Determination of the Optimal Number of Trailers for Milk-run Intralogistics System

Abstract

This chapter describes the author’s method of designation of optimal number of trailers for milk-run system. Designated method is created based on MS Excel. In the literature analysis, authors describe milk-run intralogistics systems, advantages and disadvantages of this system, and the issue related to determining the optimum number of means of transport. Described developed method defines several basic steps leading to determining the optimal number of trailers, based on the specificity of the production system, the size, and distribution of demand, the characteristics of the selected trailers types and the size of transport containers. In described approach, authors also include the determination of the size and frequency of deliveries, based on the specificity of the orders from workstations and the arrangement of the bus stops. All stages of the analysis are presented based on the example of the selected theoretical production system. The goal of determination of optimal number of trailers is minimizing the cost of purchasing vehicles, ensuring safe, timely, and efficient supplies of parts to individual locations, while minimizing traffic congestion and the achievement of proper use of available labor resources.