SISCO and SCML: Software tools for supply chain simulation modeling and information sharing

We address two major challenges related to supply-chain modeling: the inability to effectively share supply-chain structural and managerial information and the relative difficulty of developing supply-chain simulation models. The results are utilized in an operational investigation of the bullwhip effect.; One of the greatest roadblocks to effective supply-chain analysis is the inability of researchers and practitioners to exchange information. In many endeavors elaborate models are devised but only implemented on a single supply-chain design. One reason for this is that supply-chain information is not available in a ready-to-use format. We develop the Supply Chain Modeling Language (SCML) to address information-sharing difficulties. SCML is a flexible, XML-based language providing a generalized structure for describing supply-chain structural and managerial characteristics. We develop a graphic editor, the Visual Supply Chain Editor (VSCE) for easy creation of supply-chain description files in the SCML format.; In addition to information-sharing problems, other difficulties also hamper supply-chain simulation model development. One of the greatest problems with supply-chain simulation modeling is the substantial development time, effort, and expertise required; these are directly related to the lack of pre-defined and reusable basic supply-chain simulation constructs. We develop the Simulator for Integrated Supply Chain Operations (SISCO) to address simulation modeling difficulties. SISCO is a Java-based tool combining visual model construction, integrated SCML compatibility for easy information sharing, and future internet capabilities.; Utilizing SISCO to analyze the Bullwhip Effect demonstrates the benefits of a visual supply-chain simulation tool coupled with an information-sharing standard. The bullwhip effect, also known as the Forrester effect, is the phenomena of increasing demand variation as the demand information is passed upstream through the supply-chain. This amplification is of major concern because it has direct cost impacts, such as increased safety stock requirements. We analyze the impact of lead-time variation on the bullwhip effect, using the SISCO tool. A variation, stored in SCML format, of the well-known beer game serves as our test supply-chain.