So far layout planning and logistics simulation have been used separately for the development and planning of logistics nodes. As part of the research project ‘ISI-Plan – Integration of discrete event logistics simulation and layout planning for logistical nodes’, together with partners, InControl developed an innovative simulation software tool that supports efficient and fast planning of logistical nodes, which is crucial for a needs-based expansion of the transport infrastructure.
Figure 1: Simulation Software Tool
By integrating the layout planning software together with simulation software the strengths of both tools are combined to eliminate the weaknesses and realize synergy effects. The software tool enables static layouts, created on a touch-sensitive and intuitive planning table, to be transferred directly into a functional dynamic simulation model with stored logistics strategies. Especially, these stored strategies are the main pillar of integration, as they represent the missing link between layout planning and simulation.
The software tool enables terminal operators and planners to quickly plan operating scenarios and examine them. It enables to model the processes of the terminal systems e.g. crane systems, road networks, storage areas, transfer positions, and vehicles for loading units. Furthermore, it enables testing the performance of the system and investments can be analyzed in advance. The simulation results can be systematic and graphically processed and evaluated by the people involved in the planning. In this way, planners and operators can significantly shorten planning projects, realize increased planning quality and make statements about the expected performance of transportation terminals.
Figure 2: Touchtable Fraunhofer CML
The planning software visTABLE®touch from plavis and the simulation software Enterprise Dynamics® from InControl is used. Further project partners are the Fraunhofer CML, the Institute for Maritime Logistics (MLS) of the Technical University of Hamburg (TUHH) and the Study Society for Combined Transport e. V. (SGKV). TriCon Container-Terminal Nürnberg GmbH (TriCon) and Sächsische Binnenhäfen Oberelbe GmbH (SBO) are involved as associated partners of the research project.
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ASIM Award Ceremony
