Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a structured framework whose objectives are to identify, analyse and eliminate fashion-luxury supply chains inefficiencies.Design/methodology/approachA Lean Manufacturing tool, the 5-Whys Analysis, has been used to find out the root causes associated with the problem identified from a data analysis of production orders of a fashion-luxury company. A case study, which explains the methodology and illustrates the capability of the tool, is provided.FindingsThis tool can be considered a suitable instrument to identify the causal factors of inefficiencies within luxury supply chains, suggesting potential countermeasures able to eliminate the problems previously highlighted. In addition, enabling technologies that deal with Industry 4.0 are associated with the root causes to enable further improvement of the supply chain.Practical implicationsThe effectiveness and practicality of the tool are illustrated using an industrial case study concerning an international Italian signature in the world of fashion-luxury footwear sector.Originality/valueThis framework provides practitioners with an operative tool useful to highlight where the major inefficiencies of fashion-luxury supply chains take place and, at the same time, individuates both the root causes of inefficiencies and the corresponding corrective actions, even considering Industry 4.0 enabling technologies.
Highlights
In the fashion industry, the luxury supply chain has received rising attention with the rapid growth of global fashion industry and brands
This paper is the result of the application of the 5-Whys Analysis able to identify the root causes associated with the most effective inefficiencies encountered in the analysis of a fashion-luxury supply chain
We report below some improvement projects implemented by the firm in order to eliminate the root causes identified during the analysis: (1) Implementation of new methods of management of tanneries with postponement techniques to reduce the delivery time of leathers
Summary
The luxury supply chain has received rising attention with the rapid growth of global fashion industry and brands. . .fashion market sector that stands out for the careful search of quality in the product and for the innovation of the models offered”. It is characterized by short life cycles of products, high volatility and low predictability of the demand market, linked to market trends; and high impulse purchasing (Christopher et al, 2004). It is important to underline that the Italian firm, which collaborates with several SMEs, has to assume the role of supporting and directing investments of companies with limited economic resources to allow a complete development of the supply chain, from a technological point of view and managerial and organizational. The signature outlines improvement that start with the review of production flows, industrialization and management of orders associated with the introduction of I4.0 technologies. Performance improvement of suppliers allows the firm to create a more efficient network
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