Computer simulation in a large mailing company: In search for a robust configuration

The paper shows how to use computer simulation to find out the most robust configuration for the design and operation of a large mailing company. Different levels of automation, machine schedules, and numbers of trucks were simulated in order to create a more robust express mail sorting process for the company. Eight different SC scenarios were evaluated in relation to the SC robustness. The study showed that the most robust SC scenario for this company can be reached when the it starts the express mail sorting process one hour earlier than usual, when it uses an extra truck to move the mails from the origin city to the city, and when it improves the overall automation level of the sorting department.