Supply Chain Challenges Research Articles

Identifying and Prioritizing Challenges in the COVID-19 Vaccine Supply Chain

Identifying and Prioritizing Challenges in the COVID-19 Vaccine Supply Chain

Manufacturing resilience through disruption mitigation using attention-based consistently-attributed graph embedded decision support system

With global supply chains experiencing significant disruptions, there is increasing emphasis on enhancing manufacturing resilience by mitigating supply chain-propagated impacts on production entities in a holistic manner. However, existing mitigative strategies typically rely on implicit experience, which may be biased and suboptimal. Furthermore, the lack of consideration towards the chain of custody, multi-disruption management, and transportation networks results in unintuitive systems. To overcome these challenges, this study proposes a graph embedding-based mitigation decision support system (GEM-DSS) using a heterogeneous industrial knowledge graph to facilitate disruption management. Addressing the prevailing industrial challenge of knowledge representations and graph incompleteness, an attention-based consistently-attributed graph embedding (ACAGE) model is proposed, with the capability to learn and factor in multi-attributes and multi-structures within the knowledge graph. Through supplier selection and material substitution mitigation strategies, two computational pipelines are designed as part of a dual-stage search mechanism to generate feasible solutions. The experimental results of the ACAGE model for knowledge graph completion outperform several attributed graph embedding baselines, achieving 0.999 AUC-ROC and 0.990 AUC-PR on the constructed real-world industrial knowledge graph. The functionality and applicability of the GEM-DSS are demonstrated in an automotive case study with dynamic considerations via a cognitive computing methodology. This study aims to provide valuable insights for both academia and industry towards enabling manufacturing continuity in the face of global supply chain challenges.

Supply chain and logistics in smart cities: A systematic literature review

Rapid urban expansion gives rise to smart cities which pose immense logistical and supply chain challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic transformed the holistic system identified by Zhao et al. in 2021. The system encompasses logistics and supply chain integral to the concept of smart cities, with a focus on sustainability. This transformation requires an in-depth study on challenges of a common framework of policies for smart cities in countries comprising the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The study employs an extensive literature analysis for the period 2020–2022. an approach which contextualizes the model. The model identifies the causes, impact, and spillovers of new trends in logistics and supply, including the sustainability of adopted technologies. The study includes the variables involved, and barriers to creating a shared model. The results reveal that the two elements affecting the supply chain and transport in smart cities are Industry 4.0 and 5.0 technologies supporting specific sectors. The resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises positively impacts the sustainability of large urban centres. The study presents both factors that help and hinder the adoption of environmental, social, and economic sustainability technologies.

Technology as a solution to the supply chain problems in the United States: What more can be done?

The study examined the critical role of technology in addressing supply chain challenges in the United States, with a focus on identifying gaps and exploring opportunities for improvement. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature and empirical studies, the research uncovered key supply chain challenges faced by firms in the U.S., including issues related to counterfeit goods, logistics inefficiencies, environmental concerns, inaccurate demand forecasting, and cyber-security threats. Also, the study examined the role of emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, big data analytics, and machine learning in enhancing supply chain resilience and agility. This study highlighted the contributions of these technologies in promoting transparency, traceability, sustainability, and efficiency across various aspects of supply chain management. By synthesizing insights from diverse sources and datasets, the study provided valuable recommendations and strategies for leveraging technology to address supply chain challenges effectively. These recommendations covers areas such as investment in advanced technologies, collaborative data sharing platforms, integration of sustainability metrics, predictive analytics for risk management, and supply chain resilience planning.

Mitigation of supply chain challenges in cell therapy manufacturing: perspectives from the cord blood alliance.

Cellular therapies rely on highly specialized supply chains that often depend on single source providers. Public cord blood banks (CBB) manufacturing the first cell therapy to be highly regulated by the FDA and related international agencies are a prime example of being subject to this phenomenon. In addition to banking unrelated donor cord blood units for transplantation, CBBs also source and characterize starting materials for supply to allogeneic cell therapy developers that often employ customized technologies offered by just a small number of manufacturers. As such, these supply chains are especially sensitive to even minor changes which often result in potential major impacts. Regulations can shape supply chain efficiencies, both directly via the definition of restricted technology and process requirements and indirectly by steering strategic business decisions of critical supply or service providers. We present 3 current supply chain issues with different root causes that are swaying efficiencies in cord blood banking and beyond. Specifically, the shortage of Hespan, a common supplement used in cord blood processing, the decision by the provider to stop supporting medical device marking of the Sepax system broadly used in cord blood banking, and a new European ruling on phasing out plasticizers that are critical for providing flexibility to cord blood collection bags, are all threatening downstream supply chain issues for the biologics field. We discuss overcoming these hurdles through the prism of unified mitigation strategies, defined, and implemented by multi-factorial teams and stakeholders, to negotiate resolutions with providers and regulators alike.

