Electronic Supply Chain Research Articles

Screening for counterfeit electronic parts

Counterfeit electronic parts have become a significant cause of worry in the electronic parts supply chain. Counterfeit parts detected in the electronics industry can be new or surplus parts that are modified in some manner, or they can be salvaged scrap parts that are refurbished to look like new. In the latter case, the packaging of these parts is altered to modify their identity or disguise the effects of salvaging. The modification can be as simple as the removal of old markings and the addition of new markings, or as complicated as the recovery of a die and repackaging in a new package. In this paper, we discuss the types of parts used to create counterfeit semiconductor parts and the defects/degradation inherent in these parts due to the nature of the sources they come from. We also discuss proposed inspection standards and their limitations. The processes used to modify the packaging of these parts to create counterfeits are then discussed along with the traces left behind from each of the processes. We then present a methodology for detecting signs of possible part modifications to determine the risk of a part or part lot being counterfeit.

Rethinking XML-enabled agile supply chains

This paper critically discusses the use of Extensible Markup Language (XML) for agile supply chains and proposes practical guidelines and future research directions for the field. XML has been identified by many as a prominent technology for enabling electronic supply chain integration, but the adoption of it in the industry has been rather slow and limited. This paper discusses the factors that enable agility in supply chains, and explains why XML is the best candidate for facilitating such factors. Then the major XML-based integration initiatives such as ebXML, RosettaNet, and Web Services are diagnosed in terms of their pros and cons for supply chain agility, as well as the reasons for their slow diffusion. Based on the discussion, this paper proposes that: the integration efforts need to first focus on the industries that need agility; stringent business process standards are necessary; and implementation should be made much easier and more affordable for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Further research issues are also suggested based on the discussion.

A 2D Barcode Validation System for Mobile Commerce

The wide deployment of wireless networks and mobile technologies and the significant increase in the number of mobile device users has created a very strong demand for emerging mobile commerce applications and services. Barcode-based identification and validation solutions are considered an important part of electronic commerce systems, particularly in electronic supply chain systems. This paper reports a mobile-based 2D barcode validation system as part of mobile commerce systems. This barcode-based validation solution is developed based on the Data Matrix 2D-Barcode standard to support barcode-based validation in mobile commerce systems on mobile devices. The paper demonstrates its application by building a mobile movie ticketing system.

A fuzzy group Electre method for electronic supply chain management framework selection

The rapid growth of the Internet and electronic commerce has given rise to electronic supply chain management (e-SCM) which enhances communication, coordination, and collaboration between the trading partners. However, when confronted by the range of e-SCM frameworks, organisations struggle to identify the one most appropriate to their needs. In this paper, we propose a novel fuzzy group multi-criteria method for e-SCM framework evaluation and selection. The contribution of the proposed method is fourfold: (1) it addresses the gaps in the SCM literature on the effective and efficient assessment of the e-SCM frameworks; (2) it is grounded in the excellence model introduced by the European Foundation for Quality Management; (3) it provides a comprehensive and systematic framework that combines real options analysis and the analytic hierarchy process with a group Electre method; and (4) it considers fuzzy logic and fuzzy sets to represent ambiguous, uncertain, or imprecise information. We also present the results of a real-world case study to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed framework and exhibit the efficacy of the procedures and the algorithms. We show that the proposed framework can help a group of decision makers to think systematically by decomposing the alternative evaluation process into manageable steps and integrating the results to arrive at a solution consistent with managerial goals and objectives. The analysis of this case study allows for the articulation of a series of key factors that can be considered important in contributing to the successful implementation of the e-SCM framework. The first element is getting the key people on board. The second factor is building internal alliances. The third key ingredient is the persistent and systematic process put in place to evaluate the e-SCM success.

