Simulation modeling and optimization of stockyard layouts for precast concrete products

The stockyard is a hob of information that reflects the production, stock and sales of precast concrete products. The stockyard layout plays an important role in storage and retrieval of the products. Stockyard layout planning offers a complex task as a large number of products are involved with different handling and storage requirements, and large stock is inevitable due to seasonality of demand. The major issues in planning stockyard layout include the proper design of stockyard space with roads and aisle networks and dynamic allocation of products to storage locations. A prototype "SimStock", an integrated process simulation model, was developed for planning and optimization of stockyard layouts for precast concrete products. The development of the prototype, its capacities and strengths with a case study are discussed.