In this blog post I list and briefly describe 38 software solutions that can be used for supply chain simulation. Some of the software solutions listed here are primarily meant for factory or general process simulation but can be applied to supply chain model implementation as well. Other software solutions listed here are primarily planning tools for actual business operations and supply chain management, featuring some forecasting-related or decision-making related simulation capabilities. Other software solutions listed here primarily meant for modeling of supply chain, without actual operations planning in daily operational business.

Furthermore, some of the supply chain simulation software solutions listed here are free and open-source while others are commercial.

Above table highlights all supply chain simulation software solutions mentioned in this blog post.

SimPy

A simple discrete-event simulation and event handling library available in Python. You can build industry-and project-specific discrete-event simulation libraries around SimPy. In that sense it is extremely flexible, both in terms of model logic, statistics and statistics graphs, as well as animation.

Below is a demonstration video of a supply chain simulation model that I developed in SimPy, modelling yogurt availability in a yogurt production and distribution network (perishable product).

Process Simulator by ProModel

Simulation tool for process improvement and supply chain optimization. Enhances operational efficiency and process optimization.

Some key features:

• Flowchart-based modeling
• Scenario analysis
• Real-time simulation
• Detailed reporting
• Intuitive use and easy to use
• Great reviews

Below video demonstrates Process Simulator by ProModel. The tool can be used for modeling workflows in supply chains.

FlexSim GIS Module

3D simulation software with a GIS module for modeling and optimizing supply chain processes and geographic distribution networks. Enhanced module capabilities for FlexSim, supporting spatial analysis and spatial supply chain modeling.

Some key features:

• Realistic 3D visualization
• GIS-based modeling
• Drag-and-drop model building
• Extensive library of pre-built components
• Custom scripting

Check below video to get an idea of the GIS Module in FlexSim.

LLamasoft Supply Chain Guru X

Advanced tool for network design and optimization with simulation features. Targets strategic and tactical supply chain planning.

Some key features:

• End-to-end supply chain modeling
• Advanced optimization
• Data integration
• Machine learning capabilities

Below video shows an example of a simulation-based approach in LLamasoft Supply Chain Guru.

anyLogistix

Combines optimization, simulation, and network design in one package.

Some key features:

• Multi-method modeling
• Scenario comparison
• Detailed supply chain KPIs
• Integration with AnyLogic
• Tailored for comprehensive supply chain and logistics management

Below video shows an example of a supply chain simulation in anyLogistix.

IBM ILOG LogicNet Plus

Strategic network design and planning tool with simulation capabilities. Helps optimize supply chain networks and reduce costs.

Some key features:

• Network optimization
• Transportation and warehousing cost analysis
• Scenario planning, integration with IBM’s analytics tools

Simul8

Discrete event simulation software for building and experimenting with models quickly. Suitable for rapid simulation model development and testing.

Some key featurs:

• User-friendly interface
• Cloud-based options
• Extensive library of examples
• Integration with Microsoft Excel

AnyLogic

Combines system dynamics, discrete event simulation, and agent-based modeling for versatile supply chain simulation. Suitable for complex supply chain networks and various industry applications.

Some key features:

• Multimethod modeling
• Industry-specific libraries
• Analytics capabilities (integrations)
• Integration with other tools and databases

In addition, AnyLogic comes with AnyLogic Cloud, a cloud-based simulation platform for model exchange and model visualization access. Facilitates collaborative and accessible supply chain simulation.

Some key features of AnyLogic Cloud:

• Accessible anywhere
• Collaborative modeling
• Extensive analytics
• Integration with AnyLogic

Arena Simulation

Discrete event simulation software for analyzing complex systems. Ideal for detailed process and system simulation.

Some key features:

• Flowchart modeling
• Scenario analysis
• Detailed statistical output
• Integration with other Rockwell Automation tools

Simio

Simulation, scheduling, and optimization software for supply chain and manufacturing systems. Useful for both operational and strategic supply chain management.

Some key features:

• Object-oriented modeling
• Real-time scheduling
• Extensive library of 3D objects
• Customizable scripting

MOSIMTEC

Simulation modeling and analysis services, including supply chain network design. Provides customized simulation solutions for supply chain challenges.

Some key Features:

• Custom simulation models
• Scenario analysis
• Performance optimization
• Detailed reporting

CAST Aurora

Focuses on strategic and tactical planning with simulation capabilities. Enhances decision-making through detailed simulation analysis.

Some key Features:

• Comprehensive modeling
• Cost and service optimization
• Visualization and reporting
• ERP integration capabilities

Infor Supply Chain Planning

Optimizes supply chain operations with network design and simulation. Integrates planning processes for improved efficiency.

Some key features:

• Network optimizationS
• Simulation
• Demand forecasting
• Inventory optimization
• ERP integration capabilities

Supply Chain Guru by LLamasoft (Coupa)

Combines simulation, optimization, and network design. Enhances supply chain resilience and responsiveness.

Some key features:

• End-to-end supply chain modeling
• Scenario planning
• Advanced optimization
• Extensive data integration

SAP Integrated Business Planning (SAP IBP)

Real-time supply chain planning solution with simulation capabilities. Provides visibility and planning capabilities.

Some key features:

• Real-time analytics
• Demand planning
• Inventory optimization
• Cloud-based deployment

Logility Voyager Solutions

Includes simulation for network design and optimization. Streamlines supply chain operations and improves forecast accuracy.

Some key features:

• Integrated planning
• Scenario analysis
• Real-time visibility
• Collaboration tools

JDA Supply Chain Strategist (Blue Yonder)

Focuses on optimizing supply chain networks with simulation. Enhances strategic planning and operational efficiency.

