Title: A flow control methodology for the rapid generation of vehicle traffic models

Authors: Doug Creighton, Saeid Nahavandi

Addresses: Intelligent Systems Research Lab, School of Engineering and Information Technology, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds Campus, Geelong 3217, Australia. ' Intelligent Systems Research Lab, School of Engineering and Information Technology, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds Campus, Geelong 3217, Australia

Abstract: This paper presents a conveyor-based methodology to model complex vehicle flows common to factory and distribution warehouse facilities. The AGV and human path modelling techniques available in many commercial discrete event simulation packages require extensive knowledge and time to implement even the simplest flow control rules for multiple vehicle interaction. Although discrete event simulation is accepted as an effective tool to model vehicle delivery movements, human paths and delivery schedules for modern assembly lines, the time to generate accurate models is a significant limitation of existing simulation-based optimisation methodologies. The flow control method has been successfully implemented using two commercial simulation packages. It provides a realistic visual representation, as well as accurate statistical results, and reduces the model development process cost.

Keywords: discrete event simulation; DES; traffic analysis; manufacturing; vehicle flows; flow control; industrial logistics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2007.013212

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2007 Vol.3 No.4, pp.429 - 439

Published online: 12 Apr 2007 *

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