Projects / Programmes
Mathematical modeling of processes and computerization of the logistics system of postal services
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 5.02.01 |
Social sciences |
Economics |
Economy sciences |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| S180 |
Social sciences |
Economics, econometrics, economic theory, economic systems, economic policy |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 5.02 |
Social Sciences |
Economics and Business |
logistics optimizations, large network analysis, heuristics, mobile technology, information system
Researchers (26)
Organisations (4)
Abstract
Efficient modern information systems in logistics represent a continuous challenge. Logistic transactions and data related to the environment in which a logistic system functions are usually represented by large datasets, which have to be handled using special approaches to obtain from them the information of an added value. Nevertheless, it is often the case that in spite of the size, such datasets miss certain information due to improper collection of data or storage saving provisions in the past. Ideally, an information system would have to record every (logistic) transaction and have available the entire environment related information (current state of roads, whether conditions, traffic jams, etc.). Such a system would have to have a large amount of sensors to collect and process huge amounts of data. Clearly, the computer technology is currently not yet in such stage, that this would be affordable or possible. However, on certain data collections more and more advanced services can be built already with the current technologies.
In this project an interdisciplinary team of economists, mathematicians and computer scientists will research possibilities for building a prototype of a powerful information system based on data collections that public service company Nigrad d.d. collects (or can collect). Economic value of such collections and services will be analyzed and identified. Accordingly, a system for data collection and storage will be developed with the information support of the newest mobile technologies such as mobile phones and tablet computers. Strong analytic tools and optimization methods based on the data collection will be developed and through them new services, that will benefit the company Nigrad in providing public service to community more efficiently, environment friendly and with higher quality of services. The system, including analytic and optimization module, will be tested in real environment of the company and some of the services could also be offered to others: people, companies, public institutions, etc.
Company Nigrad d.d. performs public service in road maintenance, public lightening, utility services, etc. Data collection on relevant logistic and maintenance activities is already being carried out in some extent, but in order to expand to a new level, where advanced mathematical analytic methods and optimization algorithms can be used to produce information of added value, systematic approach in building an information system is needed. In this project we shall develop tailored analytic methods based on data mining and large network analysis. In optimization part we will focus on use of heuristics for solving special cases with many additional constraints of well known vehicle routing problem and workforce scheduling problem. Two interesting aspects will be considered. One is the use of a new parallel and fast computation model on graphics processors (GPUs), like OpenCL. The other is the use of historical data in heuristics. Namely, in each system logistic optimizations are based on certain road network which changes only slightly through time. We are interested in exploring possibilities of using of past solutions in heuristic methods as initial solutions. Similar concepts are already sometimes used in certain kinds of genetic algorithms.
An important aspect in this research will be cooperation with economists. Any sensible optimization has to have high enough economic value, which is good to be determined in advance. On the other hand, developing certain services over data collections can open possibilities for completely new research. Important component of the project will be also the identification of such opportunities.
Significance for science
The project orientation was in essence applied. The project has contributed to increasing scientific component in companies Nigrad and Abelium and brought focus on concrete problems that have to be solved in order to establish data-driven organization within work processes of a public utility service. This necessarily requires multidisciplinary approaches involving management, organization, computer science and mathematical modeling. The project represented an excellent case for establishing such a multidisciplinary approach. This resulted in several progressive initiatives related to research and development of smart city concepts. The consortia partners are now for more than one year already actively pursuing opportunities for initializing new R&D projects through various applications on EU and national level, mainly related to smart infrastructure management with integrated life-cycle assessment on environment. One of the most important research result of the project is the route.Plexor platform considered as a research platform for approaching problems where fleet management and infrastructure management meet.
Significance for the country
The project has enhanced R&D component of the public utility service company Nigrad. In the times of economic crisis and high national debt, efforts contributing to more efficient management of public infrastructure are essential. Cooperation between public research organization, hi-tech companies and public utility service company represents an excellent use case and test polygon for development of new solutions that can be replicated to other public utility services in Slovenia and abroad. This project contributed to the direction Nigrad was taking towards a smart public utility service company. This implies proactive involvement of the company in designing the future of Maribor as a smart city. In 2013 there were several attempts to involve Maribor as a smart city test bed into international consortia of various R&D projects. Nigrad staff contributes to the development of a future vision and strategies of Maribor as a smart city.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2011,
2012,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2011,
2012,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
