STATESBORO, GA – Georgia Southern University is leveraging cutting-edge simulation technology to address growing complexities within the regional and national logistics landscape. A new simulation lab, equipped with advanced software and analytical tools, is designed to provide students, researchers, and industry partners with a risk-free environment to analyze, optimize, and innovate within supply chain management.
The lab, housed within the university's College of Business, allows users to model various scenarios, from warehouse operations and transportation networks to global supply chain disruptions. By simulating real-world conditions, the facility aims to prepare future logistics professionals and provide data-driven insights for businesses seeking to improve efficiency and resilience.
"Our goal is to bridge the gap between theory and practice," said Dr. Amrutha Jayanand, Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Georgia Southern. "The simulation lab offers a dynamic platform where students can apply their knowledge, experiment with different strategies, and see the immediate impact of their decisions in a safe and controlled setting. This hands-on experience is invaluable as they enter the workforce."
The simulations allow for the creation of highly detailed environments, including the integration of real-time data feeds, to mimic complex supply chain interactions. Users can experiment with different warehouse layouts, transportation routes, inventory management techniques, and even the impacts of unexpected events like natural disasters or geopolitical instability. The software then analyzes the performance of each scenario, providing detailed metrics on costs, delivery times, and overall efficiency.
Beyond student training, the lab is also intended to serve as a resource for local and regional businesses. Georgia, with its strategic location and extensive transportation infrastructure, is a major logistics hub. However, companies face mounting challenges, including increasing transportation costs, labor shortages, and growing customer expectations for faster delivery. The simulation lab can help these businesses identify bottlenecks, optimize their operations, and improve their competitiveness.
"We are working to partner with local companies, offering them access to our simulation capabilities to address their specific supply chain challenges," explained Dr. Jayanand. "By modeling their current operations and experimenting with alternative strategies, we can help them identify opportunities for improvement and make more informed decisions."
One potential area of focus is the impact of port congestion. Savannah, Georgia, is home to one of the fastest-growing ports in the United States. However, increased cargo volume has also led to bottlenecks and delays. The simulation lab can be used to model the flow of goods through the port and surrounding transportation networks, identifying ways to improve efficiency and reduce congestion.
Another potential application is in the area of disaster preparedness. By simulating the impact of natural disasters on supply chains, the lab can help businesses develop contingency plans and ensure the continued flow of essential goods to affected areas. This is particularly relevant in a region prone to hurricanes and other severe weather events.
The university is also exploring the use of the simulation lab to conduct research on emerging logistics technologies, such as autonomous vehicles and drone delivery. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize supply chains, but they also present new challenges and risks. The lab provides a safe and controlled environment to experiment with these technologies and assess their potential impact.
The Georgia Southern University simulation lab represents a significant investment in the future of logistics education and research. By providing students and businesses with access to cutting-edge technology and expertise, the university aims to play a leading role in shaping the future of supply chain management in the region and beyond. The hope is that the lab will foster innovation, improve efficiency, and enhance the resilience of supply chains in the face of ever-increasing challenges.
