Modeling information for manufacturing-oriented supply-chain simulations

This paper discusses a new approach that facilitates the use of simulation in supply chain applications, especially for manufacturing-related activities. A neutral information representation methodology, which is based on the extensible markup language (XML), referred to as the manufacturing information model for simulation (MIMS), is being developed at NIST to address the needs of information integration and exchange along supply chain applications. This information model can be applied to create a data-driven simulation that supports supply chain optimization. An example of a manufacturing-oriented supply-chain simulation is also discussed.