Rough modelling of logistics networks

The problems associated with supply chains are seldom simply and easily understood. Many tools and algorithms have been developed to help decision makers, but the applicability of these tools is limited to distinct parts of the system or they attempt to comprise the system resulting in a complicated use of the model. For a decision maker who wants to understand the problems of a supply chain as a whole and has limited time resources, only spreadsheet, pen and paper are offered. Discusses a tool which has been developed to model the logistics networks quickly and easily and to enable comparison of different supply chains on a rough level. Uses four principles when building this tool:reduction of the number of variables, creating a holistic view of the chain, use of simple calculations and the scenario approach. The tool for modelling logistics networks has been successfully applied to different kinds of industries in various problem situations.