Analysis of the virtual enterprise using distributed supply chain modeling and simulation: an application of e-SCOR

Supply chains are large systems consisting of many entities interacting in complex ways. The challenge faced by companies is how to design and manage such systems. Modeling and simulation enables analysis of complex systems but as the model increases in size and realism, or when it is necessary to locate model components geographically, a distribution capability is needed. The High Level Architecture (HLA), developed by the Department of Defense provides the infrastructure needed for large-scale distributed simulation. The supply chain management field is characterized by a lack of standards and definitions. The Supply Chain Council has established a standard way to examine and analyze supply chains with their Supply Chain Operations Reference, or SCOR model. The SCOR model provides a standard way of viewing a supply chain, a common set of manipulate-able variables and a set of accepted metrics for understanding the dynamic behavior of supply chains. The e-SCOR modeling and simulation environment is based on SCOR and adds discrete event simulation capabilities. The paper describes the architectural components used to implement a distributed supply chain modeling tool (e-SCOR) and applications of e-SCOR that demonstrate how enterprises are modeled and analyzed to determine the validity of alternative, virtual business models.