Shipment planning protocols in cyber-physical internet for modular integrated construction logistics

Purpose – This paper aims to address the challenges in modular integrated construction (MiC) logistics planning by developing a cyber-physical internet (CPI)–based shipment planning protocol. It focuses on optimizing order consolidation, transportation mode selection and module loading to achieve just-in-time (JIT) delivery while minimizing costs. The research seeks to standardize information sharing among stakeholders and enhance decision-making in the transport layer of CPI, bridging the gap between digital tools and logistics planning.

Design/methodology/approach – This paper introduces a protocol shipment unit (PSU) and standardized tables (e.g. PSU, loading, order tables) to represent logistics elements. Greedy and integer programming algorithms are used for order consolidation and PSU allocation. The framework is tested using real-world MiC orders and transportation constraints in Hong Kong.

Findings – The CPI-based protocol effectively facilitates distributed collaboration among stakeholders, enabling JIT delivery with reduced costs. Experimental results confirm its capability to generate optimal consolidation and loading plans. The standardized information-sharing framework simplifies decision-making in logistics planning.

Originality/value – This research innovatively applies the concepts of transport layer in digital network to logistics, proposing a novel transportation protocol in CPI for shipment planning. It standardizes stakeholder information sharing and demonstrates practical efficacy in real-world scenarios, paving the way for nextgeneration logistics systems. This paper inspires rethinking logistic system design and functionality.