Software Tools

A variety of commercial software packages for supply chains indicate the growing importance of this area. The IBM supply chain simulator is a software tool that can help a company or a group of companies make strategic business decisions about the design and operation of its supply chain [#!buckley97!#]. IBM-SCS deploys a mix of simulation and optimization functions to model and analyze supply chain issues such as facilities location, replenishment policies, manufacturing policies, logistics strategies, stocking levels, lead times, process costs, and customer service. The IBM-SCS tool enables evaluation of both financial and non-financial performance reports. Rhythm family of supply chain management products have emerged as leading supply chain products in recent times [#!rhythm!#]. The Rhythm suite of products includes: Supply Chain Planner, Supply Chain Strategist, Supply Chain Scheduler, Global Logistics Manager, and Demand Planner. For a detailed review of supply chain software, refer [#!biswasthesis!#].