Information needs for transparency in blockchain-enabled sustainable food supply chains

The growing demand for transparency in sustainable food production creates a challenge for supply chains to meet the diverse information needs of stakeholders. This research addresses this challenge by identifying and prioritising information needs within sustainable food supply chains. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study identified 14 information needs, categorised them into three clusters: a) product and quality details information, b) production and processing information, and c) sustainability information, and prioritised the information needs. Experts highly prioritised information needs on quality and safety, followed by product origin and nutrition/ingredients. The research suggests that blockchain technology can play a role in supporting consumer decision-making. These findings can inform the development of information-sharing systems that enhance transparency and support consumer decision-making in sustainable food supply chains.

A new approach for reliability modeling in green closed-loop supply chain design under post-pandemic conditions: A case study

Climate change, pandemics, and economic crises have created complex challenges for supply chains. Managing such situations requires the development of reliable decision-making frameworks. In this paper, a multi-level, multi-product, and multi-period closed-loop supply chain is studied with environmental considerations. A bi-objective mixed-integer linear programming model is presented for facility location, flow allocation, and transportation mode determination. The objectives of the model are to minimize the total cost and maximize the reliability of suppliers to meet the needs of factories. In the area of reliability engineering, a new approach is defined for modeling the probability of supplier availability considering catastrophic failures caused by pandemics, economic sanctions, and other failure modes. Furthermore, the decision-maker can handle the emission of greenhouse gases by an upper-bound constraint. In order to face the simultaneous uncertainty of demand and the maximum CO2 emission allowed, a scenario-based two-stage stochastic programming approach is proposed. The improved version of the augmented ε-constraint method, known as AUGMECON2, is used to solve the proposed model. The efficiency of the model and the proposed solution approach are investigated through a real-world case study of a battery manufacturing company in Iran.

Transforming Agricultural Supply Chain Challenges into Operational Strategies: Insights from an Agri-Machinery Company

Transforming Agricultural Supply Chain Challenges into Operational Strategies: Insights from an Agri-Machinery Company

THE POST PANDEMIC CHALLENGES AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY OF SOUTH ASIAN NATIONS

The global economic recovery is facing a major challenge amid pressures such as new divergent waves of covid-19 disease outbreaks, continuing labor force challenges, persistent supply chain challenges and rising inflation. South Asian countries have maintained the pace of their economic recovery amid robust remittances and broadly supportive policy stances. Estimated at 7.4 percent in 2021, Asia's GDP is expected to expand at an average pace of 5.9 percent in 2022. However, South Asia's economic recovery is still weak and uneven. Fiscal policy remains highly restrictive, making it more challenging to a sustained recovery in economic activity and increase employment. As far as India is concerned, economic recovery is on a solid path amid a rapid vaccine easing social restrictions and supportive fiscal stance.

Utilizing Blockchain in Supply Chain Management

In this paper, we examine the potential applications, drawbacks, and benefits of blockchain technology within the framework of supply chain management. This research examines the pertinent literature and does an empirical analysis to determine the potential impacts that blockchain technology may have on the operational and strategic components of supply chains. The findings of this poll indicate that a large number of people are interested in and aware about blockchain technology and its potential applications, including improving the efficiency, security, and transparency of supply chain operations. Obstacles include resistance to change, concerns about security, and a general ignorance of science. Researchers and experts in the field can benefit from the study's insightful observations on the present and potential applications of blockchain technology in supply chain management. Key ideas include supply chain management, blockchain, technology utilization, potential, and challenges.

Collaboration Practices for the Cybersecurity of Supply Chains to Critical Infrastructure

This work describes the collaboration practices of a community of interest in the UK that brings together cybersecurity professionals with a shared interest in improving supply chain cybersecurity for Operational Technology (OT) environments. This research emphasizes the need for collective responsibility between organizations and provides a set of principles for adopting a code of practice and partnership approach to supply chain cybersecurity. This work has enabled cybersecurity experience from several critical infrastructure sectors, including energy, rail, aviation, water, health, and food, to analyze the uptake and practical use of existing supply chain guidance, identifying gaps and challenges. The community has examined touch points with the supply chain and identified improvements related to the communication of cybersecurity requirements, technical and commercial engagement between customers and suppliers, and in the tailoring of implementations towards operational technology contexts. Communicating the context of securing cyber-physical systems is an essential perspective for this community. This work exemplifies a partnership framework and is translating experiences into useful guidance, particularly for OT systems, to improve cybersecurity levels across multiple contributors to critical infrastructure systems.

