Modelling workflows and collaboration in virtual supply chains with nested modular Petri nets

Virtual supply chains (VSCs) focus on the development of supply chain network infrastructure in relation to the multitude of product offerings. Recognising the importance of VSCs in pursuing a global manufacturing strategy, many researchers have dedicated themselves to developing VSC models. However, existing VSC modelling formalisms are inadequate to capture the multiple workflows, thus enabling collaboration among supply chain partners. In response to the importance of VSC model development and the limitations of existing VSC models, this study proposes a modelling framework and a new formalism of nested modular Petri nets (NMPNs) to model workflows and collaboration among partners for VSC management. In the framework, an ontology-based semantic model is developed to capture the constituent elements and their relationships. In the NMPN formalism, a number of basic modules are developed as building blocks to design complex supply chains. The behaviours of the supply chain partners and the VSC as a whole are further analysed using various PN analysis techniques. An industrial case of the electric motors is reported to demonstrate the application of the NMPN formalism to develop VSC. It is concluded that the NMPN model facilitates information exchange and collaboration among supply chain partners.