Centre for Smart Warehousing and Logistics Systems

Our research expertise is in warehousing and logistics applications. We focus on developing methods for improving operations management and decision making.

Research and publications

Find out about our members' work

Centre for Smart Warehousing and Logistics Systems research themes

We produce business-focused research to solve logistical problems, with an emphasis on the use of technology.

Centre for Smart Warehousing and Logistics Systems publications

Journal and conference papers from our members.

Who we are

Find out more about our members and how you can join us

Centre for Smart Warehousing and Logistics Systems

The Centre for Smart Warehousing and Logistics Systems brings together researchers in warehousing and logistics applications.

Choosing the Centre for Smart Warehousing and Logistics Systems for your doctorate

Find out about applying for a PhD at the Centre for Smart Warehousing and Logistics Systems.

Insights and discussion

Learn more about our members' research

SWALOS PhD presents her research at Wise Robotics and UK Warehousing Association event

Ayşe Begüm Kılıç Ararat recently presented her research on warehousing automation to practitioners interested in robotics

New research collaboration to develop technology to improve warehouse operations

Collaboration with University’s Centre for Smart Warehousing and Internet of Things company aims to help firms meet rising online shopping and delivery demands

The software that helps delivery firms get out of a jam

Dr Güneş Erdoğan has developed a tool that helps organisations choose the best routes for delivering goods, helping to save money and reduce emissions.

Research proposes 'negative price' strategy to better manage bike sharing systems

Dr Meng Meng suggests a new way to manage the supply of bikes, using financial incentives to convince users to cycle from areas to high supply to low

Vaccines for all: creating models to support large-scale vaccination

Professor Güneş Erdoğan receives grant to research the best ways to distribute and administer Covid-19 vaccines.

Tackling the global supply chain crisis

The Centre for Smart Warehousing and Logistics Systems unites researchers with interests in solving real challenges faced by industry, policymakers and society.

Vaggelis Giannikas explains supply chains

Dr Vaggelis Giannikas featured in an episode of the School of Management video series 'What does it really mean?' talking about supply chains. This series aims to make topical research concepts accessible to a wider, non-expert audience by explaining why the subject has been in the news, and why it matters to the regular person.

Blog posts

Read our members' latest contributions to the Business and Society blog

Why you should rethink your online shopping habits

A van full of carboard boxes, out for delivery

Vaggelis Giannikas explains how our online shopping habits could harm the environment and the economy, and what customers and retailers can do about it.

How to deliver cancer treatment more efficiently

A man being injected with chemotherapy drugs by two nurses

Melih Celik details his work on chemotherapy scheduling, explaining how his models can help improve patient waiting times and reduce nurse overtime.

How operational research is helping with disaster relief management

Men carrying food and supplies through flood water, before taking them up some stairs to store

Ece Sanci shows how her mathematical model can be used to make better decisions, helping governments and aid organisations prepare for when disaster strikes.

How to create better bike sharing systems to make our cities greener

Dr Meng Meng explains the importance of bike sharing systems to combat climate change, and how bike providers can operate to maximise use.

Researcher in the Spotlight: Dr Vaggelis Giannikas

Director of SWALOS, Vaggelis Giannikas, explains his aspirations for the Centre and the importance of doing research with real-world impact.

The race for deliveries

A smiling man stands in front of a lorry, packed with deliveries

Vaggelis Giannikas' research explores the consumer demand for fast deliveries, in light of Covid-19.

Melih Celik explores the logistics of disaster relief and humanitarian aid

Dr Melih Celik gave a presentation for the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, looking at how disruptive events like disaster impact on "business-as-usual", asking what constitutes humanitarian action, as well as giving examples from around the world which show how to manage the logistics of humanitarian relief.

Success and engagement

Find out about our members' latest achievements

Gilbert Laporte awarded prestigious Killam Prize

School of Management academic Professor Gilbert Laporte has won one of the Canada Council Killam Prizes for 2021.

School of Management academics team up with UK Warehousing Association for study on automation

Vaggelis Giannikas, Alistair Brandon-Jones and Ayse-Begum Kilic are working with UKWA to investigate the adoption and assimilation of automation in warehouses.

Fotios Petropoulos promoted to Professor

Fotios Petropoulos has advanced to the next stage in his career, as a Full Professor of Management Science.

In the media

SWALOS academics share their expert opinion with a wider audience

Dr Vaggelis Giannikas is making supply chains 'sexy'

Hear how Dr Vaggelis Giannikas is making supply chains 'sexy' on episode 75 of University Speaking with Charlie Taylor.

Fotios Petropoulos talks "Fast and Furious Time Series Forecasting"

Professor Fotios Petropoulos was featured on the Data Skeptic podcast to discuss his work "Fast and Furious Time Series Forecasting"

On the road to net-zero logistics

Dr Vaggelis Giannikas explains how to decarbonise logistics in the 'problem areas' of HGVs, air freight and shipping

Prioritising reverse logistics

Dr Vaggelis Giannikas explains the pressures that are forcing CFOs to focus on returns in retail

Dr Vaggelis Giannikas explains why smart ports are key to trade success

In The Times' Raconteur Magazine, Vaggelis stresses the need for a digital trade infrastructure in post-Brexit Britain

Dr Vaggelis Giannikas featured in Financial Management Magazine

Vaggelis explains how companies can deal with the supply chain challenges of Brexit and Covid-19 by approaching their warehousing differently

Events

Join the conversation.

Lessons from managing a large logistics & supply chain corporation

19 Apr 2021 12.15pm Online

An Engineering & Technology Management MSc and Centre for Smart Warehousing & Logistics Systems seminar with Mehmet Kalay.

Urban Logistics 2.0: leanings, models, and outlook

15 Apr 2021 2.00pm Online

An Information, Decisions and Operations and Centre for Smart Warehousing and Logistics Systems seminar with Professor Tom Van Woensel.

What is SMART in Logistics – Disruptive Technologies and New Business Models

22 Feb 2021 2.45pm Online

A public webinar series, hosted by SWALOS and CILT, looking at how digital, smart technologies are transforming the world of logistics

About us

The Centre for Smart Warehousing and Logistics Systems brings together researchers with expertise in warehousing and logistics applications. We have a strong interest in applied research and a focus in the development of innovative methods for improved operations management and decision making. We conduct top-quality research utilising emerging technologies and tools that has a strong potential to make a substantial impact to business and the society.