Multi-Resolution Modeling for Supply Chain Sustainability Analysis

Paper in proceeding, 2013

Consumers are increasingly becoming conscious of the need to reduce environmental impact. This has motivated the industry to make efforts to improve the sustainability of their products and supply chains. Such efforts require the ability to analyze the sustainability of supply chains and potential improvements. A systematic approach is needed to evaluate the alternatives that may range from those at the supply chain configuration level to those for improving equipment at a production facility. This paper presents a multi-resolution modeling approach that allows analyzing parts of the supply chain at appropriate level of detail. The capability allows studying the supply chain at high level initially and iteratively drilling down to detailed levels in the identified areas of opportunity and evaluating associated improvement alternatives. Multi-resolution modeling directly relates the impact of improvement in one part of the supply chain to overall supply chain performance thus reducing analyst effort and time.