Increasing customer requirements with respect to quality and delivery time of products as well as the increasing pricing pressure result in progressive interdependencies in production networks. Consequently, the complexity of the processes in these production networks increases, making it more difficult to foresee the effects of local disruptions on the entire network. A challenge for companies is to manage production networks in the best way possible in order to guarantee the required product and process quality. The design of the quality assurance strategy requires an integrated consideration of quality, production and logistics processes in the entire network.
Therefore, this simulation model was developed as a tool to simulate the effects of these disturbances and thus to make the connections in the network more transparent. The simulation model supports the planning of control strategies and the implementation of quality measures in global value networks. The quality and performance of the simulated production networks are evaluated using a performance indicator system. One key aspect is the modularity: The model is applicable to different production network structures. Another aspect is the user-friendly implementation and design of the simulation model in order to ensure the practical use of the tool.
