In this paper, a new epoch time synchronization approach for distributed simulation federates is presented. The approach allows federates in the simulation system to advance their local times at full speed while it is safe to do so. That is, the simulation moves rapidly to the minimum next epoch (interaction) event time, which is calculated using the minimum sojourn time for each federate, and then slows for federation synchronization. The proposed approach is demonstrated using a manufacturing supply chain simulation composed of four distributed federates. Experiments are executed to benchmark the proposed epoch time synchronization method against conventional conservative synchronization methods to show typical improvements for simulation operation. The experimental results reveal that the proposed approach reduces supply chain simulation execution time significantly while maintaining complete accuracy as compared with traditional conservative federation coordination approaches. © 2006 Society of Manufacturing Engineers.