6. Conclusions and directions for future research
The challenge addressed in this article, is to embed food quality models and sustainability
indicators in discrete event simulation models, in order to facilitate an integrated approach
towards logistic, sustainability and product quality analysis of FSCs. By introducing a new
discrete event simulation tool ALADINTM that answers to this challenge, we aim to
provide a new and improved means for analysing and redesigning FSCs. Its core consists
of the combination of reusable process building blocks and quality decay models that
facilitate the modelling of FSCs. As such, it contributes to improved decision-making with
respect to FSC design. Specific strengths of the tool relate to:
. The integration of logistics, quality decay and sustainability modelling. The
presence of these models makes it possible to use simulation in workshop settings
as transparent tool for trading off FSC performance with respect to all respective
elements.
. The explicit modelling of control structures, building on an explicit modelling
framework. Rather than relying on the implicit mental reference models of the
analyst and the availability of standard building blocks in the library of Enterprise
DynamicsTM, new building blocks were developed in ALADINTM to offer the
analyst guidance in modelling specific FSCs. This provides communication means
via an explicit and well-defined notion of concepts, and helps in reducing the
modelling efforts of the analyst, because of the possibilities for reuse of model
classes, i.e., agents, flow items and jobs.
. The capabilities for more effective and efficient decision support on FSC design.
The case example concerning a pineapple supply chain showed that the tool
provides an integrated means for participants to generate transparency in the
supply chain network and jointly develop and evaluate innovative supply chain