Towards a Web-based Simulation Application for Contract Costing utilizing a Hybrid SA Approach

摘要

Outsourcing is becoming more important in the world economy and is a business approach that is increasing worldwide. As a consequence of this trend, complex supply chains have been created where suppliers can be located throughout the world, with companies who outsource moving increasingly towards multiple suppliers and short-term contracts. Before establishing these contracts, buyers generally issue a request for quotation (RFQ) to a number of potential suppliers who are capable of delivering a specific product(s)/service(s). In responding to these RFQs, suppliers must cost their quotation and respond to the buyer within an agreed timeframe. This can be difficult as the timeframe can be relatively short and many of these contracts contain operational details. This paper presents work carried out on developing an application that aids suppliers in the costing of their contracts. This application is web-based, and utilizes a hybrid simulation and animation (S&A) approach in its implementation.