On the Measure Method of Electronic Supply Chain Risk

With the increasing emphasis on supply chain vulnerabilities, effective mathematical tools for analyzing and understanding supply chain risk management are now attracting much attention. This paper presents a model of risk control in equipment manufacturing supply chain. We provide a new solution methodology using unascertained mathematics and fuzzy theory to measure risk in electronic manufacturing supply chain, the model combines the unascertained theory with fuzzy method. Many risk assessment methods only take account of the occurrence probability of risk or only consider the loss magnitude caused by risk. We construct the model considering the occurrence probability and the loss magnitude of risk simultaneously in single model using risk utility function. In our model, the unascertained mathematical is applied to measure occurrence probability of electronic manufacturing supply chain risk, and the fuzzy theory is utilized to solve loss magnitude caused by electronic manufacturing supply chain risk, then the whole risk of electronic manufacturing supply chain is given according to the mean of risk by the utility function of the risk probability and the risk loss.

The Study on E-Commerce Supply Chain Management Based on Creditrisk

It is feasible for CreditRisk + model to simulate the distribution of loss allocation of electronic supply chain enterprises in more reasonable. This is not only beneficial to existing customer relationship, but also provide faster, cheaper products advertisement customer development and cultivate their bonds of satisfaction and loyalty, retain customers. However, the use of CreditRisk loss distribution model to simulate the more or less has their unreasonable factors

Examining the diffusion of electronic supply chain management with external antecedents and firm performance: A multi-stage analysis

In modern business, competition is no longer between organizations, but among supply chains. Supply chain management (SCM) is the major weapon for firm's competition. e-SCM implementation is the key to the success in SCM practice. Innovation diffusion theory (IDT) with multi-stage analysis provides insight into the complicated process. Several key external antecedents affect the rate of e-SCM diffusion, in particular, technological and collaborative structures. Little research on IOS has discussed the performance impacts from the diffusion perspective among trading partners. Studies on IT performance have been traditionally focused on financial performance and inconclusive in their results. This study thus considers both financial and non-financial performances in a complementary manner. Grounding on IDT and relevant theories, this study proposes a novel research model for the relationships among external antecedents, stage-based e-SCM diffusion, and firm performance. Empirical findings have concluded the relative effects of external antecedents on diffusion stages and in turn, firm performance.

Trust factors influencing the adoption of internet-based interorganizational systems

This study aims to empirically examine the trust factors that affect the adoption of Internet-based interorganizational systems (IIOS). A trust model with five trust factors is constructed. The model is tested using data gathered from 295 practitioners. Confirmatory factor analysis is used to validate the model, and structural equation modelling is used for data analysis. The adoption of IIOS is influenced by trust factors including usability, reliability and availability, audit and verification mechanisms, and interoperability, while security is insignificant in this case. The generalization of the findings is currently limited, as the subjects were all Chinese people living in Hong Kong. Future studies could study individuals belonging to other types of professions, industries, and cultures to test the generalizability of the model. The study provides a trust model to facilitate practitioners for the effective adoption of IIOS. It also adds a trust model to the literature of IIOS in the electronic supply chain context.

Creating integrated business and environmental value within the context of China’s circular economy and ecological modernization

This paper investigates the challenges and opportunities of how firms and organizations can and will be able to strike a better balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship in the context of China’s emerging ‘circular economy’ policy paradigm and based on ecological modernization theoretic approaches. Based on three company case studies in the information technology and electronic industries in China, we identify and demonstrate how a blended business and environmental value can be created from adopting a sustainable supply chain management approach. The adoption of a sustainable supply chain management approach is rapidly becoming a key business challenge and opportunity in China and other large emerging economies around the world, where our greatest environmental management challenges currently reside and will continue to exist for many years to come. The value creation framework proposed in research focuses on evaluating three case study companies who appear in various stages of an electronic industry supply chain. Value creation within a supply chain can provide the impetus for organizations to adopt circular economy, sustainable supply chain practices, for competitive reasons. In addition, we describe how a value proposition can be evaluated at two levels of analysis, a more specific micro-level and a more general meso-level of analysis. The four major business value dimensions include cost reduction, revenue generation, resiliency, and legitimacy and image. The initial findings are that a variety of opportunities exist for electronic firms in emerging and developing countries, while results from this study provide an important scholarly foundation to develop and refine sustainable supply chain management practices in emerging and developing economies.

