An Application of an Analytical Hierarchical Process in the Investigation of the Logistics Process and in the Selection of the Transportation Type

The term logistics, which is heard a lot in these days, expresses different activities performed during a production process; such as planning, procurement, transportation and the storing of materials. In parallel to the technological advancements, rates and varieties of production as well as its distribution channels are growing in number and causing complexities in logistics activities of companies. During a production process, starting from the establishment of demand until the final shipping is materialized, the companies is to determine material requirements and necessary stock levels, to establish storage procedures of end-products and to choose their distribution strategies. The aim of this study is to define the logistics system and the system management, to introduce logistics understandings of different companies in Turkey, and, by a decision analysis approach, to achieve improvements in this field. "Decision analysis techniques under uncertainties" are investigated. To this end, an Analytical Hierarchical Process model is employed in the selection of the most suitable way of transportation between two given locations in Turkey. The criteria used in the selection of transportation types are identified as; the cost, the speed and the safety. The results of this study indicate that the railway transportation, which is not widely used in Turkey, is also an alternative and suitable means of transportation