Research On Modular-Based Simulation Modeling Method For Distribution Center

Traditional simulation modeling methods can hardly meet the requirements of modeling efficiency and modular reusability when they are applied to complex logistics system. This paper focuses on development of modular-based simulation method and its application to simulation of three typical industry Distribution Centers (DCs).Typical work procedure in DCs is analyzed first, and then the basic theory and application procedure of modular-based simulation are present. Physical layout, work function and key equipment are developed as three modular partition rules of simulation models for DCs. Interface design method and its application modes like push mode, pull mode and combinational logic mode are introduced, the running mode of the model.Theories and methods developed in this paper are applied to three kinds of DCs like tobacco DC, book DC and postal DC. Work procedures of these DCs are analyzed first, and then modular partition suggestions are given. As professional software for logistics system simulation, AutoMod is used to build the simulation models of tobacco, books and postal distribution center.Then it runs a case on the models, and validates the feasibility of the modular simulation modeling method via building the models and running the cases. Compared with the classical modeling method, modular-based simulation method has such advantages as high speed to run, modeling quickly, multi-running-method, reusing on different models, easily to be extended and amended. So this method can be used to build simulation model for the complex system.