New lifecycle monitoring system for electronic manufacturing with embedded wireless components

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an update of and the latest results from work on a project aimed at monitoring electronic products during the whole life cycle with embedded wireless components.Design/methodology/approachBusiness processes of the electronic manufacturing supply chain were analysed. A business case and the system opportunities for life cycle monitoring, based on embedded wireless components system were developed. Radio frequency identification (RFID) assembly technology was adapted for the integration of components into a multi‐layer printed circuit board (PCB).FindingsBy storing product‐related information into electronic products, tracing of components, monitoring of processes, operations and costs, environmentally optimised recycling can be enhanced.Research limitations/implicationsThe research undertaken so far relates to the embedding of RFID tags into PCBs. Wireless components with more processing power will be used in the next project phase.Originality/valueThe paper details how wireless components can be embedded into multi‐layer PCBs and how a business case for a life cycle monitoring system can be established.

Is web-based supply chain integration right for your company?

Introduction The 1980s saw the advent of the personal computer, and the days of "Data Processing" departments solely dictating the timeline of office productivity solutions were gone. The 1990s saw the advent of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software packages, and organizations enthusiastically (even if sometimes slowly and painfully) moved from the silo mentality of departmental and unit-based information systems solutions to enterprise-wide information solutions. Today, companies are increasingly realizing that the progression from departmental to enterprise information systems has a logical next step: inter-organizational or supply chain solutions. While many pioneering companies have linked to their customers and suppliers for years, the improving reliability and security of the Web presents new opportunities for all organizations. Companies are increasingly moving to the Web or considering moving to the Web to conduct business transactions, connecting themselves with suppliers and customers. Much of the recent research on electronic data interchange and information technology (IT) in the supply chain has focused on using the Web to conduct business-to-business (B2B) commerce across the supply chain, thus improving the older electronic data interchange ("EDI") model. The B2B market has grown steadily over the last several years. As an increasing portion of companies migrate to the Web it becomes important for both academics and practitioners to understand the benefits and pitfalls of such a migration. Numerous studies enumerate the benefits of electronic supply chain integration and B2B, and these benefits fall into the following categories: Reduction of process cost, improved operational efficiency, improved customer satisfaction, improved coordination, cooperation, and commitment between EDI partners, and improved overall process performance. However, a study has not been done which compares the process performance benefits of all three possible groups: Companies or processes (hereafter simply "companies") using no electronic supply chain integration (verbal and/or paper orders, invoices, etc.), companies using non-Web-based Supply Chain Integration (traditional EDI, using private or leased lines), and companies using Web-based supply chain integration. A notable exception occurred in a 2002 study, but this study was done on only 18 companies, a very small sample size. Also, many current studies claim that companies are misdiagnosing the advantages of B2B over existing ways of doing business. The absence of a three group comparison, along with a possible misdiagnosis of advantages, calls for further examination. Thus, this research will attempt to determine differences in the performance of companies using no electronic supply chain integration, companies using non-Web-based supply chain integration, and companies using Web-based supply chain integration.

