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.