Mesoscopic Modeling and Simulation of Logistics Networks

Abstract

Meeting the challenge of ensuring dependable and secure logistics networks in changing competitive environments necessitates continually adapting the networks. This in turn requires the support of suitable methods to model and simulate logistics networks. A mesoscopic simulation approach eliminates the inherent deficits in both the microscopic and the macroscopic approach to simulation. Instead of individual flow objects, the mesoscopic approach monitors quantities of objects that belong to a logical group. The results are not obtained by counting individual objects but by using mathematical formulas to calculate the results as continuous quantities in every modeling time step Δt. The basic components of the mesoscopic modeling approach are multichannel funnels, multichannel delay elements, sources and sinks. Furthermore, this approach distinguishes between different product types. The principles of mesoscopic modeling and their implementation with simulation are treated.