Modeling the sugar cane logistics from farm to mill

A continuous and discrete system gets distinct approach from modelers, since both have very particular characteristics. Some simulation tools are specialized in one system or another, but the great majority focuses on discrete modeling. However, there are many hybrid systems where a continuous process interfaces with discrete. Despite being possible to model both systems with particular modeling tools, they have to be properly connected. An example of hybrid system is the ethanol production chain, where the transport of the raw material sugar cane has important interactions between the main components of the chain, where there is exchange of equipment, transport and interface of continuous systems with discrete, and vice versa. This study presents the algorithms and techniques used to model the logistics operations of the Alcohol/Sugar producer Raízen, developed using the SIMIO simulation tool.