Some key features:

• Network modeling
• Scenario analysis
• Cost and service optimization
• Advanced visualization

Transplace TMS

Transportation management system with network optimization and simulation. Optimizes transportation logistics and reduces costs.

Some key Features:

• Transportation network design
• Cost and service optimization
• Real-time visibility
• ERP integration

Quest by Dassault Systèmes

A 3D simulation tool for manufacturing and supply chain operations. Provides detailed insights into manufacturing and logistics processes.

Some key Features:

• 3D visualization
• Discrete event simulation
• Detailed analytics
• Scenario analysis

Aspen Supply Chain Planner

Includes simulation capabilities for supply chain optimization. Enhances decision-making through predictive analytics.

Some key Features:

• Network design
• Demand planning
• Inventory optimization
• Integration with AspenTech solutions

Powersim Studio

Dynamic simulation software for supply chain analysis. Mainly targets long-term strategic planning and policy analysis. Ideal for long-term strategic planning and policy analysis.

Some key features:

• System dynamics modeling
• Real-time data integration
• Scenario planning
• Extensive reporting

AutoMod by Applied Materials

Detailed simulation software for manufacturing and logistics systems. Optimizes complex manufacturing and logistics operations.

Some key features:

• Realistic 3D animation
• Discrete event simulation
• Material handling system modeling
• Analytics capabilities

GoldSim

Simulation software for risk and performance assessment in supply chains. Mainly aims at supporting SCM risk management and SCM performance analysis.

Some key features:

• Probabilistic simulation
• Scenario analysis
• Detailed reporting
• Integration with other tools

IBM SmartSCOR

Based on the SCOR model, it provides simulation for supply chain performance analysis. Enhances supply chain performance management.

Some key Features:

• Benchmarking
• Performance measurement
• Scenario analysis
• Extensive reporting

SimChain by The Simulation Group

Focuses on simulating supply chain networks for optimization. Improves strategic planning and operational efficiency.

Some key features:

• Network design
• Cost and service level analysis
• Scenario planning
• Detailed reporting

Insight Maker

Web-based simulation software that supports system dynamics and agent-based modeling. Facilitates easy-to-use and accessible simulation modeling.

Some key features:

• Collaborative modeling
• Cloud-based access
• Detailed analytics
• Extensive library of models

SIMPROCESS

A hierarchical process simulation tool combining process mapping, discrete event simulation, and activity-based costing. Enhances detailed process analysis and cost management.

Some key features:

• Hierarchical modeling
• Process and resource analysis
• Scenario comparison
• Detailed reporting

Dynacast by Demand Solutions

Supply chain planning and forecasting software with simulation capabilities. Improves forecast accuracy and inventory management.

Some key features:

• Demand planning
• Inventory optimization
• Network design
• What-if analysis

GAMS (General Algebraic Modeling System)

High-level modeling system for mathematical optimization, including supply chain and inventory management. Facilitates advanced mathematical modeling and optimization.

Some key features:

• Optimization and simulation
• Extensive model library
• Integration with other tools
• Scenario analysis

SPS Commerce

Cloud-based supply chain management software with simulation features. Enhances visibility and control over supply chain operations.

Some key features:

• Demand forecasting
• Inventory management
• Order visibility
• Simulation and scenario planning

Oracle Supply Chain Planning Cloud

Comprehensive suite for supply chain planning with simulation capabilities. Provides integrated planning and real-time analytics.

Some key features:

• Demand planning
• Supply planning
• Inventory optimization
• Scenario simulation
• Cloud-based deployment

MapleSim

Advanced system-level modeling and simulation tool. Ideal for complex system simulations and performance analysis.

Some key Features:

• Multidomain modeling
• System-level analysis
• Real-time simulation
• Detailed visualization

Cisco Supply Chain Network Simulation

Network simulation tool for designing and optimizing supply chain networks. Enhances strategic planning and network optimization.

Some key features:

• Network design
• Cost analysis
• Performance metrics
• Scenario testing

Tecnomatix Plant Simulation

Previously known as eM-Plant. Discrete event simulation software for manufacturing and logistics. Optimizes manufacturing and logistics processes.

Some key features:

• Detailed 3D modeling
• Material flow simulation
• Resource optimization
• Extensive analytics

LogicNet Plus XE by IBM

Strategic network design and optimization software with simulation capabilities. Enhances supply chain network design and cost optimization.

Some key Features:

• Network optimization
• Transportation cost analysis
• Scenario planning
• Integration with IBM analytics

WITNESS Horizon

Simulation software for supply chain, manufacturing, and logistics. Enhances visibility and control over supply chain operations.

Some key features:

• Discrete event simulation
• 3D visualization
• Scenario analysis
• Performance optimization

QAD DynaSys

Supply chain planning software with simulation features. Provides integrated planning and real-time analytics.

Some key Features:

• Demand planning
• Inventory optimization
• Scenario modeling
• Cloud-based deployment

LogistiX by LogistiX International

Simulation software for supply chain network design and optimization. Enhances strategic planning and operational efficiency.

Some key Features:

• Network modeling
• Cost and service analysis
• Scenario testing
• Detailed reporting

Arena Solutions

Cloud-based product lifecycle management software with supply chain simulation features. Improves product lifecycle management and supply chain efficiency.

Some key features:

• Network design
• Inventory management
• Demand planning
• Simulation and scenario analysis

Linnart Felkl

Data scientist focusing on simulation, optimization and modeling in R, SQL, VBA and Python