Declarative Models of Periodic Distribution Processes

The presented approach employs a declarative modeling-based methodology to assess possible mesh-like distribution networks carrying out multimodal processes flow. In order to accomplish this study, the grid network topology concept is used to model, analyze, and design supply distribution networks incorporating the multimodal processes paradigm. To guarantee the congestion-free flow of multimodal processes, encompassing the movement of items following delivery routes, a grid network free of deadlocks is required to support them. The functionality of a network consisting of different modes of local transportation processes has to be guaranteed. A declarative model of a mesh-like network, describing the network’s local use and multimodal processes, provides a framework enabling us to determine the conditions sufficient to guarantee its cyclicity (i.e., blockage-free course. The main problem lies in determining the conditions guaranteeing assumed processes’ performance while matching the topological constraints encountered by the network structure and examining the constraints resulting from different speeds at which local processes are supported. The results are illustrated in case studies concerning AGVS and milk-run systems operation in different mesh-like layouts of distribution networks, including grid and fractal topologies.