Use of Model Simulation at the Panama Canal for Resource Estimation
The transit of vessels through the Panama Canal is a complex process that requires a plural and diverse number of resources working in a synchronized manner throughout all the geographic areas and phases that the transit involves. These resources are distributed accordingly and their assigned radius of activity depends on the planned logistic corresponding to every one of the 365 days of the year. Some of them remains within a confined zone, others move within one of the two major defined geographic sectors: Pacific and Atlantic, and a few fallow the vessel al the way.
Equal to the complexity of the transit is the estimation of resources needed per day, considering that the sequence and the mix of vessels (by size, market segment and direction) varies every time. In the year 2006 the Panama Canal consequent to this reality, began the development of simulation models that could estimate with better precision and confident level some of these resources. Model simulation would replace then the manual estimates utilized at that moment.
The models mentioned above include the resources of tugs, launches and on deck Line handlers and they are described as follows:
Two models were developed corresponding to the two major geographical sectors: Pacific and Atlantic.This division was made since the majority of the resources are assigned within this two specific sectors.
The software utilized is ARENA by Rockwell Automation which permits the development of process simulation models for a wide range of business or public environments.The main developing mechanism consist of incorporating modules, provided with the software, and construct logics, from scratch, via flow charts and the help of visual basics for very complex events and interactive windows
The models simulate the vessels transit process, and as the vessels go through all the navigation channels and locks they are assisted, on one hand, by launches in a way of embarking and disembarking personnel (such as Pilots and On deck-Linehandlers).And, on the other hand, by tugs which assist in the maneuverability and safety in specific navigational channels, on the approach to the Lock walls and within the new locks.
The models were developed with a very high graphical visual approach with the purpose for the developer or user to see clearly the events taking place. This characteristic is very helpful during the developing and debugging stages. Also, the dynamic graphics helps the presenter to transmit his message and results and very importantly: for the audience to help assimilate the issues being discussed.
The main input that feed the models are the vessel schedules corresponding to either a few days or an entire year and can come from three different sources: 1-real historical data, 2- manual schedules and 3-from the new Capacity Model that can generate, automatically, schedules for a desired period of time. The schedules received are then processed into another Excel file designed specifically with data and formulas which are linked to the logic structure of the models. The Capacity Model is the most used source and it is normally ran for an entire fiscal year into the future.
As the models ran, they register the number of the different resources in use, at ten minute intervals, corresponding to the established geographic sectors or operational dock. At the end of each day the data is exported to an Excel file.This Excel file automatically generates demand curves which allows the establishing of the number of tugs and launches required and the corresponding operating structure (watches during the day).For the tugs, it relates to each of the two major geographical sectors and for launches it relates to each operational dock.
The models also generates demand curves for the On deck-Linehandlers which helps optimize the structure of the shift schedules of these personnel (most appropriate reporting times and quantities) as they permit to visualize the match or gaps between the supply and demand curves during the day.
With these two models the Panama Canal throughout the years has been able to experiment with diverse number of scenarios and to generate all kind of information and provide answers to several specific administrative questions and opportunities to improve efficiencies.
Besides these two models many others, representing other processes, have been developed at different times for process optimization and resource estimation.