Developing an apparel supply chain simulation system with the application of fuzzy logic

In this paper, a simulation model linking manufacturer, retailer and customer in an apparel supply chain is presented. The purpose of the model is to generate a portfolio that satisfies the apparel retailer-defined customer service level. The portfolio consists of replenishment strategy and performance index under different degrees of forecasting errors in sales. Fuzzy logic is integrated into the simulation model so as to investigate the different forecasting error degree between the sales forecasting and the customer demand in the apparel supply chain. Experimental results based on a case study are discussed and the simulation model is validated. The results show that the proposed apparel supply chain simulation model is an effective tool of investigating relationship between forecasting error, replenishment strategy and performance for apparel retailers and manufacturers.