Logistics : a systems oriented approach
Wil M. P. van der Aalst · 1992
A framework for the modelling and specification of logistic systems is presented. This framework is based on a hierarchical high-level Petri net model. Within this framework we developed a language, called ExSpect, to specify systems in terms of this Petri net model. This specification language is supported by a software package, also called ExSpect, which facilitates the modelling and analysis of complex dynamic systems. We have modelled and analysed many logistic systems with ExSpect ([5]). Most of these applications resulted from the TASTE project ([3]). These practical experiences show that there is a need for a method to facilitate the modelling of complex logistic systems. We propose a systematic method, which is presented in this paper. This method is based on a complete taxonomy of the goods and information flows inside a logistic system. Based on this taxonomy we have developed a toolkit of standard logistical components that can be combined graphically, thus yielding an ExSpect specification which can be used to analyse the logistic system under consideration.