Automated system of freight traffic optimisation in the interaction of various modes of transport

Abstract

Advances in information technology have contributed to increased transport efficiency. The use of the latest information technologies allows automating all the information technology activities of transport enterprises that take part in the processes of organising freight traffic. Automation of transport logistics provides increased efficiency and optimisation of transportation. Due to the introduction of automated routing, accounting and planning systems at transport enterprises, transport logistics is reaching a new level. The purpose of the study is to develop an automated control system for the operation of the production and transport complex, based on the use of the latest information technology – Embarcadero RAD Studio XE10 visual programming system. It will help to optimise the transportation of mineral construction materials using the road, railway, and water modes of transport, the change of which occurs at the goods transshipment points. To solve this problem, a mathematical economic model and an automated control system for the operation of the production and transport complex have been developed. The proposed method would take into account the technical and technological capabilities of land and water modes of transport and the capacity of transshipment points, at which the cost of transporting goods will be minimal. Using the software package, the base for the transportation of mineral construction materials was calculated. The obtained initial transportation plan for each type of delivery was optimised, taking into account the production capacities of manufacturers and the needs of customers. The results of the optimal distribution of goods between different modes of transport are given (taking into account their production capacities), their change takes place in transshipment points. The results obtained allow optimal use of the technical and technological capabilities of vehicles and handling mechanisms. Based on the mathematical economic model, an automated control system for the operation of the production and transport complex has been developed, it has the form of a software package. The calculation of the initial (reference) freight traffic plan was carried out and the optimisation of the initial plan for these transportations was performed for each of the delivery options. The operability of the developed software package has been confirmed experimentally, which gives reason to offer it for the use in industrial production associated with the movement of sizable freight traffic.