistics services and smooth logistics operations between suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and customers. This paper uses a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to identify the current trends and future developments of LSPs and the underlying (smart) logistics operations connected to the concept of lifecycle management. An SLR review was conducted to identify relevant research papers in the areas of LSPs and logistics lifecycle management. Out of 288 papers analyzed, 81 were identified as highly appropriate for in-depth analysis. The LSP Lifecycle Model (LSLM) was then developed by combining logistics service characteristics and the lifecycle management concept, including Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Service Lifecycle Management (SLM), and Product Service System (PSS). The LSLM consists of three phases: The Beginning of Life (BOL), the Middle of Life (MOL), and the End of Life (EOL). The LSLM is characterized by three phases, eight criteria, and seventeen sub-criteria. This paper aims to fulfil customer requirements through a product or service in the whole lifecycle of the logistics service provider. The findings further present an adaptable LSLM by focusing on various logistics services and integrating sustainability factors to meet market trends. Logistics cost factors can also be used to evaluate logistics services in the MOL stage. The EOL shows the trend of risk management, evaluation, and decomposition, which is determined by new or re-designed logistics products and services.

Background: Thailand is actively transitioning toward electric vehicle adoption as part of its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This study investigates the economic feasibility of replacing diesel buses with electric buses in Thailand’s public transportation sector. Methods: The research employs a comprehensive methodological framework combining Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis with Monte Carlo simulation to address uncertainties in long-term financial projections. The study examines four pilot routes operated by a major Thai bus company, incorporating potential carbon credit revenues through Thailand’s Voluntary Emission Reduction program. Results: The analysis reveals substantial cost advantages for electric buses across all examined routes, with TCO savings ranging from 23.07% to 38.25%. Even under conservative scenarios, all routes demonstrate positive economic benefits. The fleet-wide net savings amount to approximately 236 million THB over a 10-year period, with an additional 16.7 million THB potential carbon credit revenue. Sensitivity analysis identifies fuel costs as the most significant factor (45.2%) affecting economic outcomes. Conclusions: The transition to electric buses presents a compelling economic and environmental case for Thai public transportation operators, with significant cost savings and emission reductions. A phased implementation approach beginning with routes offering the highest percentage savings is recommended.