Supply Chain Performance Research Articles

Investigating cross-docking criteria for raw materials with hybrid MCDM

The cross-docking process involves unloading raw materials from incoming vehicles and immediately loading them onto outgoing vehicles. This can greatly improve supply chain operations and expedite transportation to the factory. By minimizing warehouse storage expenses, space requirements, and inventory management, the process can be streamlined effectively. In industries where production profiles need to be responsive to market demands, the location of the cross-docking facility and transportation planning are crucial. This article aims to investigate the criteria for selecting a cross-docking location, using a case study of Arta Profile Company in Ardabil. The research population includes all industrial engineers and production planners in the company, with 10 industry experts selected for this study. The analytic network process (ANP) and grey complex proportional assessment (COPRAS-G) methods were used to compare and prioritize cross-docking locations. Additionally, the fuzzy DEMATEL method was used to determine the strength of connections between different locations. The COPRAS-G approach helps decision-makers make informed decisions by evaluating different options and their importance. The industry experts identified 28 criteria for this study. The results from the network analysis method showed that the most important criterion is the vehicle routing problem (VRP), with a value of 0.46. According to the ANP technique, strategic decision-making is the best option. The fuzzy DEMATEL method revealed that distribution centers are the most important factor, followed by reduced delivery/distribution operations, and finally, the cost of late or early delivery.

The impact of Blockchain adoption on supply chain performance: evidence from food industry

The food supply chain (FSC) constantly needs to address persistent challenges such as information asymmetry, low transparency, food quality and authenticity, and unnecessary waste. Blockchain is perceived as a promising solution to overcome these FSC challenges. Existing literature captures a conceptual understanding of various aspects of Blockchain for FSC, such as how the technology can enhance transparency, efficiency, and food authenticity. However, a quantitative assessment of the overall impact of Blockchain adoption on the FSC operational performance is still missing. This study combines empirical and analytical approaches to investigate the evident research gap. Under the lens of systems thinking and System Dynamics (SD) modelling perspective, the study collected questionnaire and interview data to develop different FSC models for evaluating the impact of Blockchain on key operational performance metrics. The findings indicated that Blockchain positively affects inventory level and lead time in the immediate term, and cost in the long term. The results also warn that forgoing inventory buffers can come with the cost-of-service level. This study provides quantitative evidence of the positive influence of Blockchain on the FSC. This research contributes by extending the understanding of Blockchain's implications on broader supply chain performance from a systems perspective.

Managing resources for digital transformation in supply chain integration: The role of hybrid governance structures

Digital transformation (DT) plays a crucial role in shaping operations and supply chain management. Through real-time data sharing and automated decision-making systems, DT fosters supply chain integration (SCI), facilitated by key digital technologies like Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence. Effective DT necessitates managing organizational digital resources encompassing technical domains such as software, hardware, and data science, alongside financial resources and managerial capabilities. Navigating the complexities of DT requires strategic decisions in supply chain governance regarding the management of these digital resources. While in-house development offers control and differentiation, it entails organizational and financial risks. Conversely, outsourcing digital activities reduces risks but increases technological dependence. Hybrid governance (concurrently sourcing in-house and outsourcing activities) presents a reconciliatory approach that can be valuable for DT in SCI. This study investigates the contribution of hybrid governance for DT, focusing on its effects on SCI and delivery performance. Through quantitative analysis of 379 manufacturing companies, our findings reveal that hybrid governance positively influences the digitalization of SCI and contributes to delivery performance through a digitalized SCI. Our research contributes to the theoretical understanding of hybrid governance in DT, offering insights into strategic digital resource management for SCI. It underscores the importance of balancing internal and external resources to optimize supply chain performance in the digital era.

What is the impact of demand patterns on integrated online-offline and buy-online-pickup in-store (BOPS) retail in a smart supply chain management?

Retailers aim to provide in-person and remote interactions to accelerate purchases through hybrid methods, which introduce additional delivery and emissions loads but create a seamless shopping experience. The challenges of unified inventory, customer information, pricing, demand forecasting complications, and order fulfillment are met successfully in the hybrid methods. Here, a smart supply chain management that integrates traditional physical presence with cloud-based and hybrid buy-online-pickup in-store channels is optimized to meet customer demand in different demand patterns. The demand patterns considered are linear, cubic, and normalized functions of the selling price, the advertising cost, and the product lifetime. The article incorporates sustainable supply chain and omnichannel strategies to optimize supply chain performance and profitability. The paper compares the results of the proposed models with traditional supply chain models and provides some managerial insights and suggestions for online retailers. Numerical simulation reveals that nonlinear price dependence in demand provides an opportunity for higher promotional investment with a substantial rise in optimal selling price and overall profit. The shift-to-imperfect probability is seen to be the volatile component in the solution surface. The markup of the offline channel has a greater impact than buy-online-pickup in-store markup.

