{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,2,12]],"date-time":"2026-02-12T14:27:08Z","timestamp":1770906428336,"version":"3.50.1"},"posted":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"group-title":"SSRN","reference-count":51,"publisher":"Elsevier BV","content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":[],"abstract":"<jats:p>In an increasingly demanding just-in-time environment, retail distribution centre facilities encounter complex in-house logistics operations that require high system efficiency. To address these challenges, there is an urgent need for innovative decision support tools that empower decision-makers to optimise operations effectively. This work introduces SO4Xdock, a novel decision support tool leveraging a simulation-optimisation approach, designed to improve in-house operations. The problems modelled have practical relevance in the context of just-in-time retail distribution centre facilities, where efficiency directly impacts operational costs and customer service levels. Furthermore, the adopted methodology simultaneously captures the dynamic complexity of real operations and achieves optimised solutions. SO4Xdock is applied to a real retail cross-docking facility where diverse scenarios are explored to analyse potential enhancements in operations. Results demonstrate the tool&amp;apos;s effectiveness in significantly reducing the distance travelled by workers within the system and minimising the makespan required to complete operations. Furthermore, even in scenarios involving stress, where facility congestion and security restrictions are considered, the work shows the tool&amp;apos;s ability to enhance the overall makespan of operations.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.2139\/ssrn.6225547","type":"posted-content","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,2,12]],"date-time":"2026-02-12T13:37:42Z","timestamp":1770903462000},"source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["Enhancing cross-docking efficiency: a simulation-optimization decision support tool for in-house operations"],"prefix":"10.2139","author":[{"given":"F\u00e1bio","family":"Coelho","sequence":"first","affiliation":[]},{"given":"C\u00e1tia","family":"da Silva","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-3043-6086","authenticated-orcid":true,"given":"Susana","family":"Relvas","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[]},{"given":"Ana Paula","family":"Barbosa-P\u00f3voa","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[]}],"member":"78","reference":[{"issue":"12","key":"ref1","article-title":"Trends and New Practical Applications for Warehouse Allocation and Layout Design: A Literature Review","volume":"5","author":"Pierre-William Albert","year":"2023","journal-title":"SN Applied Sciences"},{"issue":"1","key":"ref2","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"351","DOI":"10.1007\/s10479-015-2019-x","article-title":"Simulation Optimization: A Review of Algorithms and Applications","volume":"240","author":"Amaran","year":"2016","journal-title":"Annals of Operations Research"},{"issue":"3","key":"ref3","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"291","DOI":"10.1080\/713682769","article-title":"Effective Cross Docking for Improving Distribution Efficiencies","volume":"3","author":"Uday Apte","year":"2000","journal-title":"International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications"},{"key":"ref4","first-page":"69","article-title":"CROSS-DOCKING: CURRENT RESEARCH VERSUS INDUSTRY PRACTICE AND INDUSTRY 4.0 ADOPTION","volume":"28","author":"F Akkerman","year":"2022"},{"issue":"2","key":"ref5","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"235","DOI":"10.1287\/trsc.1030.0077","article-title":"The Best Shape for a Crossdock","volume":"38","author":"J J Bartholdi","year":"2004","journal-title":"Transportation Science"},{"issue":"6","key":"ref6","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"827","DOI":"10.1016\/j.omega.2012.01.005","article-title":"Cross-Docking: State of the Art","volume":"40","author":"Jan Belle","year":"2012","journal-title":"Omega"},{"issue":"6","key":"ref7","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"413","DOI":"10.1016\/j.omega.2009.10.008","article-title":"Cross Dock Scheduling: Classification, Literature Review and Research Agenda","volume":"38","author":"Nils Boysen","year":"2010","journal-title":"Omega"},{"issue":"1","key":"ref8","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"33","DOI":"10.1080\/09537287.2018.1520317","article-title":"A Visual Planning Solution to Streamline the Processes of Hybrid Cross-Dockings","volume":"30","author":"Marcello Braglia","year":"2019","journal-title":"Production Planning & Control"},{"issue":"3","key":"ref9","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"213","DOI":"10.1111\/jbl.12135","article-title":"Just-in-Time Retail Distribution: A Systems Perspective on Cross-Docking","volume":"37","author":"Buijs","year":"2016","journal-title":"Journal of Business Logistics"},{"issue":"3","key":"ref10","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1153","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ejor.2021.02.031","article-title":"Inbound and Outbound Flow Integration for Cross-Docking Operations","volume":"294","author":"Marc Coindreau","year":"2021","journal-title":"European Journal of Operational Research"},{"key":"ref11","article-title":"Integrating vehicle scheduling and open routing decisions in a cross-docking center with multiple docks","volume":"164","author":"P M Cota","year":"2022","journal-title":"Computers & Industrial Engineering"},{"key":"ref12","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","DOI":"10.1016\/j.cie.2023.109206","article-title":"A