Information Sharing Of Heterogeneous Retailers In Supply Chain

This article focuses on information sharing in supply chain with heterogeneous retailer.It researches to improve overall supply chain performance.Specifically,the computer system simulation method,that is,the Multi-Agent System(MAS)modeling method is adopted.First,we assess the operational characteristics of heterogeneous retailers,namely lead times,OUT replenishment policy,forecasting,and inventory strategies,which assess the potential value of retailers to determine the structure of information sharing.And to improve supply chain performance by sharing(or not sharing)real demand information.Secondly,we focus on a four-stage supply chain consisting of manufacturers,distributors,wholesalers,and retailers.Each stage is composed of a member except retailerstage.Compare different parts of information sharing under two different assumptions:(1)homogenous retailers;(2)heterogeneous retailers.Under the previous assumption,we analyze the supply chain performance of the same retailer in different configurations.Under the latter,the impact of heterogeneous retailers' participation in information sharing on supply chain performance was assessed.Supply chain performance is measured using a range of indicators(ie,bullwhip slope,inventory slope,and system inventory levels,etc.).The results show that assessing the potential value of retailers before implementing information sharing reveals the impact of information sharing in supply chain.Homogeneous retailers can improve supply chain performance while they are participating in information sharing.According to the assumption,the benefits of information sharing increase as the number of retailers increases,and the structure of full information sharing is recommended.Conversely,when the retailer is heterogeneous,the supply chain performance of information sharing depends on the retailer's operational characteristics.The retailer's demand difference and forecasting are the most important operational characteristics.At this time,it is more beneficial to implement partial information sharing.