A TOE-DCV approach to green supply chain adoption for sustainable operations in the semiconductor industry

Semiconductor industry plays a critical role for the global economy. Semiconductor industry provides various necessary technologies such as IoT, AI, modern fabrication technologies and so on to various industries including automotive industry, electronic and communication industry, healthcare industry, construction and building industry, space industry, and so on. However, semiconductor supply chain experiences various supply chain related risks and challenges because of its procedural complexities, global supply chain integrations, government policy and regulations, competitiveness, technological complexities, and so on. Not many studies available which investigated the risk, resilience, and complexities regarding green supply chain adoption by semiconductor industry. In this context, the objective of this study is to examine the risks, resilience, and complexities for managing the green supply chain adoption for higher sustainability in the semiconductor industry. Utilizing the TOE framework (Technology-Organization-Environment) and DCV (Dynamic Capability View), we developed a research model to achieve this purpose. Subsequently, this model was validated through structural equation modelling, involving 356 respondents affiliated with the semiconductor industry. This study highlights that technological risk aspects comprising of technological turbulence and risk, compatibility and complexity, organizational dynamic capabilities, and resilience along with appropriate policy and regulations could help successful adoption of green supply chain management in the semiconductor industry.

Modeling the impact of resilience factors and relational practice on performance of the supply chain

Food businesses, especially those facing supply chain challenges, operate within a global environment characterized by uncertainty. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have underscored substantial losses in this sector. Our study aims to develop a mixed-formative-reflexive construct model that evaluates the impact of relational practices and resilience on the performance of enterprises within the Romanian food chain during crises. To select the sample, we employed a proportional stratified sampling method. The survey design included establishing the demographic profile of respondents, constructing items, and identifying latent variables specific to the proposed construct model. Data collection was conducted through an online questionnaire, resulting in 298 valid responses and a response rate of 35.06 %. Hypothesis testing and validation of the proposed construct model were performed using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method. The research findings indicate that 56.9 % of the variance in food supply chain resilience can be attributed to the combined effects of proactive, reactive, and network design capabilities. The practical implications of the research suggest a need to reconsider planning strategies during crises. This involves reassessing risks, designing or redesigning products, and improving communication and collaboration with customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders. Therefore, enhancing relational practices and resilience can significantly and directly improve the performance of the food supply chain.

Offsite Construction Supply Chain Challenges: An Integrated Overview

Offsite Construction Supply Chain Challenges: An Integrated Overview

Multi-Agent Simulation Approach for Modular Integrated Construction Supply Chain

The shift from traditional on-site to off-site construction marks a significant evolution in the construction industry, characterized by increasing levels of prefabrication. These advancements enhance construction efficiency, reduce lead times, and mitigate environmental impacts, leading to modular integrated construction (MiC). However, MiC presents complex supply chain challenges, particularly in the transportation of prefabricated components and fully integrated modules. This study addresses these challenges by employing a multi-agent simulation using AnyLogic to optimize MiC transport logistics. The simulation models the interactions of various agents involved in the MiC process to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. Results demonstrate that using three vehicles per supplier minimizes total transport costs, effectively balancing fixed and variable expenses while eliminating penalties for project delays. The findings highlight the cost efficiency of MiC, showing potential savings due to centralized assembly and optimized logistics. These significantly reduce material transportation and related costs, contributing to the overall efficiency and sustainability of construction projects. These insights underscore the value of multi-agent simulation in addressing the complexities of MiC supply chains.

Blockchain technology for advanced therapy medicinal products: Applications in tracking, data sharing, and supply chain automation

Advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) like cell and gene therapies offer transformative treatment options for many diseases. However, coordinating the decentralized, patient-specific manufacturing of autologous ATMPs across multiple hospitals poses major supply chain challenges. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of how blockchain technology can enhance decentralized ATMP manufacturing networks. First, background on ATMPs and complexities of decentralized production is reviewed. An overview of blockchain architecture, key attributes, and existing use cases then follows. The major opportunities for blockchain integration in ATMP manufacturing are discussed in depth, including tracking autologous products across locations, enabling data sharing between hospitals to power AI-based optimization, automating supply chain processes, and maintaining provenance records. Critical limitations around scalability, privacy, regulation, and adoption barriers are examined. Design considerations for developing blockchain ecosystems tailored to the unique ATMP environment are also explored. Blockchain shows immense promise for transforming visibility, coordination, automation, and data unification in decentralized ATMP manufacturing networks. Despite current challenges, blockchain is prepared to profoundly impact the advancement of personalized cell and gene therapies through enhanced supply chain instrumentation. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of this emerging technological innovation and its applications to address critical needs in ATMP translation and manufacturing.

Electrolyte-Enabled High-Voltage Operation of a Low-Nickel, Low-Cobalt Layered Oxide Cathode for High Energy Density Lithium-Ion Batteries.

