International Journal of Production Research · 2008 · 450 citations · 39 references
ManagementOperations ManagementSupply Chain ManagementLogistics ManagementSimulation-based DesignSustainable Supply Chain ManagementFood Supply ChainsFood Value ChainsSupply Chain OptimizationSupply Chain Performance MeasurementSupply Chain SustainabilitySustainable LogisticsDiscrete Event Simulation ModelsDiscrete-event System SimulationFood Quality ManagementFood Supply Chain EfficiencyFood Supply Chain LogisticsSimulation Of Supply ChainsSimulation-based Decision MakingSupply Chain Simulation
Food supply chains face growing consumer demands for quality and sustainability, requiring redesign that simultaneously considers quality changes, environmental load, efficiency, and responsiveness, yet simulation tools often assume quality independence—a false assumption given the intrinsic nature of quality changes in food systems. The authors propose an integrated approach that simultaneously analyzes logistics, sustainability, and food quality, implemented through a new simulation environment called ALADIN™. ALADIN™ embeds food quality change models and sustainability indicators within discrete‑event simulation models to support integrated decision making. A case study demonstrates that ALADIN™ accelerates and improves the quality of integrated decisions while fostering creative alternative solutions.
Food supply chains are confronted with increased consumer demands on food quality and sustainability. When redesigning these chains the analysis of food quality change and environmental load of new scenarios is as important as the analysis of efficiency and responsiveness requirements. Simulation tools are often used for supporting decision-making on supply chain (re)design when logistic uncertainties are in place, building on their inherent modelling flexibility. Mostly, the underlying assumption is that product quality is not influenced by or does not influence chain design. Clearly, this is not true for food supply chains, as quality change is intrinsic to the industry. We propose a new integrated approach towards logistics, sustainability and food quality analysis, and implement the approach by introducing a new simulation environment, ALADIN™. It embeds food quality change models and sustainability indicators in discrete event simulation models. A case example illustrates the benefits of its use relating to speed and quality of integrated decision making, but also to creativity in terms of alternative solutions.
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