A computer-integrated FMEA for dynamic supply chains in a flexible-based environment

Abstract

Quality management (QM) for dynamic supply chains (DSCs) in a flexible-based environment has received increasing attention in current business environment. This study focuses on the development of an QM tool, based on the failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) approach, and demonstrates how it can be extended from application in supply chain management (SCM) to other business environments. The main contributions are to implement an iterative process using FMEA for DSCs in a flexible-based environment by overcoming the weaknesses associated with traditional FMEA system and to develop a user-friendly interface, with which the distributed parties in chains could cooperate as a whole and meet the needs of dynamic control. In specific, this paper proposes a computer-integrated FMEA approach that enhanced FMEA in SCM through automated processing using a fuzzy approach and a computer-integrated and internet-based interface to support the system implementation. The efficiency and practical implication of the proposed system has been validated by the developed system with a case study. The developed system can help prevent possible failures in the design and operations and, furthermore, the assurance of quality for DSCs in a flexible-based environment. The proposed system may easily be extended to more complex real-world applications.