A Simulation Modelling Approach for Analysing Logistics Processes in the port of Gävle

Abstract: In industries, successful logistics management delivers higher performance and value (time, cost, profits, and quality). Projects involving ports logistics systems are complex to manage due to the level and number of entities to manage, such as the expensive equipment units and the interconnection of the flows of goods and information. In these complex projects, it is difficult to conduct experiments on the real logistics system to help management predict future strategies due to high costs, time and infrastructure constrains. Therefore, to achieve the objectives of managing ports logistics system it requires that managers select the best strategic tools and methods. Simulation is one of the best predictive and strategic tools which allows the use of real-time, real-world data collection to stage mathematical analyses of the “what-if” scenarios. This thesis presents a simulation model for a case study on the port container terminal transportation of the port of Gävle in Sweden. In this model, a simulation approach is developed with a high software engineering maintainability that enables companies to analyse and study various scenarios that are motivated by changes in different inputs to measure their impact on the outputs that include throughput, resource utilization and waiting times. This study method adopted a simulation that covered both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The main contributions of this study are: (i) developing a simulation program helps improve visibility in decision making process at port industry.(ii) providing a guideline for designing the maintainability of simulation models (iii) The simulation model has proved to be an industrial solution for the case company and its various stakeholders.