Scenario-Based Simulation Approach for An Integrated Inventory Blood Supply Chain System

Abstract

This study conducts a comparison between a newly proposed integrated inventory blood supply chain (BSC) and the current practice of the blood product distribution system. The importance of a well-designed blood supply chain is indisputable when it comes to human lives and the valuable blood products of the BSC. Our discrete event simulation approach and scenario discussion encompass a set of operational decisions to manage the complexity of the system. Applying the Arena simulation package, we model a carefully designed blood supply chain to provide a critical comparison of the two primary Key Performance Indicators shortage and outdated units of the BSC. We conclude that the proposed method would bring straightforward improvement with respect to the indicators under study.