DISCRETE EVENT SIMULATION APPLIED TO MODELLING AND ANALYSIS OF A
SUPPLY CHAIN
A. G. Bruzzone, S. Viazzo
MISS - DIPEM University of Genoa
Via Opera Pia 15 - 16145 Genova, Italy
{agostino,viazzo}@itim.unige.it
URL st.itim.unige.it
F. Longo, G. Mirabelli, E. Papoff
University of Calabria
Via Pietro Bucci, Cube 46C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
{f.longo, g.mirabelli, e.papoff}@unical.it
URL http://www.unical.it
C. Briano, M. Massei
Liophant Simulation
Via Molinero 1, 17100 Savona Italy
{chiara.briano, marina.massei}@liophant.org
URL www.liophant.org
Keywords: Logistic platform, discrete event simulation,
Design of Experiment, Analysis of Variance, business
retail.
Abstract
The present work focuses on the application of discrete
event simulation for the modelling and study of a
logistic platform devoted to support retail business,
located on the Ligurian coast.
In particular – after accurate computerized modelling of
the logistic chain, which is made up of a distribution
centre, 7 suppliers and 10 customers – we focussed on
the evaluation of the effect of two factors (trucks
downtime at the distribution station and security factor
on the estimated delivery time) on the mean service
level provided to customers.
To this purpose, we used both Design of Experiment
(DOE) for experiments planning and the Analysis of
Variance (ANOVA) to study the output of statistical
data from the simulation model.
Introduction
It is perfectly clear that one of the priorities of a
distribution system's management is the complete
fulfilment of customers' need. The capability of
supplying the right product at the right time, to comply
with delivery schedules and to respect required
conditions at very low costs, is one of the fundamental
prerequisites of a distribution system.
The value added to the product, deriving from optimal
logistics, increases customers' satisfaction, thereby
guaranteeing better competitiveness and business
survival in increasingly competitive markets.
There are many examples in which inadequate supplies
and communications caused the decrease of business
market shares associated to revenues reduction and
lower quality of services to customers.
Among the various tools at present available for
planning, analysing and managing logistics and
distribution systems, simulation plays a critical role.
Logistics simulation models are used for planning and
analysing the supplies and communications chain and to
test - by means of computers - different possible
scenarios such as changes in transportation modes (by
rail, ship etc. or multipick and multidrop strategies),
supply management policies as well as products
demand fluctuations.
The present work focuses on the application of discrete
event simulation for the modelling and analysis of a
supply chain, organized to guarantee support to retail
business.
The logistic platform - located on the Ligurian coast - is
made up of 10 customers, a distribution station and 7
suppliers. Connections among the various nodes are
ensured by road haulage.
Figure 1 shows the flow of orders and products among
customers, distribution station and suppliers.
Logistic chain modelling
We selected a hierarchical approach used in the
modelling phase in order to plan both the operation of
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