Interactive graphic and operations research methodologies for freight distribution and transportation systems planning

Interactive graphic systems and operations research methodologies are increasingly being combined to produce efficient, versatile and powerful tools that enhance the decision making process. We analyze and compare the possible contributions of such tools to the planning of distribution systems for industrial firms and of freight carrier service networks and operations. We derive similarities and differences between the two systems and examine whether a unique planning system may adequately respond to the requirements of the two problems (a).