"System Dynamics for Manufacturing: Supply Chain Simulation of Hemp-Rei" by Gurinder Kaur and Ronald Kander
 

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-19-2025

Comments

This article is the author's final published version in Sustainability (Switzerland), Volume 17, Issue 2, January 2025, Article number 765.

The published version is available at https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020765.

Copyright © 2025 by the authors

Abstract

Supply chain management (SCM) involves complexities and uncertainties in the flow of goods and services from raw materials to end users. Inaccurate estimation of raw materials, labor, or equipment can lead to financial losses and environmental impacts. This study explores the application of system dynamics modeling (SDM) in manufacturing hemp-reinforced polymer composites (HRPC) to optimize resource usage. Using SDM software STELLA® (Version 3.7.3), selected for its affordability and features, the research demonstrates how system dynamics (SD) can enhance sustainability by minimizing materials, labor, and equipment, reducing energy consumption. A literature review identified a gap in existing research, as we found no prior studies simulating HRPC manufacturing using SDM. The study concludes that SDM is an effective tool for optimizing resource use and improving manufacturing efficiency. By simulating multiple supply chain scenarios in a risk-free environment, the model helps reduce resource consumption and enhance sustainability. Additionally, outputs from the STELLA® model can be used as inputs for life cycle assessment (LCA) to quantitatively measure environmental impacts.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Language

English

Share

COinS