At Aristotle University of Thessaloniki we are currently involved in the development of a 'computational tool' in accordance with the specified aims of the RevLog project. The aim of this work is to develop a tool that:

1. Provides a tutorial to present the main and most important elements of Reverse Logistics clearly and concisely (including, for example, a glossary)
2. Contains a number of mathematical models, based on published papers, that can be used for numerical analysis, teaching, and to understand the concepts presented in each respective paper
3. Provides an easy to use (and easy to distribute) platform for furthering Reverse Logistics knowledge

In order to improve the usability and usefulness of this software we are in need of some help/input/suggestions in the following areas:

1. Suggestions as to which papers/models should be included for coverage
2. Related to 1 above, input and information from the respective authors with regards to models they have and text they wish to be included with their model
3. Volunteers who would like to work with us in writing a tutorial and developing models for inclusion (existing models from papers or new models representing the papers)
4. Volunteers who would wish to 'beta test' a provisional version of the tool in order to provide feedback about layout/usability/calculations/improvements etc.

DESIGN OF THE TOOL

The tool has been designed with an HTML interface with simulation models written to support this. To view one simulation example please go here. You will then see a simulation of the PUSH model from Erwin van der Laan's paper 'Inventory Control in Hybrid Systems with Remanufacturing'. This model is there to provide an idea of what we are working towards and can only be viewed after downloading the Simulation viewer from the link provided on the page.

* The HTML pages at this url are not complete so the following is required to open and run the model:

1. Install simulation player first using link on the above page
2. When model is opened, click 'Finish' on opening dialog box (may have to lift dialog box over graphs)
3. To run the model - press icon of guy running
4. Speed up/slow down model run speed - adjust Scroll Bar
5. Change variables - Excel icon
6. At end of run - view results from Results icon (hand holding sheet)
7. Step through simulation events using Footprint icon

In addition, a general view of the layout of the tool can be viewed here.