Agent-based simulation of freight stakeholders

Abstract

This paper attempts to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on agent-based simulation of freight entities by investigating a proposed framework for the modelling of stakeholder behaviour in a supply chain. Models such as this have place in the analysis of freight vehicle behaviour when policy changes are made within an organisation. Furthermore, multi-agent based simulation freight models make it possible to fully track the movement of commodities throughout the network while also giving full attention to the nature of shipment routing and vehicle tours, allowing for the economic impact and overall e ciency of supply chain to be assessed. It was intended that all the data requirements of a fully speci ed framework be determined so as to assist e orts to realise a full implementation in the future.