This project explores the environmental impact of warehouse operations using System Dynamics (SD) modelling in Vensim. It aims to support sustainable decision-making by simulating the influence of various operational activities—packaging, transport, and electricity usage—on overall pollution, and testing how manpower training might reduce the environmental footprint.
To model and analyze how warehouse operations contribute to environmental pollution, and identify effective strategies for reducing that impact—without compromising operational performance. The simulation focuses on monthly warehouse activity and uses a stock-flow diagram to quantify pollution sources and mitigation potential.
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Vensim – Used for building stock-flow diagrams and simulating feedback mechanisms.
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System Dynamics (SD) – Methodology for analyzing complex, time-dependent systems.
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📌 Alternative Tools Considered:
Simul8– Best for discrete event simulation (not ideal here)@Risk– Focuses on Monte Carlo risk analysis
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Incoming Orders: 2,000/month
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Outgoing Orders: 500/month
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Pollution Sources & Rates:
- Packaging: 0.1
- Transport: 0.2
- Electricity: 0.3
Each source’s contribution is individually computed and aggregated to derive total monthly pollution. A manpower training factor is also introduced to test its effect on pollution reduction (expected to reduce total pollution via improved operational efficiency).
The sensitivity analysis highlights:
- Electricity and Transport have the greatest impact on pollution
- Packaging has lower impact but should still be addressed
- Training can significantly reduce overall pollution if implemented effectively
- Prioritize energy efficiency and transport logistics optimization
- Introduce manpower training to reduce operational inefficiencies
- Minimize packaging waste using sustainable materials
- Future models should incorporate real operational data for greater accuracy
environmental-impact-warehouse/
1. vensim-model/ # Vensim model files (.mdl)
2. reports/ # Project documentation and findings
3. README.md # This file
This project demonstrates that using System Dynamics modelling with Vensim provides valuable insights into environmental management in warehouse settings. By targeting high-impact areas like energy and transport, and embedding sustainable practices, warehouses can reduce their environmental footprint while improving operational resilience and customer satisfaction.