Understanding Network Vulnerability

Network Topology & Dependencies

Supply chains are rarely linear; they’re intricate networks of suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and consumers. Our simulation allows you to define the topology – the relationships between these nodes – representing physical distances, transportation modes (road, rail, sea, air), and contractual dependencies.

Each node represents a critical point within the chain. For example, a single factory closure or port disruption can have ripple effects across multiple industries. The simulation allows you to quantify these interconnectedness through weighted links reflecting material flows and lead times.

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Introducing Disruptive Events

The core functionality of the observatory lies in its ability to introduce disruptive events. These can range from localized incidents – a factory fire, a road closure – to broader systemic shocks – geopolitical conflicts, natural disasters.

You control the probability and severity of these events, allowing you to test different scenarios and observe their impact on overall supply chain performance. The simulation uses Monte Carlo methods to model uncertainty in event occurrence.

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Measuring Resilience Metrics

The simulation tracks key resilience metrics, including: Lead Time Variance (LTV), Total Supply Chain Delay, and Inventory Holding Costs. These metrics provide a quantitative assessment of the supply chain's ability to withstand disruptions.

By adjusting parameters like buffer stock levels, transportation routes, and supplier diversification strategies, you can observe how these changes affect resilience. The simulation dynamically calculates these metrics based on event propagation.

LTV = Variance(Lead Time)

Scenario Analysis & Optimization

The Observatory is designed for iterative scenario analysis. Run simulations with different disruption profiles to identify critical vulnerabilities and assess the effectiveness of various mitigation strategies.

Explore ‘what-if’ questions: What happens if a key supplier goes bankrupt? How does increased inventory buffer stock affect costs versus resilience? The simulation provides real-time feedback on the impact of your decisions.

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Frequently asked questions

Try it live

Everything above runs in your browser — open Inverse Kinematics (FABRIK) and change the parameters while it is running. Nothing is installed, nothing is uploaded, the whole model lives in one tab.