SIMULATION-BASED DESIGN OF LARGE-SCALE INTERMODAL SUPPLY CHAIN NETWORKS

This study describes the main components and practical deployment of a simulation-based model, using specific-purpose software, for the design and management of supply chain systems of heavy industries, such as that of automobile. A large-scale, intermodal logistics network is deployed to effectively distribute cars into many countries around Europe. The transport system includes a set of alternative transit routes and it encompasses a combination of modes, such as truck, rail wagon and ship. The overall procedure aims at finding out the most promising combinations of transport routes and modes, in terms of the total (storage and transport) cost, subject to a given set of (physical, capacity, delivery time and financial budget) constraints. The resulting network configuration produces a required level of revenues and profit, based on the car sales, within the given set of constraints.