Simulation of Mutualized Urban Logistics Systems with Real-time Management

Abstract

Abstract This work aims at proposing a new organization of urban merchandize distribution based on mutualized and optimized resources. In this context, our contribution is twofold. On one hand, we develop a set of models to manage merchandize distribution. We develop a new reservation system that enables customers to request a merchandize transportation service (delivery and collect) or to book a vehicle for self-service purposes. Requests are processed by two main decision modules (1) an online module that immediately searches for a feasible solution for a request, and decides to accept or reject it, and (2) an offline module that looks for optimized solutions starting from the feasible schedule defined by the online module. On the other hand, we develop a new discrete event simulator, called MODUMS which integrates the proposed models, implements such a logistic system and evaluates its economic and environmental impact. MODUMS takes as inputs realistic information about the transportation means, geographic data and demand information requests that are generated according to some probability distributions. It gives as outputs indicators on the impact of mutualization on the quality of urban logistics in terms of, for example, number of delayed or rejected requests, filling rate of vehicles, total distance and quantity of CO2.