WEB-BASED SIMULATION AND DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR BULK MAIL (PARCEL) NETWORK PLANNING

This project develops a simulation model for analyzing the BMC (Bulk mail Center) or parcel network operations of the US Postal Service. The model includes representations of current BMC operations as well as the transportation between BMCs. The simulation is developed using the JAVA language so that it can be run using any web browser through Internet, such as Netscape Communicator or Internet Explorer, on a local or remote computer. Graphical animation enables decision-makers to examine detailed scenarios. This model can be used to compare alternative BMC network configurations (investment in new facilities, new sorting technology, new modal routings, etc.) on the basis of both cost and delivery performance before any physical changes are implemented. In addition, a novel simulation sampling procedure, the optimal Computing Budget Allocation (OCBA) algorithm, is being implemented in a web-based environment for efficient simulation experimentation. OCBA offers an intelligent way to control the lengths of simulations among different design alternatives and significantly reduces the total simulation costs.

• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Forum

  One Farragut Square South, Suite 500
  Washington, DC  United States  20006-4003
• Authors:
  • Chen, Chun-Hung
  • Hahn, Peter M
  • Lin, Jianwu
  • Morlok, Edward K
• Conference:
  • Proceedings of the 42nd Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Forum
  • Location: Annapolis, Maryland
  • Date: 2000-11-29 to 2000-12-1
• Publication Date: 2000

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 283-292

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bulk cargo handling; Internet; Mailboxes; Network analysis (Planning); Package and mail businesses; Simulation; Websites (Information retrieval)
• Identifier Terms: United Parcel Service
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00804779
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 10 2001 12:00AM