An approach based on constraint satisfaction problems to disruptive event management in supply chains

Abstract

This work introduces a generalized model for evaluating and restoring feasibility in the execution of supply chain processes. The model was designed to provide automation to the disruption management function of Supply Chain Event Management (SCEM) systems. The repair mechanism is based on a constraint satisfaction problem that can be automatically instantiated from self-contained descriptions of the ongoing schedules without previous knowledge of the supply chain structure. The proposed mechanism intends to make surgical modifications to the current schedule which do not affect the economical and operational considerations and the allowed changes are limited to the space of slacks already included by the original schedule. This level of repair can be safely delegated to automated systems and would facilitate the design of collaborative inter-organizational business processes to manage events along the supply chain. A case study validates the applicability of the proposed models. ► A general constraint satisfaction problem is able to evaluate the feasibility of supply chain schedules. ► An automated mechanism to repair disrupted supply processes using scheduled buffers. ► A reference model for disruptive events management in supply chains is introduced.