A simulation strategy to optimize the design of internet enabled logistics services
Abstract
The emergence of advanced communication
technology has created opportunities to improve
transportation in supply chains across the globe. In this
paper the main contributors to inefficiencies in present
road transportation chains are identified. The paper goes
on to describe approaches taken by stakeholders to
improve their operational efficiency. A simulation based
approach to investigating the impact of any change in the
operations along trade corridors is proposed. This firstly
includes the use of expanded datasets for better visibility
and secondly, improved operational procedures aimed at
exploiting the data via an internet enabled logistics
services platform. A multi-agent approach for modeling
the supply chain is suggested. The paper also identifies
behavioural aspects that can be investigated based on a
simulation model. Possible outcomes of such a simulation
study and benefits of the resulting improvement in
logistics are also presented. It is hoped that the gains
demonstrated will motivate practical implementation of
the conclusions drawn from the study