Simulation Of Multimodal Logistics Networks

Abstract

The partly outsourcing of value creation processes to low-wage countries yields opportunities to cut manufacturing costs dramatically on one hand. On the other hand, these companies incur higher logistics costs due to an increased logistical complexity. Usually the transportation processes are planned in an ad-hoc manner on a local basis. Consequently one can observe a huge majority of all goods being transported directly from plant to plant by unefficient means of transport. One solution for this dilemma would be the joint usage of multimodal logistics systems which is very often inhibited by the need for close cooperation and high coordination efforts. In order to facilitate this process, this paper proposes an approach to use discrete event simulation for supporting the evaluation of different layouts of multi-company multimodal logistics systems. The novelty of this technique is the opportunity to analyze multiple dimensions of a given complex logistics scenario. By contrast to known analytic techniques the methodology not only captures the economic aspect of this issue but is also able to evaluate the ecological and logistical perspective.