Studies of cross-dock fundamentals typically take a high-level perspective and discuss the issues of cross-docking in relation to a company’s distribution process, management, etc. Cross-docking can also be viewed as a method in the management of a supply chain. Distribution planning problems pertain to scheduling of trucks, vehicle routing, and network navigation. This report describes how simulation can be used as a design and validation tool for cross- docking facilities. It contains a step-by-step walkthrough of the model, testing parameters, and its results are included. Finally, some ideas for the future model are proposed.
Award-Winning Project
During the INFORMS Annual Conference 2013, the design team of Frederick Abiprabowo, Napat Harinsuit, Samuel Lim, and Willis Zhang, all from the University of Pennsylvania, were awarded the Undergraduate Operations Research Prize. This competition is held each year to honor a student or group of students who conducted a significant applied project in operations research or management science, and/or original and important theoretical or applied research in operations research or management science, while enrolled as an undergraduate student.
Their paper Designing a Simulation Tool for Commercial Cross-Docking Application uses ExtendSim to dynamically replicate the operations of a large cross docking facility. The prototype model serves as a tool that enables cross-dock operators to evaluate assignment strategies in a risk-free, costless environment.