Specifying self-organising logistics system: Openness, intelligence, and decentralised control

Abstract

This paper contributes to the development of a novel paradigm in logistics, i.e. self-organising logistics system (SoLS). A SoLS can be considered as a logistics system that can function without significant intervention of human and without central control by software. It is functioning based on contextual local interactions. By such definition, SoLS could be a powerful solution to manage nowadays logistics that is much larger and complex than ever before. The goal of this paper is to provide a comprehensive and in-depth discussion to specify expected advantages and functionalities of SoLS, supported by some recent emerging concepts and technologies. The paper also attempts to provide a theoretical framework for the future work.