Agent-Based Simulation in Logistics and Supply Chain Research: Literature Review and Analysis

In complex supply chains decision-makers strive to act quickly and effectively to ensure the efficient operation of their systems. Particularly, at the operational level immediate decision-making is required. In this context, simulation is becoming increasingly important for decision-making in logistics and supply chain. The classic event-discrete simulation paradigm is reaching its limits in the modelling of individual interacting system components of complex socio-technical systems due to a lack of flexibility and adaptability. The agent-based simulation (ABS) paradigm offers the capability to design heterogeneous individuals as agents that interact with each other as well as with the environment. This paper analyses the state-of-the-art of ABS in literature with a focus on operational logistics. We use a multi-level classification framework to provide a literature overview for publications of the operational logistics research field from in the recent years. On the basis of the literature review, categories are identified which may indicate research gaps.