Innovative logistics planning development and use of an integrated planning environment for increase of effectiveness and efficiency of complex planning processes

The experiences and results of numerous logistics infrastructure projects show that planning tasks still represents a big challenge. Being aware of existing deficiencies in this field, the coupling of modem planning technologies is considered as a promising solution approach by the authors. The objective is to interlink - practically proven - planning tools to an "integrated environment'" enabling effective problem solving in the field of logistics system planning with high time and cost efficiency. Against this background, the paper introduces the concept of the Tool-based Rapid Planning Environment. In particular, main principles tor development of the toolbox are described and an overview of the state of implementation (or integration respectively) is given. Furthermore, the envisaged application area is outlined contemplating the development process of large-scale logistics systems. For new construction of seaport container terminals, the practical use of the planning environment is exemplified. The contribution closes with a short description of the next development steps projected for toolbox implementation.