The lithium-ion battery industry acknowledges the need to reduce expensive metals, such as cobalt and nickel, due to supply chain challenges. However, doing so can drastically reduce the overall battery energy density, attenuating the driving range for electric vehicles. Cycling to higher voltages can increase the capacity and energy density but will consequently exacerbate cell degradation due to the instability at high voltages. Herein, an advanced localized high-concentration electrolyte (LHCE) is utilized to enable long-term cycling of a low-Ni, low-Co layered oxide cathode LiNi0.60Mn0.31Co0.07Al0.02O2 (NMCA) in full cells with graphite or graphite-silicon anodes at 4.5V (≈4.6 vs Li+/Li). NMCA cells with the LHCE deliver a high initial capacity of 194mAhg-1 at C/10 rate along with 73% capacity retention after 400 cycles compared to 49% retention in a baseline carbonate electrolyte. This is facilitated by reduced impedance growth, active material loss, and gas evolution with the NMCA cathode. These improvements are attributed to the formation of robust, inorganic-rich interphase layers on both the cathode and anode throughout cycling, which are induced by a favorable salt decomposition in the LHCE. This study demonstrates the efficacy of electrolytes toward facilitating the operation of high-energy-density, long-life, and cost-effective cathodes.

Supply Chain 4.0: new Technologies and Their Impact on the Supply Chain

Over the centuries, supply chains have undergone major changes, adapting to the environment and challenges such as: globalization, wars, competition, pandemic, digital revolution, etc., all these together, generating different missions and goals. One of the peculiarities of running a business in the XXI century is the fierce competition between companies, felt at international level. In these conditions, the traditional operations and processes of the supply chain no longer meet the complex requirements of today’s economy, and the implementation of leading-edge solutions is necessary. The use of new technologies in the supply chain can respond quickly to current business demands. Thus, a smart supply chain provides opportunities, creates added value, but also contributes to the creation of a strategic competitive advantage. The aim of this paper is to highlight the supply chain technological transformation possibilities, their benefits, challenges, limits and barriers. The need for knowledge, analysis and implementation of new technologies in supply chains is absolute, dictated by the omnipresent acceleration of change

Unlocking Potential: Blockchain Technology and its impact on Agricultural Supply Chains in Pakistan

This review article explores the potential of blockchain technology in revolutionizing agricultural supply chains in Pakistan. In light of growing evidence, this is a new and emerging connection with great scope for agricultural development globally. The case of Pakistan is particularly interesting since its agriculture sector serves as the backbone of the nation's economy with agriculture significantly contributing to economic growth. However, sectoral and supply chain challenges allow for technology adoption to emerge as a transformative solution. Against this backdrop, the article reviews how blockchain technology, with its decentralized architecture and consensus algorithms, addresses key issues within agricultural supply chains particularly. The article highlights the global and local contexts, emphasizing blockchain technology as a solution to ensuring security in data sharing, permanence in record-keeping, and transparency end-to-end in the supply chain. Examining applications from developing countries, including India, Vietnam, Malaysia, Nigeria, and keeping a focus on specific evidence and learnings derived for Pakistan, the review provides a cross-country analysis, aiding understanding of this emerging technology and its applications. The global evidence identified in the article aid the development of key learnings for Pakistan, emphasizing the potential for improved data management, transparency, and reduced reliance on intermediaries. The article concludes with a futuristic outlook for Pakistan, proposing the effectiveness of blockchain-based frameworks for the agricultural supply chain and highlighting the role of the government that makes optimizing agricultural processes and fostering sector-wide transformation possible.

Impact of industry 4.0 on supply chain management

This study aims to analyze the impact of Industry 4.0 implementation on the supply chain and develop an implementation framework that considers the potential drivers and obstacles of the Industry 4.0 paradigm. A literature search examined the main drivers and barriers to implementing Industry 4.0 in four business areas: strategy, organization, technology, law, and ethics. A system dynamics model will be developed to understand the impact of the implementation of Industry 4.0 on supply chain parameters, and the identified drivers and barriers to technological change will be included. In addition to the empirical basis of this connection, a proposal was a theoretical framework for utilizing Industry 4.0 within the supply chain. The opportunities and new challenges for future supply chains were expected in Industry 4.0. This study analyzed various challenges in implementation and process and proposed a framework for effectively adapting and transferring the model of Industry 4.0 towards supply chains. The research aims to understand the challenges of integrating Industry 4.0 into their networks because it aims to examine the advantages of supply chain management. The implementation impact of Industry 4.0 on the supply chain performance can be analyzed using simulation analysis, and the driving causes and obstacles of this technological transition can be investigated. This connection is provided on an empirical basis. It is proposed that a new industrial conceptual framework be developed. Incorporate Industry 4.0 into your supply chain.