RegioGraph is successfully used as a visualization instrument for the optimization and simulation of transport networks. A user report from V-Research and the Austria-based logistics company Gebrüder Weiss shows how.

Gebrüder Weiss is Austria's largest privately owned shipping and logistics company. The services offered by this international transport and logistics company encompass logistics solutions, warehousing, consultancy, IT solutions as well as land, sea and air cargo.

The planning and optimization of transport networks constitute quite a challenge given the global reach of Gebrüder Weiss' services. The checking of transport structures and processes is a daily aspect of the company's operations. Reasons for new evaluations of the existing transport network include, among others:

• a new development in the transport network,
• a modification in the structure of the transport network to be analyzed,
• the take-over of an existing network and its integration into the company's broader structures.

Gebrüder Weiss developed a software platform in collaboration with V-Research, a Vorarlberg-based independent  center for industrial research and development. The software allowed the company to evaluate and simulate various strategic questions and scenarios as a means of simplifying decision-making processes.

A key aspect of the software is the visualization of data with the help of RegioGraph. RegioGraph runs in the background of the main application and delivers fully automated maps that illustrate the relevant data. The basis for the association of the company data with the maps is GfK GeoMarketing's postcode data. With the click of a button, data is imported into RegioGraph and then associated with the relevant postcodes so that additional calculations and analyses can be carried out within RegioGraph. The resulting maps are then created, formatted and exported back into the main application. Naturally, all of the RegioGraph map projects can be accessed later for further editing.

In this manner, information on existing locations, main avenues of transport and expected shipping volumes can be made transparent by visualizing it on high-quality digital maps. Any actual or anticipated changes to the structure of the existing transport network can be simulated, compared and illustrated on maps.

The high quality of the data included in GfK GeoMarketing's software solution RegioGraph plays a decisive role in ensuring that all such analyses and simulations are accurately associated with and visualized on the maps. RegioGraph's programming interface for Microsoft's .NET technology ensures a fluid interaction between the simulation software and RegioGraph.

V-Research is currently developing software functions that allow users to visualize logistics networks that span multiple national boundaries as well as maps in the area of delivery service logistics.

Author: Rainer Frick, V-Research, in collaboration with Gebrüder Weiss

V-Research specializes in new technologies, creative ideas and technical innovations. V-Research promotes the success of its clients by offering innovative products and processes.