Urban Logistics Services Supply Chain Process Modelling Based on the Underground Logistics System via the Hierarchical Colored Petri Net

Abstract

The implementation of the urban underground logistics system (ULS) can effectively mitigate the contradiction between the surging logistics demand and the increased negativity of urban logistics. The widespread implementation of ULS still suffers from a lack of research into its operation in the marketplace, although the research on ULS system technology and network design appears to be sufficient. A new supply chain for logistics service based on ULS (ULS-SSC) was proposed, as ULS embedded in the urban logistics system could lead to the evolution of the role of supply chain participants. This article analyzed the organizational structure and operation characteristics of ULS-SSC and designed a top-down ULS-SSC operation process model based on the designed functional structure and subsystems relationship using the hierarchical colored Petri net (HCPN). The simulation results show that the integrated information management platform based on ULS can integrate urban logistics service supply chain resources and operate effectively under the two main service modes designed. The high-time delay intermediate links can be upgraded by system optimization, and the links with initial pickup and terminal distribution can be improved through outsourcing and supply chain collaboration. The findings provide new insights into the feasibility of the operation of ULS in the market and help stimulate the implementation of ULS.