LogFarm: An Open Source Graph-based Simulator for Logistics Networks

Abstract

Logistics networks are complex systems that are often subject to simulation to gain insights. For the computer-aided simulation, simulation tools are used that are also referred to as simulators. In this article, a novel open-source simulator for logistics networks is introduced. The key feature of the tool is its graph-based mode of operation and its usage of simulation models that are stored in graph databases. The simulator is designed to be used in a data farming framework, which means it can be used to generate data along the simulation. The article discusses the general idea and concept behind the authors' graph-based simulator as well as the implementation of an open-source prototype. The prototype is evaluated through the examination of two use cases and a test on the ARGESIM C14 benchmark.