Automatic model generation for material flow simulations of Third-Party Logistics

Abstract The use of Third-Party Logistics (TPL) is a common practice among manufacturing companies seeking to increase profitability. However, the tender process in selecting a TPL service provider can be challenging, requiring significant effort from both the tendering company and the service provider. The latter must meticulously plan processes and calculate pricing positions while running the risk of losing the bid. This risk impedes verifying logistical feasibility and comparing different logistic concepts extensively, such as layouts, which are often work-intensive. With the ongoing progress of research toward automatic simulation model generation for material flow, it is left to answer whether such approaches can improve the planning processes of TPL service providers by using planning data to generate simulation models. Therefore, this work presents a system with an underlying ontology to generate material flow simulations by developing a model transformation methodology. The system’s functions are tested to determine whether they can support the planning process using defined case studies that cover everyday planning decisions. As a result, the system is capable of verifying the performance of planned logistic systems with minimal manual modelling efforts. This encompasses the evaluation of alternative logistical concepts for configuring the planned systems.