Online Simulation for Logistics and Decision Making

Abstract

Traditional training for IT-professionals is substantially unsynchronized with that of a Business Process Management (BPM) professional, even though their respective fields of expertise are supposed to be placed along a continuum. This causes that the simulation, and later implementation, of dynamic supply chains, is not delivered in a realistic way, especially when business decisions are based on process optimization that features capabilities (what?) and orchestrations (how?), but the underlying structure and metrics are not in sync with business simulations. We present ongoing research that aims at covering the interactions between companies, emphasizing the interactions between methods typically associated with particular fields such as order fulfillment, parts and service support, or industrial packaging. We have developed an online Logistical Simulator (LOST) and have tested it with undergraduates and professionals in continuing education. We present the basic method for presenting and playing with variables and the preliminary conclusions of our work.