Queueing analysis for operations modeling in port logistics

Abstract

Purpose The use of queueing network models was stimulated by the appearance (1975) of the exact product form solution of a class of open, closed and mixed queueing networks obeying the local balance principle and solved, a few years later, by the popular mean value analysis algorithm (1980). Since then, research efforts have been produced to approximate solutions for non-exponential services and non-pure random mechanisms in customer processing and routing. The purpose of this paper is to examine the suitability of modeling choices and solution approaches consolidated in other domains with respect to two key logistic processes in container terminals. Design/methodology/approach In particular, the analytical solution of queueing networks is assessed for the vessel arrival-departure process and the container internal transfer process with respect to a real terminal of pure transshipment. Findings Numerical experiments show the extent to which a decomposition-based approximation, under fixed or state-dependent arrival rates, may be suitable for the approximate analysis of the queueing network models. Research limitations/implications The limitation of adopting exponential service time distributions and Poisson flows is highlighted. Practical implications Comparisons with a simulation-based solution deliver numerical evidence on the companion use of simulation in the daily practice of managing operations in a finite-time horizon under complex policies. Originality/value Discussion of some open modeling issues and encouraging results provide some guidelines on future research efforts and/or suitable adaption to container terminal logistics of the large body of techniques and algorithms available nowadays for supporting long-run decisions.

Emergency Vehicle Routing in Urban Road Networks with Multistakeholder Cooperation

“…Future research may aim to incorporate further aspects such as stochastic service time and demand uncertainty (Legato and Mazza, 2020). This model could be further extended for large scale disaster response with considerations of patient priority and ambulance rerouting for picking up the injured with higher severity.…”

The Complexity of Logistics Services at Transshipment Terminals

“…Therefore, decision-making models should be improved in order to support the safe and efficient performance of transport tasks. In their research, Legato and Mazza [38] discussed certain open modeling issues and encouraging results. As a result, they provided selected guidelines for future research associated with the adaption of container terminal logistics under the large range of techniques and algorithms that are available nowadays for supporting long-term decision making.…”

“…It should be emphasized that both internal and external factors influence the functioning of such terminals [36][37][38]. Intense competition between intermodal cargo transport networks was observed [39][40][41][42].…”

Planning decision alterations and container terminal efficiency

“…Integration is the application side of TOS in seaport terminal planning. Legato and Mazza (2019) have mentioned that integrated determination of the right number of trucks between quayside and yard is a key consideration for planning. This integrated focus is more efficient than the freestanding is an obvious fact in container terminal planning.…”