
TS 2.1 : Data-Intensive Analysis and Simulation in Supply Chains
Chairs, Jesus A. Jimenez, Ingram School of Engineering, Texas State University, San Marcos, USA and
Francis A. Méndez, McCoy College of Business, Texas State University, San Marcos TX, USA
Abstract: Several organizations are using data-intensive analysis & simulation (DIA&S) to assist in their
business decision-making process, obtaining impressive results in their efforts to lower the costs and
improve the response of their supply chains. Trends indicate that the supply chains supported by DIA&S have
become more productive, smarter, and optimal. These methods and tools have been adopted in new
emerging fields such as “big data”and “analytics”. In 2011, The McKensey Global Institute indicated that big
data is the “next frontier for innovation, competition and productivity”. Yet, Gartner indicates that most
Fortune 500 companies are not ready to exploit Big Data Analytics tools to gain competitive advantage. This
thematic session will show opportunities for DIA&S in important sectors such as the semiconductor
manufacturing industry, the food retail industry and other critical industries. For instance, in the
semiconductor manufacturing industry, simulation is used to understand the purchasing trends of their end
consumers to predict demand and lower inventories. In the food retail industry, market basket analysis is
used in a distribution center to determine what items are ordered together and reconfigure the facility
layout. We invite papers in how big data, analytics and simulation can improve an organization’s supply
chain.
Contact: jj30@txstate.edu, Jesus A. Jimenez, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Ingram School of Engineering, Texas
State University-San Marcos and fm16@txstate.edu, Francis A. Méndez, Ph.D., Associate Professor, McCoy
College of Business Administration, Texas State University-San Marcos