Efficiency in logistics facilities (ELA) - Sub-project: Intelligent use of space and flow control in contract logistics

Background

Together with the logistics company Logwin, ITL developed two software modules for intelligent space utilization and traffic control using the retail facility in Langenfeld as an example. The first module was used to simulate the logistics processes within the retail facility. By simulating the flow of materials and information, the aim was to determine the optimum space allocation, organization and technical equipment of the facility and thus ensure the efficient use of all resources. The results of the second module were used to analyze the effects of a more efficient inflow on internal processes. On the basis of practical data, the aim was to increase capacity utilization and reduce transport costs, while at the same time increasing the flexibility and predictability of inflows to the sites.

Procedure

In order to develop the simulation module, the current processes and resources of the Langenfeld retail facility were first recorded and the actual situation was presented. Based on this, various TARGET scenarios were developed by designing optional layout plans, modeling different process sequences and researching alternative technical components. The scenarios were then mapped in a simulation model, evaluated in terms of their resource efficiency and compared.

In a first step, available transport data was consolidated and analyzed with regard to its comparability. Using a representative amount of transport data, various key figures were collected that could be used for an actual-target comparison. Specially adapted routing algorithms were used to calculate efficient transport bundling.

Aimed results

The simulation module can be used to determine the scenario that delivers the highest resource efficiency. Due to the transport consolidation, a higher utilization of transports and locations is achieved. The combination of both modules offers the opportunity to investigate the effects of a change in the inflow of transports with regard to the efficiency of internal processes.

Contact person:Prof. Dr.-Ing. Uwe Clausen

Funding and partners