Simulation on Operation Influence by External Factors for Railway Container Logistics Center

The continuing growth of container transport and the complexity in the analysis of railway container logistic center operations have resulted in a situation where computer simulation is mostly suited. In this paper, a discrete-event simulation model is presented based on Plant Simulation. The model reproduces every working detail of container handling process, including loading/unloading line module, assistant yard module, and gate module. Some parameters, such as the proportion of the arrival trains carrying containers, and the interval-arrival time of external trucks, are changed in input data. Experiment results on the service level, i.e., duration, and utilization factor, are generated for analysis under the variety of these external factors. A number of experiments provide the basis for assessing case logistic center performance and determining the potential for further operational improvements.