Collaborative inventory distribution management in a supply chain: A simulation perspective

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to introduce the concept of real time collaboration for inventory distribution management in supply chains using Google spreadsheet. The capability of Google spreadsheet to use for a complex structure of supply chain is demonstrated using simulation for inventory distribution management. To demonstrate the collaboration capabilities for inventory distribution management, a role play game is developed using the Google spreadsheet. The two periodic review policies considered for the simulation are Order Up-To (OUT) and (r, S) where, r is reorder point and S is maximum inventory level. Using these policies a two year simulation is carried which could demonstrate on-line inventory distribution management capability for 15-member 4-echelon divergent supply chain. The 4-member 4-echelon role play game could demonstrate collaborative capabilities of Google spreadsheet for inventory distribution in a supply chain.