Visualizing Walmart's Supply Chain Management: A Case Study on Detailed Warehouse Management Practices

Supply chain management (SCM) plays a critical role in the success of modern businesses. Visualization techniques have become increasingly important in improving these processes. These methods have become increasingly significant in recent years, offering new ways to understand and optimize complex supply chain processes. This study focuses on how Walmart uses visualization in its supply chain management to boost efficiency and decision-making. This paper examines the integration of technologies like real-time tracking and data analysis into Walmart's practices, discussing both the advantages and challenges they bring. Walmart has embraced visualization technologies to streamline its SCM processes and make more informed decisions. Furthermore, the paper explores how visualization can help with inventory management, demand forecasting, and logistics optimization in Walmart's supply chain. Combined with relevant literature and case studies, it sheds light on how visualization enhances supply chain operations, offering insights for academics and industry professionals alike, that give good suggestions to the market.

The Influence of Big Data Analytics on Supply Chain Operations Efficiency

This paper aims to validate the feasibility of establishing a risk assessment system. Delphi and Entropy Weighting for Indicator Weighting was conducted by experts in the field of economics on the assessment data of Haier's supply chain indicators to analyze and derive a risk assessment system based on Haier's supply chain indicators. With a comprehensive analysis of risk assessment indicators using the Delphi and entropy weighting methods, the feasibility of the evaluation system for supply chain risk analysis in the context of big data gets demonstrated. The establishment of this assessment system will help Haier to analyze and respond to supply chain risks in the future, and will solve the related problems in avoiding supply chain market risk. These problems encompass difficulties related to managing substantial volumes of data and handling uncertainties in demand and supply. The template makes relevant conclusions and suggestions based on analysis, which could have effect on supply chain risk circumvention in a certain extent.

Sustainable supply chain, dynamic capabilities, eco‐innovation, and environmental performance in an emerging economy

AbstractOrganizations can reduce costs and achieve better performance by utilizing supply chain management. However, they face enormous challenges in building eco‐friendly supply chains for harmony with nature, especially in emerging economies. Therefore, the current study seeks to determine the direct impact of sustainable supply chain management practices (SSCM) on environmental performance in Pakistani industries. The mediating role of eco‐innovation and sustainable, dynamic capabilities and the moderating role of institutional support were also tested. The data from 309 key informants were collected using a multisource approach and analyzed via structural equation modeling. The results indicated that SSCM and eco‐innovation positively impact environmental performance, but dynamic capabilities have negatively influenced environmental performance. Additionally, dynamic capabilities and eco‐innovation mediate the relationship between SSCM and eco‐innovation, and institutional support moderates the relationships positively. These results will enhance the theoretical base in supply chain management literature by exploring the role of SSCM in environmental performance. For practical implications, these results help managers in using institutional support to achieve environmental goals.

Prioritizing Performance Indicators for the Circular Economy Transition in Healthcare Supply Chains

AbstractThe emergence of the circular economy (CE) paradigm is a key driver in steering industrial sectors towards sustainability. The formulation of a robust circularity strategy depends on a comprehensive assessment, which is closely related to the overarching goal of managing the transition to circularity. The initial phase of transition within the healthcare sector reinforces the need to seamlessly integrate CE principles. It is therefore imperative to define and carefully monitor indicators that will help assess and improve sustainability, operational efficiency, supply chain resilience and stakeholder satisfaction, including both consumers and patients. The primary objective of this research is to prioritize relevant performance indicators that will be critical in measuring the effectiveness of the transition to a circular economy within the healthcare supply chain. To achieve this objective, the study employs the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a well-established methodology known for its effectiveness in solving complex multi-criteria challenges. The AHP is used to prioritize performance indicators that facilitate the management of the circular economy transition in the healthcare supply chain. The focus is on improving the quality of care, optimizing delivery efficiency, and emphasizing environmental sustainability within the healthcare paradigm. The methodological framework includes the identification of key main criteria covering environmental, social, economic, and logistical dimensions. These criteria are further refined with the inclusion of 14 sub-criteria, resulting in a list of 16 key performance indicators (KPIs). Additionally, the study proposes an alternative business model advocating for the implementation of the Circular Supply Chain Operation Reference Model (circular SCOR). This model offers a perspective for rapid change in supply chain processes towards circular transition within the healthcare system. The final stage of the research involves verifying the results through sensitivity analysis and correlation mapping of the indicator results with the Circular SCOR model. This process helps organizations refine their performance measurement protocols, enhancing their capacity for effective evaluation and strategic decision-making within the circular economy framework. This comprehensive approach enables healthcare organizations to proactively contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future while maintaining a focus on quality care for patient well-being.

