Improvements in operations management applied to a 3D simulation connected to a physical platform

Logistics are a key factor for manufacturing companies in developed countries to better exploit their competitive advantages of proximity to market and flexibility. In order to improve the management of a logistics/distribution center, this paper proposes the use of control methods based on Multi-Agent Systems enhanced with Radio-Frequency Identification. However, the best way to demonstrate the benefits of using these solutions, is to apply them to a real company; but, naturally, this is impractical. In this paper, an experimental platform composed of a 3D simulation combined with a physical miniature model is used to illustrate the proposed control methods. The set-up described here has been assembled in the AUTOLOG laboratory at the University of Castilla-La Mancha in Spain. The design of the platform is somewhat generic, allowing adaptation to different distribution problems, but has been inspired on a real local facility. The objective of this system is to provide a test-bench to experiment with multidisciplinary theories, techniques, and algorithms that can be grouped into four areas: automation and robotics, instrumentation and control, production planning, and logistics and distribution.