robust possibilistic multiechelon multi-product multi-period production-inventory-routing problem considering internal operations of cross-docks: Case study of FMCG supply chain","volume":"179","author":"M Dehghani Jeshvaghani","year":"2023","journal-title":"Computers & Industrial Engineering"},{"key":"ref13","article-title":"On Solving the Cross-Dock Door Assignment Problem","author":"Laureano F Escudero","year":"2023","journal-title":"International Journal of Production Research"},{"key":"ref14","article-title":"Multi-door cross-dock scheduling under flexible doors mode and material handling resource restrictions","volume":"183","author":"N A Eti","year":"2025","journal-title":"Computers & Operations Research"},{"key":"ref15","author":"E H Frazelle","year":"2016","journal-title":"World-Class Warehousing and Material Handling"},{"issue":"1","key":"ref16","article-title":"An Optimization Model for Forklift Utilisation and Congestion Control in Cross-Docking Terminals","volume":"10","author":"Ghomi","year":"2023","journal-title":"International Journal of Systems Science: Operations and Logistics"},{"key":"ref17","first-page":"1","article-title":"Maximizing Throughput and Minimizing Tardiness and Earliness at a Cross Dock Facility: Biobjective Formulation","volume":"732","author":"Mihalis M Golias","year":"2010","journal-title":"Transportation Research Board 89th Annual Meeting"},{"issue":"1","key":"ref18","first-page":"1","article-title":"Research on Warehouse Operation: A Comprehensive Review","volume":"177","author":"Jinxiang Gu","year":"2007","journal-title":"European Journal of Operational Research"},{"issue":"2","key":"ref19","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"124","DOI":"10.1007\/s12146-007-0017-x","article-title":"Warehouses Without Inventory","volume":"7","author":"K R Gue","year":"2007","journal-title":"International Commerce Review"},{"key":"ref20","article-title":"Digital Twin-Based Cross-Enterprise Production-Delivery Synchronization in a Highly Dynamic Environment","volume":"198","author":"Zhicong Hong","year":"2024","journal-title":"Computers & Industrial Engineering"},{"key":"ref21","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1","DOI":"10.1016\/j.cie.2016.08.013","article-title":"Layout Design Modelling for a Real World Just-in-Time Warehouse","volume":"101","author":"Miguel Horta","year":"2016","journal-title":"Computers & Industrial Engineering"},{"issue":"4","key":"ref22","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"567","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jmsy.2014.05.004","article-title":"Cross-Docking and Milk Run Logistics in a Consolidation Network: A Hybrid of Harmony Search and Simulated Annealing Approach","volume":"33","author":"Seyed Hosseini","year":"2014","journal-title":"Journal of Manufacturing Systems"},{"issue":"3","key":"ref23","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"229","DOI":"10.1080\/09537280801916157","article-title":"The Benefits of a Cross-Docking Delivery Strategy: A Supply Chain Collaboration Approach","volume":"19","author":"Victor B Kreng","year":"2008","journal-title":"Production Planning & Control"},{"issue":"2","key":"ref24","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"410","DOI":"10.1080\/00207543.2016.1184346","article-title":"Two-Stage Optimisation Method for Material Flow and Allocation Management in Cross-Docking Networks","volume":"55","author":"?lker K\ufffd\ufffd\ufffdko?lu","year":"2017","journal-title":"International Journal of Production Research"},{"key":"ref25","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"16","DOI":"10.1016\/j.cie.2016.07.003","article-title":"Robust Cross-Dock Scheduling with Time Windows","volume":"99","author":"A L Ladier","year":"2016","journal-title":"Computers and Industrial Engineering"},{"key":"ref26","first-page":"145","article-title":"Cross-Docking Operations: Current Research versus Industry Practice","volume":"62","year":"2016","journal-title":"Omega (United Kingdom)"},{"issue":"12","key":"ref27","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1342","DOI":"10.1057\/palgrave.jors.2601812","article-title":"Crossdocking-JIT Scheduling with Time Windows","volume":"55","author":"Y Li","year":"2004","journal-title":"Journal of the Operational Research Society"},{"key":"ref28","article-title":"Study on the new implementation mode of cross-docking based on blockchain technology","volume":"180","author":"T Liu","year":"2023","journal-title":"Computers & Industrial Engineering"},{"key":"ref29","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"167","DOI":"10.1016\/j.cor.2017.01.018","article-title":"An Integer Programming Approach to Scheduling the Transshipment of Products at Cross-Docks in Less-than-Truckload Industries","volume":"82","author":"M Y Maknoon","year":"2017","journal-title":"Computers & Operations Research"},{"issue":"4","key":"ref30","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"249","DOI":"10.1080\/13675560903076081","article-title":"Cross-Docking: Increasing Platform Efficiency by Sequencing Incoming and Outgoing Semi-Trailers","volume":"12","author":"Mohammad Maknoon","year":"2009","journal-title":"International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications"},{"issue":"2","key":"ref31","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"335","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jmsy.2012.12.002","article-title":"A Hybrid Simulated Annealing Algorithm for Location and Routing Scheduling Problems with Cross-Docking in the Supply Chain","volume":"32","author":"S Mousavi","year":"2013","journal-title":"Journal of Manufacturing