Design of an Integrated Methodology for Analytical Design of Complex Supply Chains

A literature review and  gap  analysis indentifies key limitations of industry best practice when modelling of  supply chains. To  address these limitations the paper reportson  the  conception and  development of an integrated modelling methodology designedto underpin the analytical design of complex supply chains. The methodology is based upon a systematic deployment of EM, CLD, and SM techniques; the  integration of which isachieved via  common modellingconcepts and  decomposition principles. Thereby the  methodology facilitates:   i  graphical representation and  description ofkey  “processing”, “resourcing” and “work flow” properties ofsupply chain configurations;  ii  behavioural exploration ofcurrently configured supply chains, to  facilitatereasoning about uncertain demand  impacts on  supply,  make,delivery, and   return processes;

iii  predictive quantification about relativeperformances of alternative complex supply chain configurations, includingrisk  assessments. Guidelines for  the  application of each  step  of the methodology are  described. Also   described are recommended data collection methods  and expected modellingoutcomes for each  step.  Themethodology is being  extensively case tested to quantify potentialbenefits & costs relative to current best industry practice.The paper reflects  on preliminary benefits gained during industry based case study modellingand  identifies areas of potential improvement.