Simulation tool of supply chain model with various structure and decision making processes

Abstract

To evaluate the control mechanism for a supply chain, simulation is one of the most effective methods. In a supply chain, however, the flows of work, transit and decision-making have complex interrelations, so that it is difficult to easily express a model for simulation. In this paper, the functions needed for supply-chain simulation and a tool equipped with these functions are proposed. By using this tool, modeling and simulating of the supply chain are supported. Flows of work, transit and decision-making are expressed in individually-defined forms, and they are connected and integrated to generate a whole supply-chain model.