Date of Award

2021

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Systems Engineering

Department

Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering

First Advisor

Valerie Maier-Speredelozzi

Abstract

Due to the continuous pursuit of increasing the efficiency of logistical operations as well as increasing the sustainability of supply chains, choosing the correct pallet management strategy is essential. With increasing cost pressure as well as growing environmental awareness, it is necessary to utilize all potentials within a supply chain including the operation of pallets. In order to estimate the ecological and economic impacts caused by different pallet management strategies, the use of simulation methods has been utilized in this research.

To predict close-to reality results, it is necessary to create generic models, which offer high adaptability for real world scenarios. This master’s thesis deals with the question, which pallet management strategies offer the greatest potential cost-savings and create the smallest negative environmental impact? Four agent-based models will be created and different scenarios will be simulated. After a subsequent analysis of the results, a critical review concerning the sustainability of each strategy within an agent-based simulation environment will be presented.

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