Using discrete event simulation modelling to evaluate integrated transport systems

Discrete event simulation (DES) modelling is a technique that can be used to quantify the impact that stochastic and dynamic factors have on a system. Once a well constructed model has been developed and verified, a multitude of options can be evaluated in a quantifiable manner. This allows previously held beliefs to be challenged and provides a platform to test alternative operating philosophies. This approach, in effect, allows bench testing of a range of hypotheses, discarding those which do not meet the study targets and refining and optimising those that do. There are a myriad of choices which study teams face when considering rail within an integrated supply chain:- loading and unloading storage requirements, turnaround times, track infrastructure design, rolling stock requirements and operating strategy all applied in the context of an existing system under expansion or a proposed greenfields operation. All these options can be evaluated prior to implementation using DES to improve confidence that an optimal rail solution is selected and that the best choice is made for the entire supply chain through total system understanding. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E218118.