Universal interconnection of logistics services
A Physical Internet where goods travel in modular containers for the sake of interconnection in open networks.
Ballot, E, B. Montreuil and F. Fontane (2010).
Topology of Logistic Networks and the Potential of a Physical Internet
CGS-Production and Logistics Systems, École des Mines de Paris, France et CIRRELT, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
Abstract : The topology of the logistic networks that contribute contemporary logistics is minimally examined or challenged in the assessment and improvement of the performance of supply chains, logistic and freight transportation. In this paper, it is shown that the topology of logistic networks has a major performance impact and that it can be significantly improved if the actual organization of flows is substituted by an organization founded on the universal interconnectivity of logistic networks: the Physical Internet.
The performance of contemporary vs. Physical Internet enabled network topologies is measured and contrasted through transportation throughput requirements, flow travel, and total costs.
Ballot, E., B. Montreuil & C. Thivierge (2012),
Montreuil B. (2011)
Towards a Physical Internet: Meeting the Global Logistics Sustainability Grand Challenge
Logistics Research, Vol. 3, No. 2-3, p. 71-87.
Abstract : This paper starts with the assertion that the way physical objects are currently transported, handled, stored, realized, supplied, and used throughout the world is unsustainable economically, environmentally, and socially. Evidence supporting this assertion is exposed through a set of key unsustainability symptoms.
It suggests exploiting the Digital Internet metaphor to develop a Physical Internet vision toward meeting this grand challenge. The paradigm breaking vision is introduced through a set of its key characteristics. The paper then proceeds with addressing the implications and requirements for implementing the Physical Internet vision as a means to meet the grand challenge.
It concludes with a call for further research, innovation, and development to really shape and assess the vision and, much more important, to give it flesh through real initiatives and projects so as to really influence in a positive way the collective future.
Functional Design of Physical Internet Facilities: A Road-Rail Hub
in Progress in Material Handling Research: 2012, MHIA, Charlotte, NC (2012).
Abstract : Montreuil, Meller and Ballot enumerated the type of facilities that would be necessary to operate a Physical Internet (PI, π), which they termed, “π-nodes.”
This paper is part of a three-paper series for the 2012 IMHRC where the authors provide functional designs of three PI facilities. This paper covers a PI road-rail hub. The purpose of a PI road-rail node is to enable the transfer of PI containers from their inbound to outbound destinations. Therefore, a road-rail π-hub provides a mechanism to transfer π-containers from a train to another one or a truck or from a truck to a train. The objective of the paper is to provide a design that is feasible to meet the objectives of this type of facility, identify ways to measure the performance of the design, and to identify research models that would assist in the design of such facilities. The functional design is presented in sufficient detail as to provide an engineer a proof of concept.
Montreuil, B., R.D. Meller, C. Thivierge, C., and Z. Montreuil (2012),
Functional Design of Physical Internet Facilities: A Unimodal Road-Based Crossdocking Hub
in Progress in Material Handling Research: 2012, MHIA, Charlotte, NC (2012).
Abstract : As part of the 2010 IMHRC, Montreuil, Meller and Ballot proposed a set of facility types that would be necessary to operate a Physical Internet (PI, π), which they termed π-nodes. This paper is part of a three-paper series for the 2012 IMHRC where the authors provide functional designs of three PI facilities. This paper covers a unimodal road-based crossdocking hub designed specifically to exploit the characteristics of Physical Internet modular containers so as to enable the efficient and sustainable transhipment of each of them from its inbound truck to its outbound truck. The objective of the paper is to provide a design that is feasible to meet the objectives of this type of facility, identify ways to measure the performance of the design, and to identify research models that would assist in the design of such facilities. The functional design is presented in sufficient detail as to provide an engineer a proof of concept.
First work in the field of flows transportation
Sarraj, R., E. Ballot, S. Pan, D. Hakimi, B. Montreuil (2013),
Interconnected logistic networks and protocols: simulation-based efficiency assessment,
in International Journal of Production Research (2013).
Abstract : Logistic networks intensely use means of transportation and storage facilities to deliver goods. However, these logistic networks are still poorly interconnected and this fragmentation is responsible for a lack of consolidation and thus efficiency. To cope with the seeming contradiction of just-in-time deliveries and challenging emissions targets, a major improvement in supply networks is sought here.
This new organisation is based on the universal interconnection of logistics services, namely a Physical Internet where goods travel in modular containers for the sake of interconnection in open networks.
If from a logical point of view, merging container flows should improve efficiency, no demonstration of its potential has been carried out prior to the here reported research. To reach this potentiality assessment goal, we model the asynchronous shipment and creation of containers within an interconnected network of services, find the best path routing for each container and minimise the use of transportations means. To carry out the demonstration and assess the associated stakes, we use a set of actual flows from the fast-moving consumer goods sector in France. Various transportation protocols and scenarios are tested, revealing encouraging results for efficiency indicators such as CO2 emissions, cost, lead time, delivery travel time, and so forth.
As this is a first work in the field of flows transportation, the simulation model and experiment exposes many further research avenues.
http://physicalinternetinitiative.org/publications.htm
A Presentation on Physical Internet
Physical Internet Manifesto
http://physicalinternetinitiative.org/index.php
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