Nonlinear characterization of the performance of production and logistics networks

Today's networks of production and logistics are often characterized by large structural and dynamical complexity. As a consequence of their nonlinear and potentially unstable dynamics, efficient planning and control is hardly possible, resulting in economic risks. The solution of the corresponding problems requires an overall understanding of the complex behavior of such systems. This paper uses discrete-event simulation to study networks that consist of a low number of cooperating manufacturers. The dynamics of the logistic parameters in the model are analyzed using methods originated in the theory of nonlinear dynamical systems. The results allow evaluation and potential improvement of the performance of different concepts and strategies that may be applied for the control of the dynamics of manufacturing networks. (C) 2008 The Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.