Data visualization support for complex logistics operations and cyber-physical systems

Today, complex logistics operations include different levels of communication and interactions. This paper explores the requirements of these operations and conceptualizes important key performance indicators, stakeholders, and different data visualizations to support the stakeholders in order to understand interactions between entities easier and faster. Three different levels were identified-supply chain, automated warehouse, and intelligent agent-to define the complex logistics operations. For each level, important stakeholders and performance indicators were determined. A case study was designed and described to exemplify the role of cyber-physical systems in complex logistics operations. Moreover, different data visualizations were developed as part of a dashboard to illustrate key performance indicators of different levels for the purpose of supporting stakeholders. This exploratory study concludes by identifying important data necessity for each performance indicator, suggesting ways to collect these data, and exemplifying how data visualization approach can be used through a dashboard design