Simulation of the Grape Reception at a Winery

Improvement of grape supply management - in terms of amounts and availability schedules - is of paramount importance. Researchers developed a simulation model of the reception of the grape to help redesign the operation of the supply chain of the winery in order to minimize the delays in processing the grapes, by making good use of the existing equipment. By experimenting with the model, it was determined that there were certain changes that could reduce these delays. During the vintage, the rapid pace of the events, and the uncertainties of many aspects of the operation, makes it very difficult for management to make good decisions. The development of a simulation model was important for understanding the effects that certain changes could produce during the vintage in order to be better prepared and make better decisions.