Use of Modeling & Simulation and AI for Collaborative Framework: SMEs Supply Chain Disruptions

Supply chain interruptions impact all sizes of organizations, but small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly susceptible since they have fewer resources and less negotiating leverage than larger corporations. Environmental disruptions such as climate change, resource scarcity, and natural disasters lead to operational delays, higher costs, and revenue loss. SMEs can mitigate these disruptions by collaborating with their supply chain partners. This study presents a framework for how modeling simulation and artificial intelligence can aid in collaboration to support SMEs in mitigating the operational impacts of environmental supply chain disruptions. It indicates that partnerships can assist SMEs in creating contingency plans, sharing resources, and building resilience. It identifies key benefits of collaboration for SMEs and different strategies that SMEs can use to mitigate the disruptions due to environmental issues. The paper concludes by calling for more research on developing a decision-making framework to overcome collaboration barriers faced by SMEs.