SUPPLY CHAIN SIMULATION

摘要

Over the last decade, dynamic simulation has become a standard tool for evaluating and optimising mine-to-port supply chains for the coal industry. As simulation technology has improved, it has become possible to simulate the entire supply chain in a single model. These models track the movement of coal from the ROM stockpiles, through the coal preparation plant, train loadout, rail system and marine terminal, all the way to individual ships. Navigational restrictions, such as tides, third party vessel traffic and weather restrictions, are usually also modelled. This approach captures the subtle interactions between sub-systems and allows the entire supply chain to be holistically optimised.