Efficiency in logistics systems (ELA) - Sub-project: Increasing the efficiency of sorting systems while taking shipment characteristics into account
- Simulation and Logistics Engineering
Background
The aim of the project was to control sorting systems and efficiently plan resource requirements using a simulation environment on the basis of automatic full data capture of consignments (barcode, volume, weight, image information, tracking).
Approach
The first step of the analysis focused on the manual processing steps of a sorting system (e.g. unloading, recording, sorting, loading). These were evaluated in terms of time using the MTM method, taking into account the various shipment characteristics. The MTM method, as a system of predetermined times, used defined process modules with which the handling efforts could be objectively described. A prerequisite for the evaluation of the shipment characteristics was the equipping of the study locations with full data acquisition systems, which was carried out by the project partner. The result of the first work step was the so-called HandlingShippingStorageIndicator (HSSI), which can be used to evaluate the sorting effort of individual consignment types.
The subject of the subsequent project step was the development of a simulation environment for sorting systems in order to map the time-dependent use of resources. In addition to the development of sorting modules, an automation concept was designed that enables the rapid development of simulation models. The results obtained from the MTM analyses on the consignment properties and the sorting workstations were incorporated into the simulation environment as input parameters.
Desired results
The integrated modeling of automatic and manual sorting components enables the system operator to plan resources efficiently. The dependencies of the individual sorting steps can be visualized and bottlenecks identified. At the same time, shifts within the consignment spectrum can also be shown via the consignment properties. The operator of the system thus receives valuable information about the actual sorting efforts of specific customers. Future consignment volumes can be generated using various scenarios and their impact on resources can be analyzed.
Contact person:Prof. Dr.-Ing. Uwe Clausen
Funding and partners
