Limitations in modeling autonomous logistic processes: Challenges and solutions in business process modeling

The paradigm of autonomous control provides organizational means to face today´s requirements for robust and flexible operating logistic systems. It delegates planning and execution competencies to logistic objects in order to decrease the control system´s complexity. Specifically, the Autonomous Logistic Engineering Methodology is designed for modeling, simulation, and evaluation of autonomous logistic processes. However, challenges emerge concerning its scalability in case of analyzing large logistic networks. Hence, this article investigates the influence of the system´s complexity and of companies´ organizational independence on the methodology with the help of scenarios in production logistics and in supply chain management. It sketches possible solutions to cope with the scalability-induced effects and to enables modeling of cross-organizational logistic processes.