A generic conceptual and UML model for the multi-echelon distribution supply chain

The Multi-Echelon Distribution Supply Chain (MEDSC) is a multifaceted structure, focusing on the integration of all factors that involved in the overall distribution process of finished products to the customers. The growing interest in multi-echelon distribution systems has highlighted the need to adopt an appropriate approach to ensure the efficient management of their complexity. While there is a significant amount of analytical research modeling the MEDSC, few studies have used simulation models for this system. The objective of the paper is to model the operational level of the MEDSC network and to obtain a real reflection of its behavior. The permanent interaction among the various components of the MEDSC and the increasing complexity of such system requires a simulation model, which is able to integrate a set of dynamic characteristics and stochastic aspects. Furthermore, this model will be adapted to several configurations of the multi-echelon network. Thus, this research has twofold: first to recall the issues regarding the flow management and inventory control in the MEDSC, then using the objectoriented approach through the Unified Modeling Language (UML) to build a flexible supply chain model.