Note—A comment on the “Distribution System Simulator”

Connors et al. [Connors, M. M., C. Coray, C. J. Cuccaro, W. K. Green, D. W. Low, H. M. Markowitz. 1972. The distribution system simulator. Management Sci.18 (8, April).], have developed a Distribution System Simulator (DSS) that produces a customized simulation model for large scale, physical distribution systems. Aggarwal [Aggarwal, S. C. 1973. A critique of the distribution system simulation. Management Sci.20 (4, December).] provided a critique of specific topics regarding DSS design in order to make it more effective in an operating environment. Rather than dealing with detailed issues, I would like to take an overall look at the approach suggested by Connors et al. to support logistics decisions, emphasising general strengths and limitations to their proposed system, and to recommend some constructive ideas to overcome some of the current DSS weaknesses.