Introduction to Operations and Supply Chain Simulation With Anylogic

This textbook introduces readers to the principles of business process and supply chain simulation modeling using the AnyLogic multimethod simulation software. However, the book is not a software manual; instead, it reinforces the fundamental concepts of process analysis and supply chain management through simulation models while simultaneously teaching the process of simulation modeling. Complex statistical and mathematical derivations are kept to a minimum, while managerial decision-making is emphasized. Simulation games are introduced as an engaging way to comprehend system structures.

The book is divided into four parts, each with the same format: presenting a motivating case study, developing technical models, providing step-by-step instructions for building AnyLogic simulation models and KPI dashboard design, using the models for classroom games and decision-making, and discussing possible extensions for assignments or advanced studies.

The book is intended for undergraduate and master’s students in supply chain and operations management, as well as their instructors. Although some mathematical notation is necessary, the content has been carefully selected for readers without an engineering or mathematics background. Readers are encouraged to build models while reading, with the models becoming increasingly complex. Upon completing the book, readers will have learned how to create their own simulation models using popular software, gained a deeper understanding of operational and supply chain management concepts, and attained the proficiency needed to apply key performance metrics for managerial decision-making.

Dr. Dmitry Ivanov is a Professor of Supply Chain and Operations Management at Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR Berlin), Germany. He serves as an Academic Director of MA Global Supply Chain and Operations Management and leads the Digital-AI Supply Chain Lab. He has taught operations management, supply chain management and logistics for more than 25 years at undergraduate, graduate, PhD, and executive MBA levels at various universities worldwide. His publication record includes over 150 research papers in prestigious international academic journals and several books published with Springer. His main research interests span supply chain resilience, the ripple effect management in supply chains, and digital supply chain twins. He is actively involved in editorial work for leading international journals, third-party financed and industrial research projects, and organization of large-scale scientific conferences.

William P. Millhiser is an Associate Professor of Operations Management at Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College, City University of New York, USA. He teaches Operations and Decision Analytics MBA and BBA programs, and is the recipient of the Baruch College President's Award for Distinguished Teaching and the Zicklin School of Business’s Teaching Excellence Award. His research interests encompass stochastic modeling and simulation, with a particular focus on optimizing queueing systems, including appointment scheduling systems.

Phu Nguyen is a Research Associate at Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR Berlin), Germany. He has significant experience in Supply Chain and Operations Management within renowned manufacturing organizations such as Intel and Decathlon. His research is dedicated to the advancement of supply chain resilience and viability using simulation and machine learning methodologies.