A simulation optimization tool for the metal accessory suppliers in the fashion industry: A case study

This paper presents a Simulation Optimization (SO), decision-support tool developed for metal accessories' suppliers in the fashion industry. The tool is composed of a discrete-event simulator and a multi-objective, integer linear-optimization scheduler, based on a commercial spreadsheet and an open-source solver, linked together through an import-export routine. The tool can be used to enable suppliers to compare scheduling algorithms in order to optimize their performances in terms of customers' due dates compliance and cost and processing time reduction. The analyzed scenario takes into account variable and uncertain production plans, represented by the aggregation of orders received from different brands. The model has been applied to a real company, where costs, delay, and advances are considered in order to define the Objective Function (OF), whilst rush orders are introduced to simulate stochastics events.