A Simulation Analysis of Advanced Concepts for Semi-automated Mail Processing
作者:
WertSteven D.,
BardJonathan F.,
DeSilvaAnura,
FeoThomas A.,
期刊:
Journal of the Operational Research Society
(Taylor Available online 1991)
卷期:
Volume 42,
issue 12
页码: 1071-1086
ISSN:0160-5682
年代: 1991
DOI:10.1057/jors.1991.201
出版商: Taylor&Francis
关键词: Automated Mail Processing;Simulation;Advanced Technologies
数据来源: Taylor
摘要:
AbstractOver the last decade, much attention has been given to the development of automated mail processing systems for postal operations. Optical character readers and bar-code sorters have begun to augment the mechanized equipment in use since the mid-1960s. Current automation programmes are aimed at minimizing the growth in labour costs which, at $30.5 billion in the United States, accounted for 83% of the U.S. Postal Service's operating budget in 1988. In this paper, a SLAM II simulation model is developed to assist postal managers in evaluating and implementing new technologies at general mail facilities (GMFs). The Northern Virginia Area GMF, located just outside Washington, D.C., serves as the baseline. Results are presented for a proposed design embodying a variety of new concepts and equipment, including carrier route sequencing. Annual savings of over $6 billion are estimated to accompany nation-wide implementation of this design. Alternative scenarios involving changes in mail volume and address quality are also investigated. The analysis demonstrates the system's sensitivity to relatively modest increases in traffic, and points up the need for integrative long-range planning.
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