A Hybrid Simulation Model of Inbound Logistics Operations in Regional Food Supply Systems

Regional food hubs aggregate, distribute, and market local food, with a goal of promoting environmental and social sustainability. They provide an alternative distribution channel through which small-scale producers can access wholesale markets. However, food hubs face many barriers to growth and success. In particular, they are often unable to achieve the logistical and operational efficiencies that characterize conventional large-scale food distribution. One possible method of improving food hub efficiency targets inbound logistics operations - specifically, the scheduling of producer deliveries to the food hub. In this paper, we describe a hybrid simulation model of the inbound logistics operations of a food hub. Using this model, we observe the scheduling behavior of the producers under different conditions and explore the effectiveness of implementing incentives to encourage producers to schedule their deliveries in advance

Simulation-based Scenario Mapping Model to investigate Post-Brexit Implications on the Irish Beef Export Sector: A Case Study

Purpose Brexit introduced a range of new tariffs and non-tariff barriers that will significantly disrupt Irish beef exports, particularly to the UK market. Firms should be able to accurately anticipate the adverse effects of Brexit trade barriers on the flow of their products and change their practices accordingly. This research introduces a scenario planning solution based on a process simulation technology to investigate the implication of Brexit risks on Irish beef export performance. Scenarios implications on the transportation time and shelf-life of Irish meat exports to the UK market are investigated. Research Approach An agent-based and discrete event simulation model based on a geographic information system (GIS) map were applied. The simulation model focuses on Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro/Ro) maritime transport connectivity between Ireland, the UK, and other EU member states. The agent-based modelling is used for communication between the main four model entities (products, trucks, vessels, and ports). On the other hand, discrete event modelling is applied for sequencing the procedures inside the different agents. Findings and Originality The research outcomes suggest that beef supply chains and product flow between Ireland and the UK should not be interrupted post-Brexit. It is recommended that the Irish Government explore mitigation strategies for border check disruptions in this regard with EU26 and UK authorities. A lack of communication between the revenue authorities in Ireland and the UK will be a real challenge for the beef export business. It was also recommended that a robust direct shipping service to mainland Europe is essential to avoid the UK Land-bridge uncertainty. Research Impact Using simulation to model transportation systems and investigate business decisions added a new perspective on how business analytics can inform the pre-disruption phase of building supply chain resilience. Using modelling and simulation in the context of geopolitical disruption and supply chain resilience has rarely been presented in the literature. Practical Impact The research provided the Irish meat exporters and supply chain practitioners with a scenario mapping solution to anticipate Brexit implications and inform potential mitigation and responding strategies. The article has also highlighted the severe implications of geopolitical disruptions on supply chains. Keywords Supply Chain Resilience, Modelling & Simulation, Post-Brexit Implications, Beef Supply Chain

Simulation of logistics in food retailing for freight transportation analysis

The study contributes to fill the gap between freight transportation analysis and logistic research. It describes the model SYNTRADE, a simulation model that reproduces logistic structures in the German food retailing sector. Logistic decisions and their interdependencies are simulated based on heuristics from the field of logistic optimization. The model provides the possibility to analyze changes in logistics and freight transport demand on a company, as well as on an overall sector level

Development of a framework for enhancing resilience in the UK food and drink manufacturing sector

This thesis presents research undertaken to understand and enhance resilience in the UK Food and Drink Manufacturing Sector. It focuses on the development of a conceptual framework which establishes how specific vulnerabilities link to individual mitigation strategies available to the sector and the impact of such strategies on wider sustainability. The research in this thesis is divided into four main parts. The first part consists of three complementary review chapters exploring resilience as a theoretical concept, resilience in the UK Food and Drink Manufacturing sector and existing methods used to study and/or enhance resilience. The second part of the thesis begins by describing how the pragmatic philosophy and abductive stance underpinning the research, in combination with review findings, helped to determine the research techniques used in this work, which included the systematic review process and the mixed methods case study. Next, the research facilitating a novel conceptual framework describing how real-time vulnerabilities can be identified and mitigated in a way that is complimentary to the wider sustainability of the organisation is discussed. [Continues.