VELOS - Optimizing Logistics with Backpressure Control Algorithms
The physical object of the VELOS project focuses on the design, development and demonstration in real conditions of an information system for small transport companies (regarding the staff). The main purpose of the information system is to allow the increase of the processing capacity of a small company (RMR), while at the same time keeping the operating costs under control and giving the possibility to offer new services with quality criteria. At the heart of the information system will be a routing-scheduling algorithm, based on the backpressure technique, which has been used extensively to optimize resource allocation to computer networks at the Ionian University. The relevant technique will be used to design and extend an algorithm suitable for solving optimization problems in the supply chain sector. This algorithm will be framed by two subsystems, a data collection-knowledge representation and a presentation of results and decision-making. The ultimate goal is to prove the possibility of upgrading the operation of RMR based on the proposed information system and to promote the utilization of the proposed methodology framework in general by small and medium companies in the sector through the actions of the Institute for Entrepreneurship Development.
Expected results
The main results of the proposed project, which are expected to add value to RMR and related companies, can be summarized as follows:
RMR will have an innovative information system for operating requirements analysis, resource allocation and decision optimization, which is expected to radically change its operating model. RMR hopes that with this capability it will adjust its internal structure, thus allowing the management of a larger volume of requests at a lower cost.
The use of this information system is expected to reduce daily operating costs, save resources, ensure the necessary economies of scale, which will allow RMR to proceed with long-term investments and expansions.
At the same time, it will be possible for RMR to improve the services offered, for example, by allowing it to provide specific response / transfer times, on-demand transfers with specific requirements and restrictions, etc. Therefore, RMR will seek to improve competitiveness. in an already expanding national and global marketplace, where optimal planning and response with reduced resource commitment requirements is essential.
RMR will be able to actively participate in a research synergy, acquiring know-how you did not have before. In fact, this know-how is expected to be a key springboard for corresponding future participations of the company in cooperatives and the investigation of the possibility for RMR to start its own research & development department in the future (initially based on synergies and then autonomous).
Overall, RMR will attempt to use the VELOS project as a basis for its transformation from a very small company to at least a small or medium-sized enterprise. In addition, utilizing the experience of the Ionian University. and IN.AN.EP., the project will examine and develop results in the following research challenges related to flow control algorithms in transmission networks of "generalized" goods:
Design, development and performance study of an innovative optimization algorithm (OEA) of itineraries-resource allocation-scheduling based on the backpressure technique, especially for applications of transport companies (Ionian University).
Extension of the basic backpressure algorithm, to transport applications that impose multi-parametric constraints, e.g. reduced energy consumption, deadlines, etc. This will provide flexibility and good adaptation response with dynamic and changing operating conditions (Ionian University).
Reduction of the computational complexity required for these transport optimization problems and scheduling, through the proposed algorithm (Ionian University).
Business models of commercially viable applications that take advantage of automatic flow control and backpressure algorithm in the field of freight transport and supply chain (IN.AN.EP.).
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