Container Logistics Software
Real-Time Container Scheduling
MJC² has implemented the first integrated real-time optimization system for the container logistics industry. The system, known as FLAGSHIP-RTS, presents a highly innovative approach to solving the problem of congestion in container terminals while simultaneously optimizing logistics to reduce carbon footprint and minimise transport costs.
It is the first system to plan transport resources, container repositioning movements and inventory levels simultaneously, using a real-time scheduling model that allows the terminal operation to be re-optimized dynamically throughout the day.
Integrated Planning Solution
FLAGSHIP-RTS brings together several extremely challenging container logistics planning problems:
- resource scheduling - vehicle/driver/equipment planning
- container re-use - minimising wasted empty movements
- transport scheduling - minimising congestion and optimizing port resources
- inventory optimization - tactical & strategic stocking of empty containers
This is an extremely difficult problem to solve - even the apparently simple task of assigning work to resources turns out to be very difficult.
It can be shown using simple mathematics that even for a few hundred container movements the number of possible combinations that need to be considered is vast.
'More than the number of atoms in the universe' is a comment often made (with justification) in such situations.
Innovative Approach
The FLAGSHIP-RTS solution is the first of its kind and has required the development of ground-breaking optimization techniques that can cope with the enormous complexity presented by a container logistics operation.
The core of the system is a set of highly innovative advanced scheduling and optimization modules which have been designed by MJC² specifically to address the requirements of the container logistics industry.
Fast Algorithms
A key feature of the FLAGSHIP-RTS system is that it is fast. It can cope with 1000s of container movements in seconds, allowing it to re-plan continuously as it receives real-time data feeds.
The solution has demonstrated dramatic operational improvements in terms of increased efficiency, reduced CO2 emissions, reduced congestion and better resource utilisation.
As a result, the system is capable of reducing wasted repositioning movements by up to 25% and saving 10-20% of transport costs through better planning and faster response times.