A fractal perspective-based methodological framework for supply chain modelling and distributed simulation with multi-agent system

Abstract

With the development of global economy, supply chain, as a recognised complex system, is becoming more complex for analysis. In this context, it is worth introducing the perspective of complex system in perceiving and modelling of supply chain system to address its dynamic, stochastic and uncertain characteristics. Therefore, this paper proposes a methodological framework of supply chain modelling and simulation based on the fractal perspective, and presents an all-round and systematic exposition of concept modelling and distributed simulation by means of multi-agent technology. In this framework, different supply chain scenarios focusing on manufacturing, inventory and transportation can be easily modelled and simulated at different scales and levels. In addition, a prototype system which implements the methodological framework and the key implementation techniques are presented as well. Finally, a supply chain example, which supposes manufacturer as the core member, is modelled and simulated with the prototype system to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework.

Keywords:

• supply chain management
• fractal perspective
• modelling and simulation
• multi-agent system

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their gratitude for the reviewers’ valuable comments and suggestions that improved the original manuscript.

Funding

This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation, China [grant number 71071114], [grant number 71101107]; National Science and Technology Support Program [grant number 2011BAC10B08]; Project of Humanities and Social Sciences of Education Ministry [grant number 11YJC630216]; Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China [grant number LQ13G010003]; and Zhejiang Philosophy and Social Science Planning Project of China [grant number 13NDJC039YB].