Network structures and decentralized control in logistics: topology, interfaces, and dynamics

Abstract

Decentralized or autonomous control in logistics has continuously developed over the last decades. Trends such as Ubiquitous Computing, Industry 4.0, and Cyber–physical Systems foster the transition from centralized control to decentralized approaches. While there has been a lot of research on control algorithms and miniaturization of information and communication technology, comparably little is known about the effect of the underlying structures of the logistic networks on decentralized control. This article aims at revisiting the topic of decentralized control with regard to the topology of logistic networks and at highlighting the importance of the relation between topological structure and control procedures in order to propose directions for future research.

Keywords:

• logistics
• decentralized control
• networks
• topology

Acknowledgement

This research has been supported by the Institutional Strategy of the University of Bremen, funded by the German Excellence Initiative.

Notes

1. In general control theory, the concept of decentralized control is not necessarily coupled to “collaboration.” Decentralized control is also possible without having collaborating agents pursuing a common goal (see, e.g., [13]).