Using simulation to increase efficiency in blood supply chains

Abstract

Purpose

The overall aim of the research presented is to improve blood supply chain management in order to use the scarce resource of blood more efficiently. Computer simulation is used as a tool for increasing efficiency in blood supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

An application of discrete event simulation modeling in the health‐care sector, more specifically in the area of blood transfusion services. The model has been refined in cooperation with medical expertise as it is vital that practitioners are closely involved so that the model can be tested against their understanding as it develops.

Findings

Decision makers can make better and less risky decisions regarding changes in the blood supply chain based on the knowledge created by simulation experiments. Simulation modeling can be used to make complex and chaotic systems comprehensible and more efficient. In health care, this means that scarce resources can be allocated better, and thereby simulation can aid in increasing the overall quality of health care.

Research limitations/implications

Models are simplifications and there is no guarantee that they will be valid, however, when used sensibly, simulation models and modeling approaches provide an important tool to managing risk and uncertainty in health care supply chains.

Practical implications

Earlier calculations and improvement efforts of blood supply chain in focus were based on “gut feeling”. Through applying simulation to this complex system, the dynamics of blood supply chain was more easily understood by the medical expertise.

Originality/value

There is a lack of work on computer simulations of blood supply chains, a challenge which this work has taken up on.

Citation

Rytilä, J.S. and Spens, K.M. (2006), "Using simulation to increase efficiency in blood supply chains", Management Research News, Vol. 29 No. 12, pp. 801-819. https://doi.org/10.1108/01409170610717826