Dynamic transport scheduling under multiple resource constraints

This paper presents a heuristic for the dynamic vehicle scheduling problem with multiple resource capacity constraints. In the envisaged application, an automated transport system using Automated Guided Vehicles, bottleneck resources are (1) vehicles, (2) docks for loading/unloading, (3) vehicle parking places, and (4) load storage space. This problem is hard, because interrelated activities (loading, transportation, unloading) at several geographical locations have to be scheduled under multiple resource constraints, where the bottleneck resource varies over time. Besides, the method should be suitable for real-time planning. We developed a dedicated serial scheduling method and analyzed its dynamic behavior using discrete event simulation. We found that our method is very well able to find good vehicle schedules satisfying all resource constraints. For comparison, we used a simple approach where we left out the resource constraints and extended the processing times by statistically estimated waiting times to account for finite capacities. We found that our newly designed method finds better schedules in terms of service levels.

[1]  Rolf H. Möhring,et al.  Resource-constrained project scheduling: Notation, classification, models, and methods , 1999, Eur. J. Oper. Res..

[2]  Warren B. Powell,et al.  Stochastic and dynamic networks and routing , 1995 .

[3]  Warren B. Powell,et al.  On Languages for Dynamic Resource Scheduling Problems , 1998 .

[4]  Rainer Kolisch.  Serial and parallel resource-constrained project scheduling methods revisited: Theory and computation , 1994 .

[5]  Michel Gendreau,et al.  Parallel Tabu Search for Real-Time Vehicle Routing and Dispatching , 1999, Transp. Sci..

[6]  S. T. Enns.  Finite capacity scheduling systems: performance issues and comparisons , 1996 .

[7]  Jacques Desrosiers,et al.  Time Constrained Routing and Scheduling , 1992 .

[8]  Matthieu van der Heijden,et al.  Scheduling vehicles in automated transportation systems Algorithms and case study , 2002, OR Spectr..

[9]  J. M. A. Tanchoco,et al.  AGV dispatching based on workload balancing , 1999 .

[10]  Gündüz Ulusoy,et al.  Simultaneous scheduling of machines and automated guided vehicles , 1993 .

[11]  Michel Gendreau,et al.  DYNAMIC VEHICLE ROUTING AND DISPATCHING , 1998 .

[12]  Matthijs C. van der Heijden,et al.  Scheduling vehicles in automated transportation systems , 2002 .

[13]  Teodor Gabriel Crainic,et al.  Fleet management and logistics , 1998 .

[14]  Michel Gendreau,et al.  Diversion Issues in Real-Time Vehicle Dispatching , 2000, Transp. Sci..

[15]  Alexander Verbraeck,et al.  Using Simulation to Design an Automated Underground System for Transporting Freight Around Schiphol Airport , 2002, Interfaces.

[16]  Warren B. Powell,et al.  Dynamic Models of Transportation Operations , 2003, Supply Chain Management.