Abstract
The goal of this project is to develop a suite of models and algorithms to optimize urban logistics operations. Different from other similar endeavors, our algorithms will focus specifically on the urban context and will take into account the measures taken by city administrations that have an impact on the logistics operations on their territory. Such measures might include car-free zones, specific parking spaces or time windows for truck deliveries, a ban on certain vehicles in certain areas, etc. The algorithms will allow for an evaluation of the impact of these measures in order to assist in reducing the negative effects of logistics operations on the livability of the city and to strengthen the competitiveness of the supply chain actors. Contrary to existing urban logistics optimization problems, the models developed in this project will be based on an in-depth economic analysis. The algorithms will be able to support both strategic, tactical, and operational decisions and will be usable by (1) a single company, (2) a coalition of cooperating companies, and (3) the city administration. The project focuses on four flows, i.e., important logistics streams within the city: waste collection, construction logistics (moving building materials into the city), hospitality and health logistics (deliveries of food and other products to hotels, bars, restaurants, retirement homes, etc.), and grocery delivery (from supermarkets and other food suppliers to individual customers). The algorithms will be developed for several specific logistics scenarios based on the supply chains operated by the companies collaborating in this project. They will, however, be generic enough to later be extended to other use cases. Methodologically, the algorithms developed in this project will be based on state-of-the-art heuristic optimization. An innovative aspect of this project is that we will develop a common trunk, i.e., a set of data models and algorithmic operators that are general enough to function across a wide range of use cases. This common trunk will allow for the rapid development of specific models and algorithms for the various scenarios. Furthermore, the algorithms and models developed in this project will optimize logistic flows while taking into account person mobility to properly account for the integrated city perspective. The specific results that will be realized by the project are summarized below. A suite of algorithms to optimize urban supply chains; for each of the four flows identified before, optimization algorithms will be developed and demonstrated. Whenever possible, these algorithms will be defined at the level of the common trunk. However, the algorithms will be fine-tuned to the specific needs of the logistic operations of each flow. Quantitative/economic analysis of collaboration opportunities; specifically for each of the four flows that are considered, the economics of operation of the supply chain actors are quantified, and the potential of optimized collaboration in a realistic setting (a chosen city) is assessed. Quantitative/economic assessment of mobility measures; for each of the four cities considered in this project, a list of potential logistics-oriented mobility measures is compiled. For each of the flows and cities, the impact of these mobility measures on the operations of supply chain actors is assessed. Decision support to optimize operations with respect to city mobility measures taking into account a company-level perspective as well as the societal perspective. Insight in and support for collaborative gain sharing; based on insights from the optimization simulations, interactions with supply chain actors and cities, and on research, alternatives of collaborative gain sharing will be compared and evaluated in light of fairness, complexity (ease of real-life implementation), and the ability to sustain independently of subsidies.