Supply chain collaboration to achieve toxics use reduction

The use of lead poses significant hazardous occupational exposure to workers in the electronics industry, and also causes environmental challenges at the end of product life. For the past decade, there has been a global effort in the electronics industry to initiate a move towards using lead-free materials for the production of printed circuit boards. However, there are technical and economic challenges, such as long term reliability and rework capability, that remain to hinder the universal implementation of lead-free materials. As a result, many electronics products are still currently manufactured and assembled using materials containing lead. The costs for investigating and evaluating the various lead-free electronics materials and manufacturing processes can be cost prohibitive for an individual company to undertake alone. Consequently, the New England Lead-free Electronics Consortium was formed as a collaborative effort of New England companies spanning the electronics supply chain to help move the industry towards lead-free electronics. The Consortium is a working collaboration of industry, government, and academia. For the past several years, the Consortium has conducted research and testing for using various lead-free materials for the manufacture of printed circuit boards. The Consortium has been successful in identifying lead-free materials and processes to address the challenges of assembly and rework. The Consortium is currently conducting research to address the long-term reliability challenge of lead-free electronics.

Drivers and Performance Outcomes of Relationship Learning for Suppliers in Cross-Border Customer–Supplier Relationships: The Role of Communication Culture

Recently, relationship learning between supply chain members has drawn a great deal of attention in the literature. In the context of the international electronics supply chain, which is characterized by cultural differences and complexity of products, relationship learning is difficult to achieve and relies largely on close collaboration between partners. The authors build on the resource-based view of the firm and adopt a communication culture theory to examine drivers and performance outcomes of relationship learning in cross-border relationships in the electronics industry. They propose a research framework in which a firm's innovativeness orientation, trust, information technology advancement, and technological uncertainty are determinants of relationship learning. In the framework, they introduce the communication cultures of the supplier and buyer as a moderator. Using 246 electronics suppliers in relationships with international original equipment manufacturer customers, the authors empirically show that innovativeness orientation, trust, and technological uncertainty affect relationship learning positively. Furthermore, the communication cultures of the supplier and buyer moderate the effects of innovativeness orientation and technological uncertainty. The authors conclude with a discussion of the implications.

Securing online transactions with biometric methods

As more and more marketing and retailing is done electronically, the security of online transactions becomes a growing problem. The public media almost daily carry stories of security breaches in firms of all types and sizes, from banks to retailers. If the electronic retail supply chain cannot assure its customers that their transactions will be secure, the growth of this sector will be limited. Traditionally, the primary method of securing access to an online transaction system and its databases has been passwords. Passwords have been widely used because of their simplicity of implementation and use, but are now regarded as providing minimal security. More sophisticated methods based on biometric attributes have been developed. Among them are voice recognition, fingerprint identification and typing recognition methods. We shall describe and discuss the traditional methods, and then biometric methods and their relative advantages and disadvantages in securing online transactions.

Development of electronic marketplace for collaborative supply chain: a conceptual framework

Electronic marketplaces and supply chain management (SCM) are two notions, which have attracted much attention of both academicians and practitioners. However, the classification and implications of the relationship between two notions has been limited and fragmented. In this paper, we identify the importance of collaborative supply chain and the relationship between electronic marketplaces and SCM. Different perspectives of electronic marketplace will be shared by the stakeholders. Current trends of developing electronic marketplace and future research questions will also be discussed.

Bridging the gap between RFID/EPC concepts, technological requirements and supply chain e-business processes.

Supply chain pressures have caused some firms to reexamine their processes. In doing so, firms are exploring emerging technology such as RFID to enable seamless exchange of information within their supply chain. While RFID promised to revolutionize way business processes are managed today, impact and benefits of technology are still unclear and ambiguous concepts such as intelligent products, smart supply chains or the internet of things are still creating confusion within potential adopters. In this paper an attempt is made to (i) clarify ambiguity surrounding RFID vs. other AIDC and IOS technologies such as EPC Network (ii) specify technology readiness & IT related requirements of actual and emerging applications, and (iii) propose a framework to highlight how technology can be used to support RFID/EPC enabled ecommerce processes and support practitioners and academicians in assessing impact of RFID on electronic supply chain business processes.

