Web-based modeling and optimization of logistics systems with W2MO^® (Web to Modeling and Optimization) and the W2MO^®-Apps

Efficient logistics requires

• for day to day management: powerful planning- and management-tools based on smart algorithms
• in a tactical / strategic scope: easy to use and powerful modeling, simulation and optimization tools

To meet these demands, W2MO^® and the W2MO^®-apps were developed.

Internet easy: W2MO^® is a web-based modeling and optimization framework utilizing the newest Internet technology HTML5 and Canvas. With W2MO^® anyone can create models of logistics systems quickly and easily on his/her web browser, and share it with colleagues, customers, suppliers and business partners. Large groups of users (e. g. in global acting company) can co-operate in a completely new way and thereby create previously unachievable productivity and efficiency goals. W2MO^® supports not only the knowledge exchange, but also, in particular, the optimization of logistics systems. Layout alternatives or alternative strategies can be changed quickly and jointly evaluated. Manufacturers of automation and conveyor technology can integrate their solutions directly into the virtual logistics of their customers. Customers can compare alternative solutions. Consultants can analyze layouts remotely and present suggestions online. Changes can be quantified directly.

Revolutionary modeling: Conventional modeling and simulation tools are mainly process-oriented. This approach is too complicated and expensive for logistics. W2MO^® creates processes automatically out of the layout. The user can model the layout with a graphic editor, fast and easily. Manual work - which is an important issue of logistics - is included by using standard times. Standard times like e. g. MTM, Refa are a simple and efficient approach to modeling the required manual work in logistics.

Smart optimization: The W2MO^®-apps include advanced algorithms for various fields of application in logistics. In a purely operational use they are integrated as a "black box" in e. g. a WMS or ERP system. For design, configuration and tuning, they can be operated within the framework W2MO^®. This allows to tune the changes properly before applied in practice!

The solution is very powerful and can adapt to a large scale of input figures. W2MO^® can be used for small as well as large logistics systems with very large data sets. Special filters and compression technologies have been integrated into the solution. W2MO^® can be applied to any browser-enabled devices. It may be not only a desktop PC, but also most smart phones. The application on the smart-phone creates new possibilities when it comes to the modeling of a logistics center. Users can carry the application with them when they walk in the logistics center.

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) certified W2MO^® as HTML5-standard application.