Modular Approach for Rapidly Developing Simulation Models for Analyzing and Evaluating Port Operations

This paper presents a modular approach for rapidly developing simulation models that can analyze and evaluate existing port operations, changes and expansions. Simulation is an inexpensive insurance against costly mistakes involving capital expenditures, but many managers still perceive simulation to be a costly and time consuming option. The underlying purpose of this research has been the development of rapid reaction modular simulation that provides quick answers and is flexible enough to be used in multiple situations. Applications of this approach have been completed at the Alabama State Docks and the Huntsville International Intermodal Center where it has shown to be possible to rapidly construct the model in segments, one submodel at a time. Consequently, each submodel can be debugged and verified separately, thus reducing the overall development time. Included in this paper are a description of the modular modeling framework, descriptions of the five model application implementations and conclusions.

Modular Approach for Rapidly Developing Simulation Models for Analyzing and Evaluating Port Operations