Optimization of queueing complexity in the forest transportation problem

ABSTRACT Background: The principal challenge in forest transportation lies in minimizing the fleet of vehicles and cranes while adhering to operational constraints. Addressing this intricate operational issue yields numerous advantages. This research is dedicated to the development and evaluation of a controlling device designed to enhance timber logistics. A queue simulator is utilized to estimate prospective wait times for the optimized system. Two scenarios are analyzed: one integrating the controlling device and the other excluding it. The study underscores the advantages of vehicle type A, which, due to its higher number of wheelers and fewer cranes compared to vehicle type B, demonstrates greater efficacy in establishing a robust queuing system. Results: Although comprehensive numerical analysis is not provided, the utilization of fewer cranes indicates potential cost reductions. The Forest Transportation Problem (FTP) model is employed to optimize the spatial allocation of trucks and cranes during loading and unloading operations. The succinct mathematical formulation of this model renders it both effective and user-friendly. The fuzzy controlling device (FCD), which emulates human decision-making processes in the allocation of wheelers to cranes, significantly enhances the comprehension of optimization outcomes. A comparative assessment reveals that scenario 1 (excluding the FCD) appears more advantageous for replicating the queuing system under the specified conditions. Notably, the integration of the FCD with the queue simulator engenders logical and coherent queue behavior within the forest transportation framework. Conclusion: The findings of this study substantiate the effectiveness of the developed controlling device in optimizing timber logistics by augmenting the efficiency of the queuing system and potentially reducing crane utilization costs. Vehicles associated with higher crane productivity required fewer trucks to perform transportation tasks more efficiently compared to those with less productive cranes. The incorporation of the FCD refines the decision-making process and yields valuable insights into the operational dynamics of forest transportation. The study’s outcomes contribute significantly to the field, offering practical implications for optimizing resource allocation and enhancing logistical performance in forestry operations.