Simulation software as a tool for supply chain analysis and improvement

Abstract

Effective decision making in the automotive supply chain is complex, due to the increasing number of suppliers and customers who form part of it. For this reason, the use of tools that allow to improve the performance of the supply chain is necessary. Simulation Software is one of these tools. Therefore, in this paper a simulation model to improve the performance of an automotive supply chain is developed. Using sensitivity analysis, this study finds the values that allow the supply chain to improve its order fulfilment indicator. In the sensitivity analysis, the variables Cycle Time, Production Adjustment Time, Delivery Time, Raw Material Inventory, and Finished Good Inventory, were modified. The results show that: 1) in the base line scenario, only the 78.85% of the orders are fulfilled, and 2) to fulfil the 100% of the orders Cycle Time, Production Adjustment Time, and Delivery Time must be reduced to one week.