Promise and problems of simulation technology in SCM domain

This paper begins by identifying the potential Promise of Simulation domain. It also provides a brief review of this domain and modeling methodologies as applied to supply chain optimization. Problems and solutions of this area are discussed forming the rationale behind most of the industrial practice of this author. As a result most of the deterministic business process reengineering and opportunity assessment work that needs to be done resorts to the "a priori methods". Building the simulation models costs more time and effort than implementing an equivalent solution from SAP such as APO or any part thereof in the domain of supply chain management and optimization. Against this environment and e-supply chain management as a domain of the focus, this paper describes the methodology of doing business cases with case studies to illustrate how the supply chain opportunity assessment through the blue printing process is carried out.