Mesoscopic Modeling and Simulation of Logistics Systems

Meeting the challenge of ensuring dependable and secure logistics systems in changing competitive environments necessitates ongoing adaptation of logistics networks. Therefore, suit-able methods of modeling and simulation are needed to support the adaptation process. The mesoscopic approach presented here eliminates the deficits inherent in both the microscopic and the macroscopic approach to simulation. The presented mesoscopic approach monitors quantities of objects that belong to a logical group instead of individual flow objects. The results are not obtained by counting individual objects but by using mathematical formulas to calculate the results as continuous quantities in every step ∆t of the discrete modeling time. Thus, the mesoscopic approach can be described with the phrase “discrete time/continuous quantities”. The basic components of the mesoscopic modeling approach are multichannel funnels, multichannel transportation elements, sources and sinks. Furthermore, this approach differentiates different product types.