The impact of differentiated control on the performance of foliated transportation networks

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of differentiated control on the performance of a Foliated Transportation Network (FTN). The network models are evaluated through discrete event simulation. Empirical input data and parameters have been drawn from a case company. The study shows that moderately increased levels of differentiation improve the network performance. However diminishing returns with regards to increased levels of differentiation suggest that the necessary effort to account for the real time dynamics of the network is likely infeasible. Satisfactory results can be achieved utilizing a static approximation of the network dynamics. Substantial efficiency improvements are feasible to achieve using FTN logic which may be implemented with relatively small modification to existing systems and without the immediate need for extensive investments in new technology.