The supply chain disruptions of recent years have made one thing abundantly clear: logistics networks need greater resilience, visibility, and adaptability. At Georgia Southern University, an innovative approach to addressing these challenges is taking shape through cutting-edge simulation technology that could transform how the Southeast region handles logistics operations.
Walking into the Parker College of Business’s logistics laboratory feels like stepping into a control room for the future. Students and researchers work with digital replicas of real-world supply chains, testing scenarios that would be impossible to experiment with in actual operations. It’s a window into how academic institutions are quietly revolutionizing an industry that powers our economy but often remains invisible until something goes wrong.
“What we’re building here is essentially a digital twin of logistics networks,” explains Dr. Marc Scott, Director of the Center for Business Analytics and Economic Research at Georgia Southern. “The simulation technology allows us to create virtual environments where we can stress-test supply chains without disrupting actual operations.”
The timing couldn’t be more critical. According to the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals’ 2023 State of Logistics Report, businesses across the U.S. spent nearly $2.3 trillion on logistics activities last year—roughly 8% of GDP. Yet the industry faces mounting pressures from labor shortages, rising fuel costs, and increasingly complex global networks.
Georgia Southern’s approach leverages agent-based modeling technology, where individual components of the supply chain—trucks, warehouses, distribution centers—are programmed with realistic behaviors and constraints. The result is a virtual playground where logistics professionals and students can visualize complex systems and identify vulnerabilities before they become real-world problems.
What makes this initiative particularly significant is its regional focus. Georgia ranks as one of the top logistics hubs in the nation, with the Port of Savannah serving as the third-busiest container gateway in the United States. The state’s logistics industry employs over 180,000 people and contributes billions to the economy annually.
“We’re tailoring our simulations to reflect the unique characteristics of Southeastern logistics networks,” says Bridget Melton, a professor working with the project. “The regional transportation infrastructure, seasonal patterns, and specific industry needs in Georgia create different challenges than you might see elsewhere.”
The technology doesn’t just create realistic models—it enables predictive analysis. By running thousands of simulations with varied conditions, researchers can identify optimal routing strategies, warehouse locations, and staffing levels. The system can even incorporate machine learning algorithms that improve over time, adapting to new patterns and constraints.
Industry partners have taken notice. Several regional logistics companies have already begun collaborating with the university, providing real-world data to enhance simulation accuracy and adopting insights generated from the virtual testing environment.
“What impressed us was how the simulations captured nuances we hadn’t considered in our contingency planning,” notes Janet Rodriguez, operations director at a regional distribution company partnering with Georgia Southern. “We identified potential bottlenecks that weren’t obvious in our traditional analysis.”
The technology’s applications extend beyond day-to-day operations. As climate change increases the frequency of extreme weather events, the simulations help companies develop more robust disaster response plans. When Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the Southeast in 2024, companies with simulation-informed contingency plans reported significantly faster recovery times.
For students, the laboratory offers hands-on experience with technology they’ll encounter in their future careers. “I’m working with the same simulation tools used by major logistics companies,” says Marcus Johnson, a senior logistics major. “It bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in ways traditional coursework can’t match.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Georgia Southern plans to expand the program’s capabilities through integration with Internet of Things (IoT) sensors deployed across actual supply chains. This would create a hybrid system where digital simulations are continuously calibrated with real-time data.
“The next frontier is creating what we call ‘live digital twins‘ that mirror actual operations in real-time,” explains Scott. “Imagine being able to visualize your entire network, run what-if scenarios based on current conditions, and implement solutions before problems escalate.”
Critics point out that simulation technology is only as good as its underlying assumptions and data quality. The team acknowledges these limitations while emphasizing the iterative improvement process built into their approach.
What makes Georgia Southern’s initiative stand out is its accessibility. While similar technology exists within large corporations like Amazon and UPS, the university’s work democratizes these capabilities, making them available to regional players who might otherwise lack resources for such advanced analytics.
As supply chains continue growing in complexity, tools that enhance visibility and scenario planning will become increasingly vital. Georgia Southern’s simulation laboratory represents a significant step toward creating more resilient logistics networks—not through rebuilding physical infrastructure, but by first perfecting it in the digital realm.
The innovation happening in this university laboratory may not make headlines like the latest smartphone, but its impact on how goods move throughout the Southeast could prove far more consequential for businesses and consumers alike in the years ahead.
