Simulation of a multi-modal supply chain

Road transport is often preferred above intermodal (or multi-modal) transport due to the longer throughput times of the intermodal chain. However, for some categories of goods this disadvantage can be taken away by working with containers with Standard mix compositions. The pipeline can be filled with these containers, even before the customer orders arrive. In the end, stock levels can be reduced at bath the producer and the customer. The concept has been developed for a Dutch brewery with a huge export now to Spain. A simulation model has been built to evaluate the performance of several scenarios. The model can be approached on the Internet An interactive Java shell has been built around the simulation model. Any Internet user can select scenarios and run the model across the Internet. The model returns stock and service levels in the different stock points of the supply chain. Besides, the model gives insight in the behaviour of a 2-echelon inventory system and in the Standard mix concept.