Study of an integrated resource management system oriented to ferry companies

To incorporate existing and new information tools, in particular optimization methods and software, an integrated resource management system was proposed for ferry companies. The system adopts a hierarchical system architecture which incorporates all the modules in the three layers: the supporting layer, the application layer, and the management and control layer. The blank ticket rolls were considered as critical resources, and a conceptual storage for blank ticket rolls was developed to complete a ticket lifecycle management approach. To balance the capacities of two or more sailings and enhance profits, a stowage optimization procedure oriented to Ro-Ro shipping was used. The system also provides cubic views for statistics as decision support methods. The system was tested as feasible and effective in two case studies conducted in Dalian, China.