The Virtual Reality as an Anticipative Concept in Warehouse Optimization in Uncertain Environment.

This paper presents a method of warehouse simulation model implementation using concepts of virtual reality (VR). The basic idea is to compare the “Real Process” controlled by operator with his/her heuristics with the “Virtual Process” represented by a simulation model, controlled by the optimization algorithm. The optimization algorithm is based on a SD model of the warehouse and decision support module. The SD warehouse model represents the abstraction of “Virtual Process” and is considered to be a model of a model. The state of the “Virtual Process” is controlled with help of a decision support module and is compared with the state of the “Real Process” on the basis of actual information regarding the state of warehouse. This concept is useful for predictive model validation, where the parallel observation of the actual system and the virtual one takes place at the same time, and for the optimization algorithm migration into practice. For the simulation mathematical tool Matlab was used. Several ordering strategies were analyzed with a goal of producing lower total warehousing costs than the actual costs provided by the observed company. © 2006 American Institute of Physics [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]