System Dynamics for Manufacturing: Supply Chain Simulation of Hemp-Reinforced Polymer Composite Manufacturing for Sustainability

In supply chain management (SCM), the flow of goods and services from raw materials to the end user involves significant complexities and uncertainties at each stage. Computer modeling and simulation offer powerful tools to address these challenges, as they can efficiently analyze operational issues that are otherwise time-consuming and difficult to explore. Inaccurate estimation of raw materials, labor, or equipment often leads to financial losses and environmental impact, a concern for many manufacturing companies. The purpose of this study is to explore the application of system dynamics modeling (SDM) in the manufacturing of hemp-reinforced polymer composite (HRPC), with the goal of optimizing material, labor, and equipment usage. By applying system dynamics (SD), the manufacturing unit can enhance sustainability by minimizing the use of materials, labor, and equipment, thereby lowering energy consumption. For this research, the SDM software STELLA® was chosen for its affordability, ease of use, and comprehensive features, making it a strong choice compared to other leading software options. Our literature review revealed a significant gap in existing research, as we could not identify any study currently exploring the simulation of HRPC material manufacturing using SDM. Our study concludes that SDM simulation serves as an effective method for optimizing materials, labor, and equipment in the manufacturing of HRPC materials. By simulating various supply chain scenarios in a risk-free environment, the model reduces resource consumption and improves manufacturing efficiency, hence promoting sustainability. Furthermore, outputs from the STELLA® model can serve as inputs for life cycle assessment (LCA) to quantitatively evaluate environmental impacts.