Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1QU, UK.
Centre for Modelling and Simulation, Bristol BS16 7FR, UK.
Sensors (Basel). 2023 Apr 20;23(8):4147. doi: 10.3390/s23084147.
This paper investigates using simulation to predict the benefits and costs of digitalising cold distribution chains. The study focuses on the distribution of refrigerated beef in the UK, where digitalisation was implemented to re-route cargo carriers. By comparing simulations of both digitalised and non-digitalised supply chains, the study found that digitalisation can reduce beef waste and decrease the number of miles driven per successful delivery, leading to potential cost savings. Note that this work is not attempting to prove that digitalisation is appropriate for the chosen scenario, only to justify a simulation approach as a decision making tool. The proposed modelling approach provides decision-makers with more accurate predictions of the cost-benefit of increased sensorisation in supply chains. By accounting for stochastic and variable parameters, such as weather and demand fluctuations, simulation can be used to identify potential challenges and estimate the economic benefits of digitalisation. Moreover, qualitative assessments of the impact on customer satisfaction and product quality can help decision-makers consider the broader impacts of digitalisation. Overall, the study suggests that simulation can play a crucial role in facilitating informed decisions about the implementation of digital technologies in the food supply chain. By providing a better understanding of the potential costs and benefits of digitalisation, simulation can help organisations make more strategic and effective decisions.
本文探讨了利用模拟技术来预测数字化冷藏供应链的效益和成本。该研究专注于英国冷藏牛肉的配送，数字化技术的应用旨在重新规划货运路线。通过比较数字化和非数字化供应链的模拟结果，研究发现数字化可以减少牛肉浪费，并降低每一次成功配送的行驶里程数，从而带来潜在的成本节约。需要注意的是，这项工作并非旨在证明数字化对于所选场景是合适的，而只是为了证明模拟方法作为决策工具的合理性。所提出的建模方法为决策者提供了更准确的预测，即增加供应链中传感器的成本效益。通过考虑随机和可变参数，如天气和需求波动，模拟可以用于识别潜在挑战，并估计数字化的经济效益。此外，对客户满意度和产品质量影响的定性评估有助于决策者考虑数字化的更广泛影响。总体而言，该研究表明，模拟可以在促进食品供应链中实施数字技术的决策方面发挥关键作用。通过更好地了解数字化的潜在成本和效益，模拟可以帮助组织做出更具战略性和有效性的决策。
