Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, September 7, 2026.— The UPanthers from the School of Engineering at the Universidad Panamericana Aguascalientes campus took second place in the 17th Latin American Logistics Simulation Competition, competing against 60 teams from universities across Latin America.
The most important competition for industrial engineering students
The Latin American Logistics Simulation Competition is an annual event that brings together college students from various Latin American countries to apply their knowledge of operations research, simulation, and optimization to logistics and production challenges.
Organized by Factible, the competition presents participants with case studies that replicate real-world business challenges, with the goal of having them develop and defend solutions using specialized simulation tools.
Factible is a Colombian company focused on simulation, optimization, and technology for operations and supply chains. In addition, one of its main products is FlexSim, a 3D simulation software that allows users to create a visual representation of industrial and logistics processes to test different scenarios before implementing them in the real world.
During the competition, teams use this tool to build models based on real-world cases, identify bottlenecks, analyze different scenarios, and propose data-driven improvements.
A challenge that closely mirrors the professional world
The team UPanthers team, made up of Mariana Calderón, Daniel Avelar, and Diego Medrano—industrial engineering students currently pursuing a specialization in Engineering and Project Management—represented the Aguascalientes campus of the Universidad Panamericana in this competition under the guidance of Mercedes Urzúa, M.A., dean and team coach.
During the competition, the students tackled a case study involving VitaLac Latam S.A., a dairy production company that set them the challenge of designing and optimizing its supply chain and the operations of its main distribution center in Colombia.
To address this issue, the team conducted a comprehensive analysis of variables such as logistics costs, demand, inventory, transportation, capacity, and service level. It also designed and optimized processes related to receiving, storage, picking, cross-docking, and shipping using simulation and optimization tools.
“The solution we implemented was a Monte Carlo simulation in Excel. This allowed us to simulate the probabilistic behavior of demand, evaluate the impact on production capacity, and select the configuration that maximized service fulfillment within the constraints of the supply chain,” says student Mariana Calderón.
The competition is designed to simulate a professional consulting environment, so participants must not only apply their technical knowledge but also analyze information, propose alternatives, and justify their decisions in response to a complex business challenge.
An experience that enhances a well-rounded education
Beyond the technical knowledge required to solve the case, participating in the competition allowed the students to experience a scenario similar to a professional setting, where information analysis, decision-making, and the ability to work collaboratively are essential.
“Being on the podium was a source of great pride for us and a huge responsibility. Representing Mexico and the University of the Pacific ( Universidad Panamericana ) in a Latin American competition of this caliber—knowing the prestige and track record the UP already has in winning top places—motivated us to give it our all,” says Mariana.
For Mercedes Urzúa, one of the main benefits of this experience is applying the knowledge gained in the classroom to a practical project. From her perspective, the competition allows students to tackle challenges that demand both their technical and personal skills.
“This competition represents a valuable opportunity for students to put their knowledge to the test through a practical project that closely mirrors the challenges they will face in their professional lives,” he said.
Throughout the process, the students also developed skills such as resilience, leadership, and critical thinking. The advisor emphasized that these skills are a fundamental part of the experience, as participants must adapt to complex situations, build consensus, and defend their proposals with well-reasoned arguments.
In this regard, the dean emphasized that the competition provides an environment similar to that of a real consulting firm, strengthening skills such as the analysis and resolution of complex problems, process modeling and simulation, decision-making, creativity, teamwork, and the ability to support and communicate proposals for improvement.
A result that strengthens Industrial Engineering
Finishing in second place among 60 teams from Latin American universities also represents a significant achievement for the School of Engineering, particularly for the Industrial Engineering program, as it strengthens its expertise in areas such as logistics, simulation, and process optimization.
Logistics is one of the core areas of industrial engineering and is becoming increasingly important in light of the dynamics of a globalized environment. In this context, student participation in specialized competitions helps strengthen their knowledge of the discipline while also providing academic experiences that are relevant to the current needs of organizations.
For the dean, this result is a testament to the work being done by the program to provide students with opportunities that complement their professional training. “For the School of Engineering, this result is a very important achievement, particularly for the Industrial Engineering program, ” she said.
He also emphasized that consistent participation in these types of competitions helps strengthen the Universidad Panamericana ’s expertise in process simulation and creates opportunities for students to test their abilities when faced with highly complex problems.
A track record that keeps them on the podium
Since 2011, the School of Business and Management ( Universidad Panamericana ) has participated in 12 of the 17 editions of the Latin American Simulation and Logistics Competition, and in each one, it has earned a spot on the podium.
With most of its results placing first, this track record positions it as the most successful university in the competition, reflecting the excellence and preparation of its students.
Participating in these types of competitions allows students to put their knowledge into practice, strengthen their skills, and tackle challenges specific to their professional field. These results are a testament to the solid academic training that empowers students at the Universidad Panamericana to excel and make their mark on the national and international stages.
