Modelling and simulation considerations for an end-to-end supply chain system

Abstract

The efforts of this review paper are twofold: to provide an insightful examination of various contributions to knowledge surrounding simulation methods within an end-to-end supply chain and to guide research agenda by indicating generic elements required to model such systems using simulation. The authors examined 255 publications from 21 peer-reviewed journals in the field of an end-to-end supply chain and simulation using a systematic literature review approach. Each publication was thoroughly reviewed to capture best practices and key characteristics relative to simulation modelling techniques used in the context of complex end-to-end supply chain systems. This allowed for identification of generic elements required to model such systems, which were grouped into Structural, Computational and System Organization pillars. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by defining generic aspects of simulation modelling techniques used to study properties and attributes of complex end-to-end supply chains. The paper advances the theoretical understanding of the simulation methods used and applicability of simulation methodology in modelling end-to-end supply chain systems. The research presents the key findings from the use of simulation in modelling end-to-end supply chains and the main ways in which this modelling technique has informed research and practise.