A classification pattern for autonomous control methods in logistics

Abstract

Autonomous control in logistics enables single logistics objects to control the production and transportation process. This shift from central planning to decentralized control in real-time offers many possibilities to cope with highly dynamic and complex systems. The algorithms that define the decision behavior of each logistics object, autonomous control methods, play a key role in the successful implementation of autonomous control in logistics systems. A transparent classification is needed in order to identify the basic elements these methods consist of. This classification supports the evaluation of autonomous control methods in terms of gaining knowledge about which method characteristics are responsible for a method's performance. This paper defines what autonomous control methods are, works out their fundamental characteristics, presents multiple methods developed so far, and compares these methods regarding characteristics and performance.

A Comparative View on Existing Autonomous Control Approaches: Observations from a Simulation Study

“…These algorithms are called autonomous control methods. They are defined according to the definition of autonomous control as "generic algorithms that describe how logistics objects render and execute decision by their own" (Windt et al 2010b).…”

“…In contrast to the approach presented here, they utilized an exemplary production process model. A previous study of autonomous control methods has shown that the existing methods can be sorted in clusters which have common characteristics (Windt et al 2010b). This has been so far the investigation that incorporated the largest number of methods in the area of autonomous control in logistics.…”

Coupling order release methods with autonomous control methods – an assessment of potentials by literature review and discrete event simulation

“…Simulation studies indicate that autonomous control methods are able to increase the logistic performance (Scholz-Reiter & Freitag, 2007b). Several autonomous control methods have already been developed within the Collaborative Research Centre 637 at the University of Bremen (Gierth, 2009;Windt, Becker, Jeken & Gelessus, 2010). A detailed classification of these methods is given by Windt et al (2010).…”

“…Several autonomous control methods have already been developed within the Collaborative Research Centre 637 at the University of Bremen (Gierth, 2009;Windt, Becker, Jeken & Gelessus, 2010). A detailed classification of these methods is given by Windt et al (2010). The following …”

Limitations in modeling autonomous logistic processes: Challenges and solutions in business process modeling

“…Moreover, the systems behavior becomes more and more non-deterministic from the modelers point of view. This results from random events, occurring during simulation, as well as due to the nondeterminism of specific autonomous control strategies (e. g. [14]). Furthermore, emergent effects infer with the predictability of autonomous systems.…”