Proposal for Distributed Object Based SCM Simulator

Abstract

This paper proposes the development of a software simulator that allows users to build a supply chain model and analyze the logistics issues behind the model. The simulator consists of five kinds of participants and an e-marketplace for the supply chain. Each participant is implemented as a distributed object such that it runs concurrently and has the following capacities and policies : (1) end customers, (2) intermediaries including manufacturers, (3) parts suppliers, (4) electronic payment service providers, and (5) transportation servers. The e-marketplace defines the trade protocol for the workflow management and transaction analysis. The SCM simulator visualizes goods flow, money flow and information flow. This paper discusses the background of the proposal, the goal of simulator, and milestone, and technical issues for development.