This paper describes the results of a research and development project for applying Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and optimisation techniques to freight distribution logistics. The project developed a family of innovative application software modules, which can be adapted to different transport planning models. The main application, that the project implemented, was the optimal choice of the number and location of a set of new depots, regarded as an investment in a specific freight distribution system in Italy; it was called OPTILOG (Optimised Logistics). A user-friendly modular system was produced, which combined established techniques, such as the transportation problem in linear programming, with the latest techniques of GIS and P-median network optimisation. The paper states the objectives and scope of freight planning and logistics software. It then presents in detail the following aspects of OPTILOG: (1) its advantages and innovations; (2) software organisation; (3) inputs; (4) outputs; and (5) mathematical models and calculations. The outputs include screen outputs, tabulations, data files, and maps, some examples of which are shown; they include model calculation and optimisation results.
Abstract