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Integrated planning of logistical processes in complex production networks

Chemical network example

Chemical network example

Chemical network example

Short description

Often modern production processes are  characterized by a huge amount of elements and interacting decision  makers. Usually, the planning of such complex processes cannot be done  by an "overall" model due to solvability or limited computational  resources. Therefore, typically the overall production process is split  in sub-processes and their corresponding planning objects/problems,  which are representable and solvable. This approach is repeated on  different levels of aggregation to cover different planning horizons.  This results in the conception of modern advanced planning systems  (APS).This procedure has the principle drawback, that the interdependencies between the sub-processes are not omitted or at least simplified. Hence, the necessity of interacting of the sub-models (i.e. (inter-)exchanging sub-model  results) arises to obtain a "good" overall process configuration.  Unfortunately, this approach usually not leads to the "global" optimum.  This problem is addressed by integration of different sub-models.  This is done either by the development of new models covering different  planning problems explicitly or by the development of coordination  procedures organizing the interaction between different sub-models, to obtain "global" optimum.

In this project a holistic approach for the integration of different sub-models should be developed focusing on logistical processes. This approach aims to embed sub-models  in a simulation environment considering their interdependencies  explicitly. This is done on the basis of a case study from the Dow  Olefinverbund GmbH investigating the logistical and production processes  in site network Schkopau/Böhlen/Leuna/Teutschenthal.

For modeling the different sub-processes the following techniques are used:

  • Time series models for representing the production processes
  • Linear programs for several logistical sub-problem
  • Design of experiments methods for determining parameter effects and their interactions

All in all, the aim is to develop a decision support tool, that is  able give a complete, valid overview about the interaction of all  elements and parameters at the sites  Schkopau/Böhlen/Leuna/Teutschenthal. Additionally, recommendations  should be given for the logistic system's reconfiguration to increase  overall performance.

Project related talk and publications

  • Kirschstein, T.: Rail transportation planning in the chemical industry, accepted in Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review.
  • Kirschstein, T. (2018): "Planning of multi-product pipelines by economic lot scheduling models", European Journal of Operational Research, 264(1), 327-339, DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2017.06.014   .
  • Kirschstein, T.: Planning of multi-product one-to-one pipelines by
    economic lot scheduling models, 28th European Conference on Operational Research, Poznan, 6.7.2016.
  • Kirschstein, T.: Integrated Supply Chain Planning in Chemical Industry, Logistikmanagement 2015, Braunschweig, 17.9.2015.
  • Kirschstein, T. (2015): "Integrated Supply Chain Planning in Chemical Industry - Potentials of Simulation in Network Planning", SpringerGabler, New York, Link   
  • Kirschstein, T.; Bierwirth, C.: Balancing Chemical Production Networks by Railway Transports, 20th Conference of the International Federation of Operational  Research Societies (IFORS), Barcelona (Spanien), 17.07.2014.
  • Meisel, F./ Kirschstein, T./ Bierwirth, C.  (2013): "Integrated Production and Intermodal Transportation Planning in  Large Scale Production-Distribution-Networks", Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 60, 62-78, DOI: 10.1016/j.tre.2013.10.003     .
  • Kirschstein, T./ Meisel, F./ Bierwirth, C.: Integrated Production and  Intermodal Transportation Planning in Large Scale Production-Distribution-Networks, Logistikmanagement 2013, Bremen, 12.09.2013.
  • Kirschstein, T.: Integrated supply chain planning in chemical industry, research colloquium, Halle, 26.06.2013.
  • Bierwirth, C.; Kirschstein, T.; Meisel, F.  (2012): On Transport Service Selection in Intermodal Rail/Road Distribution Networks, BuR - Business Research, 5, 198-219.
  • Kirschstein, T.: An integrated train scheduling model under   inventory  and recurring rail car restrictions, 13th Doktorandenworkshop Nordost (Central German PhD workshop), Göttingen, 21.05.2011.
  • Kirschstein, T.: Planning and optimization of integrated  logistical activities in a large-scaled production network of the  chemical industry, Betriebswirtschaftliches Doktorandenkolloquium,  Halle/Saale, 15.07.2009.
  • Kirschstein, T.: Kooperation zwischen dem Wirtschaftswissenschaftlichen Bereich und DOW, Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften (Night of Science), Martin-Luther-University,  Halle,03.07.2009.
  • Kirschstein, T.: Planning and optimization of integrated logistical activities in a large scaled production network of the chemical industry, 11th Mitteldeutscher Doktorandenworkshop (Central German PhD workshop), Berlin, 29.05.2009.

Project partner

Dow Olefefinverbund GmbH   

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