Systems"},{"key":"ref32","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","DOI":"10.1016\/j.cie.2025.111423","article-title":"Value of operational flexibility in cross-docking","volume":"209","author":"M Nowak","year":"2025","journal-title":"Computers & Industrial Engineering"},{"key":"ref33","author":"C D Pegden","year":"2013","journal-title":"Rapid Modeling Solutions: Introduction to Simulation and Simio"},{"issue":"3","key":"ref34","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1671","DOI":"10.1111\/itor.13393","article-title":"The Multiple Container Loading Problem with Loading Docks","volume":"31","author":"Maryam Rajaei","year":"2024","journal-title":"International Transactions in Operational Research"},{"key":"ref35","author":"Gwynne Richards","year":"2014","journal-title":"Warehouse Management: A Complete Guide to Improving Efficiency and Minimizing Costs in the Modern Warehouse"},{"key":"ref36","volume":"5","author":"Alan Rushton","year":"2014","journal-title":"The Handbook of Logistics and Distribution Management: Understanding the Supply Chain"},{"key":"ref37","first-page":"193","article-title":"Distribution and Operation Planning at a Cross-Dock Platform: A Case of Study at Renault","volume":"2015","author":"Christian Serrano","year":"2015","journal-title":"2015 4th IEEE International Conference on Advanced Logistics and Transport"},{"key":"ref38","article-title":"Simulation and Process Mining in a Cross-Docking System: A Case Study","author":"Shams-Shemirani","year":"2023","journal-title":"International Journal of Production Research"},{"issue":"3","key":"ref39","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"695","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ejor.2013.03.013","article-title":"Multi-Criteria Robust Design of a JIT-Based Cross-Docking Distribution Center for an Auto Parts Supply Chain","volume":"229","author":"Wen Shi","year":"2013","journal-title":"European Journal of Operational Research"},{"key":"ref40","article-title":"Clusters of Floor Locations-Allocation of Stores to Cross-Docking Warehouse Considering Satisfaction and Space Using MOGWO and NSGA-II Algorithms","author":"Maryam Shoaee","year":"2023","journal-title":"Flexible Services and Manufacturing Journal"},{"key":"ref41","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","DOI":"10.1016\/j.cie.2021.107240","article-title":"Truck scheduling optimization at a cold-chain cross-docking terminal with product perishability considerations","volume":"156","author":"O Theophilus","year":"2021","journal-title":"Computers & Industrial Engineering"},{"issue":"7","key":"ref42","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"2372","DOI":"10.1080\/00207543.2022.2062580","article-title":"A Literature Review on Robust and Real-Time Models for Cross-Docking","volume":"61","author":"Bilge Torbali","year":"2023","journal-title":"International Journal of Production Research"},{"issue":"1","key":"ref43","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"12","DOI":"10.1016\/j.cie.2009.06.006","article-title":"Scheduling Trucks in Cross-Docking Systems: Robust Meta-Heuristics","volume":"58","author":"B Vahdani","year":"2010","journal-title":"Computers & Industrial Engineering"},{"key":"ref44","author":"I Vis"},{"issue":"3","key":"ref45","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"677","DOI":"10.1016\/j.cie.2007.10.004","article-title":"Positioning of Goods in a Cross-Docking Environment","volume":"54","author":"Kees","year":"2008","journal-title":"Computers and Industrial Engineering"},{"issue":"4","key":"ref46","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"911","DOI":"10.1016\/j.cie.2011.06.001","article-title":"Layout and Control Policies for Cross Docking Operations","volume":"61","year":"2011","journal-title":"Computers and Industrial Engineering"},{"issue":"1","key":"ref47","first-page":"87","article-title":"The Cross-Dock : A New Viewpoint on the Definition and the Design of the Facility : Research Article","volume":"11","author":"J J Vogt","year":"2007","journal-title":"Southern African Business Review"},{"issue":"6","key":"ref48","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"843","DOI":"10.1016\/j.tre.2009.05.005","article-title":"Pre-Distribution and Post-Distribution Cross-Docking Operations","volume":"45","author":"Hong Yan","year":"2009","journal-title":"Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review"},{"issue":"1","key":"ref49","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"121","DOI":"10.1002\/j.2158-1592.2010.tb00131.x","article-title":"An Analysis of Factors Affecting Cross Docking Operations","volume":"31","author":"Kum Yang","year":"2010","journal-title":"Journal of Business Logistics"},{"issue":"1","key":"ref50","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"377","DOI":"10.1016\/j.ejor.2006.10.047","article-title":"Scheduling of Inbound and Outbound Trucks in Cross Docking Systems with Temporary Storage","volume":"184","author":"Wooyeon Yu","year":"2008","journal-title":"European Journal of Operational Research"},{"key":"ref51","article-title":"Analytics with Digital-Twinning: A Decision Support System for Maintaining a Resilient Port","volume":"143","author":"Chenhao Zhou","year":"2021","journal-title":"Decision Support Systems"}],"container-title":[],"original-title":[],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2026,2,12]],"date-time":"2026-02-12T13:41:04Z","timestamp":1770903664000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.ssrn.com\/abstract=6225547"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"references-count":51,"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.2139\/ssrn.6225547","relation":{},"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"subtype":"preprint"}}