INTEGRATED METHODS OS SIMULATION APPLIED TO RELATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS ON SUPPLY CHAINS: ANALYSIS AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
The emergence of new and complex relational arrangements between companies is a consequence of important changes promoted by globalization. Despite the intense transformation of this scenario it is perceived that most of the existing models only partially considering the phenomenon where logistics systems balanced, efficient and responsiveness have high importance in the maintenance and survival of the supply chains. The integrated use of simulation methods opens the possibility to exploring old and new problems through a new perspective that can promote better solutions to real-world problems. This strategy is rare in the liter-ature, thus, this work contributes to better use of computer modeling simulation proposing combined use strategies of these methods what offers the potential to increase their strengths and reduce individual limitations. Three methods are discussed: Discrete Event Simulation (DES), System Dynamics (SD), Agent-based Modeling and Simulation (ABMS). A comparative analysis between these methods is presented and in the following one practical application in a Brazilian case is discussed.