Dynamic web-based configuration changes in a supply chain

Abstract

An optimized supply chain is a source of competitive advantage. Supply chain design consists of two phases: initial design and on-going design. There is currently much in the literature regarding initial supply chain design. However, as the environment changes, so must the supply chain. A single member of the team may have circumstances that change their original parameters and therefore this member must determine how to modify their operation with minimal adverse impact to the supply chain. There is a need for the ability to configure the supply chain based on either temporary or permanent changes in a single partner. A description of related efforts is first presented and an approach is then described. The approach develops a web-based interface to use commercial discrete-event simulation model of a supply chain.