SYLO

Strategical Yard Layout Optimizer

SYLO is a product and service suite that focus on, and strives to solve some of the most important problems encountered when increasing efficiency of a modern terminal yard. Experience have learned us that the overall complexity of network knots such as a terminal yard, makes it impossible to device a black box system that gives the optimal solution for the handling of material on the yard. A solution has to be found by taking an analytical approach based on the assumption that no yard are equal, but that an optimal feasible solution can evolve once we understand the mechanisms important for the particular yard. Based on this analytical strategy, the SYLO product suite is comprised of three equally important elements:

  • Analysis. We analyze existing data from your internal the TOS (Terminal Operations System). In this phase we collect a set of KPIs for the yard sorted by relevancy and importance. We have expertise in such analysis ,and understand the advantages and limitations that such KPIs impose when designing a yard layout. This set of KPIs will in general depend on physically fixed parameters, but also on customizable parameters.
    • How the yard was originally designed
    • Where the services are placed in the yard
    • How the vessels are discharged/loaded

  • Sylo-gui. Sylo-gui is an advanced simulator that visualize and replays all the load/discharge moves for a week of vessel calls. The simulator uses a set of customizable rules and monitors driving distance, congestion, equipment utilization, wait time and QC productivity. Additional rules provide for house-keeping and schedule maintenance. Within a few seconds a set of KPIs is reported by the simulator. Additionally Sylo-gui can be customized to produce information in direct relation to the initial Analysis, this way it is possible to follow the progress initiated in the data analysis.

  • YODA. Yard Optimizer and Demand Analyzer. YODA is a tool that will produce an optimal yard layout based on existing berth and demand data. Together with Sylo-gui this optimal layout in combination with the existing layout can be used to visualize and test a gradual migration from the old layout to the optimal new one. In particular this approach gives the yard manager a clear view of the immediate penalties caused by this migration together with the long term benefits.

Sylo-gui is designed to integrate and visualize on a daily basis the process and progress of making an efficient terminal yard. It also strives to bridge the gab between yard management and operational crew. We will therefore present in a little more detail the components of Sylo-gui.

Sylo-gui

After the physical layout, the strategic yard layout is key in optimizing the total cost of operation for a terminal. A poorly designed strategic yard will increase driving distance, cause congestion and slow down the load and discharge processes. SYLO evaluates a strategic yard and reports on a set of KPIs that enables the yard coordinator to foresee congestions and poor performance. Moreover, SYLO reports sub-utilized areas that could be improved. The result is a higher yard productivity and lower cost.

Sylo-gui is the only tool available in the market today to optimize this part of the terminal design and operation process. The strategic yard layout is frequently done after major service changes and rarely as part of a frequent process optimization. How it works:

Yard Simulator

The advanced simulator of Sylo-gui is designed with focus on versatility and speed. It uses a set of build in customizable rules such as pm-drive speed, RTG operational speed, berth crane operation speed, house-keeping etc. The versatility of the simulation in principle makes it possible to include more exotic rules based on specific client needs, e.g. PM-driving routes. To avoid hampering the user's inspiration flow when using Sylo-gui, an effort has been put in making the simulation fast. When the user makes a change in the terminal layout, Sylo-gui will within seconds respond with a set of KPIs that measures the benefits and drawbacks of the change in question.

Drag and Drop User Interface

A sophisticated front-end allows the user to move services from one yard location to another, reporting on the impact of the change within seconds or less. The user can, within few hours, find the optimal yard for the current market condition.

Sylo Screendump Screenshot of Sylo-gui, full size image

Strategical Mode

SYLO collects vessel operation data from your internal the TOS. This data is aggregated into a database that allows the user to select a date range. The strategical mode specifically utilize data that represents an average flow in and out of the yard. In this mode the user will be interested in optimizing the yard performance within a larger time horizon. This is where the result from YODA is relevant as well as the KPIs, and the goal will be to have a robust and efficient yard layout. By using different sets of data, Sylo-gui can be used to plan for peak and low volume periods differently.

Operational Mode

In this mode Sylo-gui will collect current data describing the state of the yard, as well as the corresponding berth schedule for a time period described by the user. The user will in this mode have a direct and clear view of the current state of the yard. Sylo-gui can be used to generate reports adapted to the set of KPIs relevant for the yard. This way the yard management have means to follow and adjust the yard performance. By loading current berth and demand data, the yard planner can foresee and identify problems such as bottlenecks or excessive housekeeping moves due to emerge within the following days.

System Requirements

Sylo-gui operates on Windows and must have access, via shared drives, to the the TOS data. Sylo-gui does not amend the TOS in any ways.




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