In the previous section we characterised FSCNs in terms of parties involved, processes,
products and alternative design strategies. Let us now relate these characteristics to
requirements to be set on models for FSC simulation. Recall, that our choice for discrete
event simulation is motivated by the type of problem studied, i.e., the design of FSCs,
which are: (i) characterised by uncertainties in product quality, and logistics as well as their
interaction; and (ii) evaluated for logistic costs and service, product quality, and
sustainability. We distinguish between requirements on simulation modelling that address
the general case of SCM and requirements that are specific for the food industry. As far as
the general case is concerned, we build on earlier work (Van der Zee and Van der Vorst
2005). An overview of these requirements is meant to: (i) support a review of current
tools for supply chain simulation; and (ii) structure our discussion on the new tool, see
Section 4. We conclude this section by stating our research contributions.