China as Hegemon of the Global Electronics Industry: How It Got That Way and Why It Won't Change

By the end of 2008, companies based on the business model of offshore production were observed to be rethinking their business models, tending to consider the repatriation of production bases in order to lower costs and shorten delivery times. In this article, the authors of China's Electronics Industry (2009 Edition), M. Pecht and L. Zuga, (City University of Hong Kong Press, Hong Kong, China, 2009) argue that repatriation is not likely to occur in the electronics industry, where expensive and complex production facilities have been moved offshore over a period of several decades. In particular, China has taken advantage of the West's offshore production model and its associated technology transfer to develop a manufacturing capability that has resulted in the ldquoChina Pricerdquo in electronics. As a result, China now has the infrastructure and electronics supply chain necessary to produce a wide range of products, from simple components to embedded systems and systems integration. This gives China the capability to produce complex electronics applications domestically, including computers, automotive controls, medical instrumentation, avionics, and even sophisticated military command and control systems. The resultant gain in Chinese capabilities, commensurate with the loss in Western capabilities through use of the offshore production model, makes the repatriation of the electronics industry to its former bastions in the United States and Western Europe doubtful. This will have a strong impact on resource allocation, research planning, and innovation. The authors present their argument through a series of brief case studies.

Environmental Strategies for Electrical and Electronic Equipment Supply Chains: Which to Choose?

Waste electrical and electronic equipment is one of the major world-wide waste streams triggering the emergence of environmental strategies. Environmental regulations, closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) activities and design-for-environment (DfE) practices are environmental friendly strategies being implemented by governments and industry. In this paper, we apply a System Dynamics model to a CLSC of electrical and electronic equipment in Greece. Extensive numerical investigation provides insights regarding the impact of different legislative measures, CLSC activities and DfE practices on the environmental (availability of natural resources and landfills) and economic sustainability.

From closed-loop to sustainable supply chains: the WEEE case

The primary objective of closed-loop supply chains (CLSC) is to improve the maximum economic benefit from end-of-use products. Nevertheless, the literature within this stream of research advocates that closing the loop also helps to mitigate the undesirable environmental footprint of supply chains. Therefore, closed-loop supply chains are assumed to be sustainable supply chains almost by definition. In this paper we analyse if and when this assumption holds. We illustrate our findings based on the Electric and Electronic Equipment (EEE) supply chain. For all phases of the supply chain, i.e. manufacturing, usage, transportation and end-of-life activities, we assess the magnitude of the environmental impacts, based on a single environmental metric, namely the Cumulative Energy Demand (CED). Given the environmental hot-spots in the Electric and Electronic Equipment supply chain, we propose useful extensions for existing CLSC optimisation models to ensure that closed-loop supply chains are at the same time sustainable supply chains.

Logistics lean integration strategies: case study of Samsung Electronics LCD inbound logistics

The electronics industry is a key industry in South Korea. To improve efficiency and maintain a competitive edge in fast-paced technological age it is critical to synchronize production supply with market demand. This paper focuses on the strategies which make the “just in time” production system within the electronic supply chain. The presented case study of Samsung Electronics Thin Film Transistor-Liquid Crystal Display (TFT-LCD) Inbound Logistics provides a solid example of process integration in the areas of: packaging, transportation and information sharing. The problems faced by Samsung Electronics in the early 2000’s were a direct result of an imbalance between increased traffic/demand and existing production capacity. The most detrimental of these problems caused delays in supply, shortage of space in the hub center and the bottlenecking of supply transportation. This paper demonstrates how Samsung Electronics reexamined and systematically streamlined their existing processes and how they successfully integrated “lean thinking” strategies to all areas of TFT-LCD production. As a result of the integration of these strategies, Samsung Electronics began using a line-to-line packing system which focused on packing items in a group using a standardized, returnable packing system. Additionally, they opted to replace their paper invoice system for an improved transportation system through which a data could reflect flows of information and materials in real time. The integration of these strategies gave Samsung Electronics a new approach to TFT-LCD Inbound Logistics which allowed them to overcome their dilemmas and resulted in successful outcomes, decreased lead times, higher quality products and an reduction in total costs.