SIMULATION OF IT DATA INTEGRATION TO OPTIMIZE AN ANTIBIOTICS SUPPLY CHAIN WITH SYSTEM DYNAMICS

Supply chain (SC) optimization is essential for a firm to cope with everchanging market conditions and disruptions. New technologies have allowed for more advanced supply chain optimization. This paper uses system dynamics (SD) simulation to model the effects of data integration technologies on an antibiotic (AB) SC operation. The study aims to improve the AB SC to benefit all relevant stakeholders including the patient population. We evaluate how IT integration technologies can improve communication across the SC to mitigate or reduce the impact of the of disruptions on AB users. The presented model is under development and is subject to structural and parametric changes as discussions continue with stakeholders about the system structure and what data can be used and disclosed. Despite extensive SC optimization literature there has been a growing call of an evidence base to support decision making relating to national medicine policies.