Title: Performance analysis of supply chain network using a genetic algorithm and simulation

Authors: S. Kumanan, S. Prasanna Venkatesan, K. Kumar, J. Prasanna Kumar

Addresses: Department of Production Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, TamilNadu, India. ' Department of Production Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, TamilNadu, India. ' Department of Production Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, TamilNadu, India. ' Cognizant Technology Solutions, Chennai, TamilNadu, India

Abstract: Globalisation of economies and technological developments in information systems are forcing enterprises to re-orient their business strategies from independent operations towards integrated, strategic partnerships. This redirection has resulted in the evolution of the supply chain. The supply chain analysis tools and methodologies are improved for effective and efficient decision-making. In this paper, a genetic algorithm is proposed and exemplified for optimising the distribution plan of a two-stage supply chain logistic network. The outcome of the GA methodology is used in a simulation model developed to analyse the influence of demand fluctuation. Case examples are presented with the results and discussion.

Keywords: supply chain optimisation; genetic algorithms; GA; customer responsiveness; distribution planning; spreadsheet simulation; supply chain networks; supply chain performance; supply chain management; SCM; agile systems; agile management; logistics; simulation; demand fluctuation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2006.011635

International Journal of Agile Systems and Management, 2006 Vol.1 No.4, pp.450 - 462

Published online: 06 Dec 2006 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article