An approach for increasing flexibility in green supply chains driven by simulation

Flexibility is a relevant topic in the field of green supply chains (GSC), as disturbances lead to additional transport and storage, frequently aggravated by energy-consuming air conditioning requirements. This paper discusses how simulation can support to establish flexible GSCs with specific focus on decreasing CO₂ and energy consumption. For this purpose, the term flexibility is structured into categories, and methodological approaches driven by simulation in supply chains are studied. Flexibility requirements in the context of a GSC are analyzed and potential support derived for increasing this flexibility, gained by a join of simulation techniques, data models and morphological characteristics of flexibility. An approach for systematic flexibility analysis is presented on the grounds of a data mart that represents both internal and external factors influencing GSC scenarios.