Abstract
Complexity has been argued to limit operational efficiency, hinder decision-making and induce disruption in supply chain networks. The main aim of this paper is to investigate the architectural trade-off between complexity and modularity in modular assembly supply chain networks. Towards this, an information-entropic complexity model is developed and applied to the domain of assembly supply chains and logistics. This approach characterises complexity as a combination of the intrinsic complexity of the system modules/interfaces and the influence of the topological composition of the network. The model is then used within an optimisation framework, where the optimal granularity level for assembly supply chain design solutions for a given assembly product can be automatically verified by considering the trade-off between complexity and network modularity. It is concluded that the proposed methodology could help to minimise the complexity of supply chain assembly configurations while maximising their modularity and thereby help to increase both the reliability and performance of supply chain networks.
Highlights
This paper proposes an optimisation framework to verify assembly supply chain (ASC) network architectures for network modularity and complexity
The second case study is derived from heavy industry, where the proposed optimisation framework is used to analyse unique supply chain configurations for bulldozer assembly logistics
WORK The paper presents an optimisation approach to verify the trade-off between modularity and variety-induced complexity in assembly supply chain planning phases
Summary
Inherent complexity of assembly systems and pair-wise supply interfaces are assumed to be related to the increased product that they support, and are measured through Shannon’s information entropy, whereas the topological effect of the network is assumed to be related to the network’s structural arrangement and is calculated through a graph energy metric This complexity metric is embedded within an optimisation framework, where the near-optimal granularity level for an ASC network realising a particular product with given assembly precedence relationships can be automatically verified with respect to the minimisation of both i) standard deviation of module complexities and ii) the overall inter-module complexity. Not all assembly processes may be simplified by such techniques; flexible equipment, specific fixtures or common assembly methods can entail major improvements in the station design and task planning, which are often expensive and may require a time-consuming ramp-up phase [61]
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