Simulation

Modern logistic processes are still characterized by manual labour. In general, mainly unqualified or low-skilled employees are used to carry out value-added services. Individual workloads, employee skills and technical workplace equipment are linked in a developed system. By simulating the effect of changes in workplace equipment, optimizations can be identified. The self-developed algorithm can also be used in other industries.

Efficient product development can be a decisive factor in a company’s competition - it quickly falls behind who has to cope without simulation technologies. For large companies, these have long since become part of everyday life. But for small and medium-sized companies, they often remain wishful thinking for reasons of capacity and know-how. But: They, too, can benefit from the advantages of simulation with the right support and appropriate training programs.

Designing and simulating complex mechatronic and distributed intelligent systems requires a unified system modeling and programming language. This paper presents JavaScript as a unified modeling and programming language by extending JavaScript with a semantic type system JST to bridge the gap between models and implementations. The result is the JS+ Superset language, which combines typing, modeling and programming. Different model domains and their relation to the JS+ programming model including some generic transformation rules are shown using the example of a sensory material. Finally, the multidomain simulation tool SEJAM is introduced, which combines physical and data processing simulation with agents.

German sea and inland ports are of outstanding importance for Germany as a base for manufacturing and logistics. In the last decades, the port sector underwent several structural changes. Currently, the expected autonomation and digitalization of the entire supply chain create entirely new challenges for the port industry. In this context, the present article describes a planning approach for the development of an automated straddle carrier in northern German seaports. To evaluate both the reliability and the profitability of such an automated system, a planning approach, consisting of two fundamental steps, was chosen: (1) At first, in order to perform prototypical experiments, a pilot installation will be established in the area of the container terminal in Wilhelmshaven (CTW). (2) Based on this, the system’s suitability for the operative conditions in a mega container terminal is evaluated using a simulation and emulationbased planning approach.

Rising challenges of horizontal transports on container terminals and of the transports between various handling companies in the port demand a continuous improvement of processes and strategies to meet the requirements by clients and society. A low-risk method to test possible improvements is discrete event simulation. In this publication, horizontal transport on container terminals is compared to drayage transport between different handling companies in the port area. Similarities and contrasts are analyzed to simplify the transfer of knowledge between the two research fields.

Discrete-event simulation of logistics and production systems plays an important role in the context of digital transformation. Its integration into modern planning and control processes is urgently required in order to realize Industry 4.0 concepts. In addition, simulation models will be an important part of the so-called digital twin in the planning and operation. However, the requirements for simulation models and tools are not yet comprehensively defined, and technical solutions have not been adequately implemented. This article presents the fields of action for the implementation.