EPC global network design using agent-based simulation

The goal of this study is to introduce a new design approach of the EPC global network considering activities of actors in a supply chain via agent-based simulation (ABS). The EPC global network provides track and trace services of shipments for internal and external subscribers, based on electronic product code (EPC) data generated from radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. To maintain dependable mean response time and service failure of the network, the proposed approach consists of two modules: (1) ABS module with AnyLogic® simulation software involving transactions between actors (manufacturers, distributors, and retailers) and (2) Network partitioning module to find appropriate structure of the network based on responses given by the ABS module. Demonstration of the proposed approach will be conducted with data of an automotive supply chain in Republic of Korea. This preventive maintenance approach will help engineers avoid over-investment on implementation of the network for their efficient supply chain management.