The Analysis of Scenario Simulations of Smart Pharmaceutical Distribution Model in the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Industry
Keywords:
Smart pharmaceutical distribution, agent-based simulation, pharmaceutical supply chain, governance, blockchain, data sharing, ; digital transformationAbstract
This study aimed to analyze the effects of governance, network, technology, member, data, service, and demand-related factors on the performance of smart pharmaceutical distribution systems using agent-based simulation. The research employed a mixed-method design combining library studies, expert interviews, and Delphi analysis to identify key factors affecting pharmaceutical supply chain performance. Data were gathered from Tofigh Daru Company through semi-structured interviews and Delphi surveys involving ten experts, and analyzed using content analysis and Delphi consensus. Subsequently, agent-based simulation was conducted using NetLogo to assess the effects of identified factors and their scenarios on system performance metrics including cost reduction, delivery efficiency, and resilience. Results showed that governance-related factors had the highest overall initial impact on distribution performance, followed by member-related and demand-related factors, although their effects plateaued over time. Data-related factors demonstrated the most sustained and linear positive impact on performance. Network, technology, and service-related factors showed significant but gradually stabilizing effects. Simulation of scenario increases in each factor category revealed that governance, data, and member factors led to the largest performance gains, underscoring the need for multi-factorial integration in system design. Smart pharmaceutical distribution performance is driven by the synergistic interaction of governance structures, technological readiness, robust data systems, skilled members, and adaptive demand strategies. Building resilient, transparent, and efficient pharmaceutical supply chains requires balancing these dimensions, supported by continuous innovation, effective policy frameworks, and workforce development.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Ali Bayrami (Author); Mohammad Reza Shahriari; Farhad Hosseinzade Lotfi (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
