Job Description
Background
In the last 15 years TBA has been involved in a large number of emulation projects that aimed to test and tune the performance and quality of terminal operating systems (TOS). The TOS is a critical piece of software running on the container terminal being responsible for operation (e.g. vessel planning, container decking, equipment dispatching, gate and rail handling, etc.). The performance and quality of the TOS can have a huge financial (and safety) impact on the terminal. Therefore, it is essential to test and tune it when certain changes are carried out on the terminal, such as expansion or TOS updates. In order to continuously test the TOS, TBA created a virtual container terminal, called CONTROLS, that aims to act as a real terminal that is able to communicate with TOS using the same interface as in reality. During our emulation projects we connected the real TOS with the virtual container terminal and by running large number of experiments we succeed to find TOS software issues, TOS planning issues, and advice on TOS settings that led to higher performance. In order to analyse the results of these experiments we are using a KPI (Key Performance Indicator) tool that creates a large number of charts, each focusing on certain aspect of the terminal (crane or truck performance, crane or truck status, yard performance, etc.) and log files produced by CONTROLS and TOS. Identifying all the issues, and finding the root causes in the system involves checking all KPIs and log files, which is a very intensive and time consuming activity.
Research goal
The goal of this research is to provide an approach and tool that improves and supports the root cause analysis for emulation projects. The tool should be able to find the root causes of the issues, and address the root causes that have been identified.
Methodology
This research follows a data-driven methodology, which is an exploratory approach that analyses data produced by emulation experiment and it makes strategic decisions based on data analysis and interpretation.
Length and type of research
6 months, Master thesis
Academic background
Computer Science or Econometrics and Operational Research
More info
For more info please contact Csaba Boer (csaba.boer@tba.group)
Are you interested in solving complex logistics challenges by applying simulation models that lead to a solution that is implemented in a real operating terminal?
Using proven simulation models to mimic existing terminals or terminals that are yet to be build, you determine the best performing terminal design and further optimize this design to get the best performance! Because every terminal has its own unique characteristics, every project is different leading to different logistical challenge to solve.
By modelling different designs into the simulation models and by varying the (amount of) equipment you can provide a terminal with a lot of insights. You can provide a terminal with the type of equipment and amount of equipment that gives the best performance while also taking the costs into consideration. Providing a heat map of the traffic to indicate possible problem areas or calculating long term capacity of a terminal. These are all examples of what you can do by applying TBAs simulation models.
Working at TBA
To stay at the forefront of developments in the port and warehouse business and to consolidate our leading position in the field of software for automated container equipment, TBA is working on various R&D initiatives. These initiatives are often supported by students. We mostly work with students with a background in Operations Research, Engineering or Computer science, but we are also work with students that have affinity with simulation and modelling of logistic processes.
There will be opportunities to travel and work abroad due to the international character of our business. Besides that, TBA believes that training is an essential part to keep on improving. We have our own academy, to make sure that all the employees are up to date with the latest developments in the port business.
About TBA Group
TBA Group is a leading international provider of software and services for ports, terminals and warehouses with over 150 live installations worldwide. Our product and service portfolio concentrates on marine, intermodal, container and bulk terminals as well as providing software for warehouses. Our vision is to offer a world-class, end-to-end, integrated software and consultancy solution for the entire lifecycle of ports, terminals and warehouses. A scalable portfolio of solutions that work for small or large operations, either manual or automated.
TBA has offices in the Netherlands (Delft and Amsterdam), United Kingdom (Doncaster and Leicester), Romania (Satu Mare) and Germany (Dusseldorf). In addition, our workforce includes local representatives in North America, South America and Oceania.
Number of employees in The Netherlands: 90.
Average age of employees: 35.
Male / Female ratio: 75:25.
Are you interested?
TBA is continuous looking for new members of our international team of 250 experts.
For more information or if you have any questions about TBA, feel free to contact Melanie van Wijngaarden at tde-job-info@tba.group.