Terminal Operations Management Systems

This paper describes how existing terminal control systems at grain terminals are either entirely manual or semi-automatic. As a result the individual operators are forced to make instant operational choices and decisions on the basis of limited information. Although these may temporarily handle specific situations, they tend to produce complex instant and further effects upon other dependent areas of the terminal. Experience with design simulation indicates that even small variations in the operating tactics could significantly influence the overall terminal throughput. Interactive Operational Simulation coupled with an automated Terminal Control System provides a potential means of developing, testing and implementing operating tactics to suit the demands placed on a terminal in a coherent and consistent basis.