APPLICATION OF PHYSICAL INTERNET IN INTRALOGISTICS – A SIMULATION STUDY

Abstract

One of the biggest challenges today is to make traditional systems more sustainable. Physical Internet (PI, π) based logistics systems provide one of the most defining solutions. In our opinion, it is worthwhile to deal with the intralogistics conversion of the Physical Internet because traditional systems can no longer operate with sufficient efficiency to meet growing customer expectations and demands. This research focuses on restructuring a factory from its traditional operating to a PI-based system using our previously defined intralogistics components. The article surveys the possibility of creating PI-hub and virtual PI-hub in a factory process. The warehouses were converted to PI-hubs, and virtual PI-hubs were placed near the two manufacturing to create a more flexible structure. We created a simulation study in AnyLogic where we examine the efficiency achievable by automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in a PI-based system. The results were compared based on the traditional and PI-based systems. Based on the simulation the inefficiency of the PI-based system is lower (by ~18%) at higher control event values. This allows achieving a more efficient, flexible, sustainable, and balanced operation.