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.

Abstract

This work conceptualizes an integrated real-time management and dynamic optimization system for earthwork fleets, based on recent technological developments with potential to track and improve productivity in transportation infrastructure construction processes, namely real-time monitoring and modern optimization technologies. The combination of monitoring and dynamic optimization technologies features the potential to tackle the elevated uncertainty and volatility inherent to the earthworks environment, not only by providing the necessary flexibility and adaptability to an optimization system, but also by integrating equipment, processes and design in a real-time decision support context. Ultimately, this combination can comprise a foundation for development towards the automated, interconnected cyber-physical systems of Industry 4.0.