Marina Massei

Logistics node simulator as an enabler for supply chain development: innovative portainer simulator as the assessment tool for human factors in port cranes

This paper focuses on the development of a new generation of interoperable simulators of micro activities in a logistics node; the proposed example focuses on a real-time full-scope virtual simulator of port activities able to simulate the activities of the whole port by having ships, cranes, trucks and containers interoperating in a federation. The technologies adopted in terms of architecture and installation were very effective in creating a mobile laboratory open to further extension by online interoperation with other simulators and with biomedical devices for assessing human capabilities within this framework. This approach allows us to face the existing challenges in extending the capabilities of a logistics node over their current capabilities limited by technological and human factors.

Evaluation of the impact of different human factor models on industrial and business processes

Abstract The human factor is becoming a main topic in modelling and simulation; this paper proposes an approach for evaluating quantitatively the potential benefits for introducing these aspects versus the different possible modelling alternatives in order to support the simulation experts. In particular, this research is focused on micro-logistics in order to emphasise the impact of human behaviour in industrial and business processes, providing also real cases as support for validation of the proposed approach.

AN APPLICATION OF MODELING AND SIMULATION TO SUPPORT INDUSTRIAL PLANTS DESIGN

The focus of the research work presented in this article is the design of an industrial plant devoted to produce different types of hazelnuts-based products. The industrial plant design is initially based on a traditional approach (production process flow charts analysis and plant layout study) and it is then supported by a simulation model mainly used to investigate the system behavior in different operative scenarios. The industrial plant simulation model (called HAZIMUT, HAZelnuts Industrial plant design and management based on advanced simulation Models Utilization) recreates the entire hazelnuts production process (based on nine different production lines). The HAZIMUT simulation model is used to evaluate the effects — caused by multiple changes in the production lines capacities — on multiple performance measures based on machines levels utilization, work in process and production system productivity. The simulation results show how variations in production lines capacities generate an over-reaction...

Virtual world and biometrics as strongholds for the development of innovative port interoperable simulators for supporting both training and R&D

This paper proposes an integrated solution for port MS the authors propose the architecture, the description of the model, The containerisation of these simulators for guaranteeing maximum mobility as well as their integration with biomedical devices. The proposed system is designed to be used in operation training of Gantry Crane Operators as well as Research and Development (R&D) support in Container Terminal, Port Plants and Facilities.

Training and recruitment in logistics node design by using web-based simulation

This paper proposes an innovative approach for using Modelling and Simulation (M&S) jointly with web technologies for designing logistics nodes. The proposed model takes into consideration one of the most critical supply chain nodes: a container terminal. The approach proposed by authors, to a web virtual environment (that acts as distribute framework), is devoted to support high education, training and recruitment in life cycle management of container terminal resources (design of logistics nodes). The authors propose an application example on cranes and forklifts life cycle designed for showing the potentials of the proposed approach. The aim of the analysis (conducted by using Box-Behnken Design of Experiments and Response Surface Analysis) is the identification of the optimal time for performing the life extension inspection, the optimal cluster for cranes and for forklifts. The same approach can also be used in industrial plants or in any kind of complex facility.

HLA-based real time distributed simulation of a marine port for training purposes

The research proposes critical issues related to cooperative training in a synthetic environment based on a federation of simulators operating in the same virtual world. The authors propose a real-time distributed simulation called ST-VP (simulation team virtual port simulator), for training purposes that is able to take safety and operative efficiency also into account. The simulators, installed on low-cost training workstations, cooperate and share the same virtual environment based on the high level architecture standard for distributed simulation (HLA). With this approach, it is possible to apply distributed simulation to a relevant number of entities and proceed with low-cost training sessions in cooperative operations in intermodal terminals.

Interoperable simulation for asymmetric threats in maritime scenarios: a case based on virtual simulation and intelligent agents

The research proposes an approach based on modelling and simulation (MS use of intelligent agents as driver for computer generated forces (IA_CGF) is a critical element for modelling events where many entities interact simultaneously (i.e., commercial and nautical traffic around a port).

Modeling Green Logistics

This paper propose an innovative simulation model based on web technologies devoted to analyze environmental impact of the whole supply chain. The authors developed a whole framework for collecting data from different users including good producers, logistics operators and retailers by a web questionnaire; this service is automatically integrated with a simulator that evaluate the green aspects of each case by self generating a model for this specific case and providing synthetic results; in addition the green log model developed allows to create interactively very complex supply chain. The paper propose the general architecture of the green log model and an example for supporting its validation and verification.

Safety and Security in Fresh Good Supply Chain

Abstract This paper proposes a model aimed at investigating safety and security issues in fresh good supply chain. Particular attention is paid on fresh goods contamination since the increasing complexity of supply chains makes these events more likely to happen. To this end, a discrete event simulator (DES) underpinned by an analytical model has been developed as a support tool for prevention and mitigation. Indeed, the simulation model is able to recreate the disruption wave propagation along the supply chain due to a contamination event as well as the effects on the dynamic evolution of contaminated products demand taking into account complex phenomena like media campaigns. In addition, even the economic impacts in terms of costs (i.e. transportation costs, inventory costs, and lost sales) can be assessed. The potentials of the proposed simulation framework have been investigated in a real case study of a fresh food supply chain located in the north of Italy.

Fresh-Food Supply Chain

Modelling and simulation (MS it is evident that food and especially the fresh-food supply chain [1] represents a very interesting application area, considering all the inter-related constraints and variables: time-to-market, traceability, transport/storage conditions, handling, production/process control, demand variability, seasonal behaviours, etc. In fact, food represents a strategic sector; in order to increase margins on specific products such as red and white meat, fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, frozen foods and dairy products, an effective management of the logistics operation costs and food preparation is needed in order to develop new solutions for these special supply chains. This approach requires development of logistics models in order to achieve different results such as faster distribution processes, rapid response with cost reduction, and increase in good useful lifetimes. The chapter proposes a fresh-food supply chain model devoted to support logistics network re-engineering as well as operation management.