Impact of Supply Chain Agility and Collaboration on Supply Chain Performance: The Moderating Role of Artificial Intelligence

Supply chain resilience is not a novel concept in the supply chain industry; however, its significance importance is increasing, especially in the face of global disruptive events like natural and man-made disasters. Agility and collaboration are critical supply chain resilience elements for enhancing supply chain performance. However, the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on the impact of agility and collaboration on performance remains unexplored. Therefore, the major objective of this study was to examine the impact of supply chain agility and collaboration on supply chain performance within the healthcare sector in Qatar. In the same vein, it examined the moderating role of AI in these relationships. The study utilized 564 responses from supply chain and clinical unit managers in Qatar and was analysed using the partial least squares (PLS) path modelling technique. The findings of the study indicate a significant positive relationship between supply chain agility, collaboration, and performance. Furthermore, these relationships are found to be positively moderated by AI. This study supports the research paradigm and provides evidence regarding supply chain agility and collaboration and their impact on supply chain performance. More importantly, this study is among the first to provide empirical evidence on the moderating role of AI in enhancing these relationships.

Supplier Optimization Strategy, Risk Strategy and Enterprise Supply Chain Performance of SMEs

Purpose: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Bamenda City are integral to the region's economic development, contributing significantly to employment, innovation, and economic growth. Supply chain management involves the coordination and optimization of activities related to sourcing, production, and delivery of products and services. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of supplier optimization strategy and risk strategy on the enterprise supply chain performance of SMES in Bamenda City. Methods: Data for this study was obtained with the help of a structured questionnaire. By combining both designs, the study can first describe the existing situation or relationships (descriptive), and then explore or test potential causes and effects (causal). The partial least square regression model was used to analyze the paper. Results: Results from partial least squares structural equation models (PLS-SEM) revealed a positive insignificant effect of supplier optimization strategy on supply chain performance. Risk strategy was also found to exert a positive effect on supply chain performance everything being equal. Implications: Although supplier optimization has a positive impact on supply chain performance, the effect is insignificant. This suggests that while the strategy is directionally sound, it may need to be enhanced or refined. Also, given the positive significant effect of the risk strategy on supply chain performance, organizations should continue to focus on and invest in risk management.

Economic Substantiation of Innovative Solutions for Direct Cooperation between Manufacturers and Restaurants

The traditional supply chain management between manufacturers and restaurants is not effective enough, considering its high costs, long turnaround times and reliance on third parties, which creates challenges to profitability and agility. This study aims to find out how this system helps optimise costs and supply chain management within the restaurant industry. Data was obtained through manager interviews for some middling and high-end restaurants presenting some operational issues confronted before and after the system was installed. A sample of 50 restaurants was selected using a stratified sampling technique, targeting various restaurant categories. A structured questionnaire was designed to interview restaurant managers on operational efficiency, cost reduction, and supply chain performance. The logistics costs, transaction costs and overall efficiency improvements, among other quantitative metrics, were monitored for the first and second intervals. To achieve this, the analysis used a difference-in-difference methodology, where restaurants before and after the implementation of the system were compared concerning specific performance indicators.Data was processed using SPSS Statistics 27, ensuring accuracy and reliability in the analysis. The findings show that wastage management cost efficiency has improved to 15%, while significant decreases have also been observed regarding transaction time and logistics costs. This also resulted in a substantial decline in time-to-order delivery which positively influences operational speed. Based on these findings, it is suggested that direct trade models would benefit the restaurant business in terms of cost savings and enhanced performance. The policy recommendations include promoting digital supply chain platforms using tax credits, assisting SMEs with government-sponsored projects, and facilitating direct interaction between producers and consumers.

Optimizing Packing Operations with an Integrated Barcode Warehouse System

General background: Business competition in the globalization era demands companies enhance operational efficiency, particularly in warehouse management. Specific background: Packing operations significantly influence the supply chain's effectiveness, affecting goods availability, delivery speed, and customer satisfaction. However, challenges like manual errors, slow item identification, and lack of integration between warehouse management systems and modern technologies persist. Knowledge gap: Despite the increasing use of warehouse management systems, the potential of integrating barcode technology to optimize packing operations has not been fully explored. Aims: This study aims to examine the optimization potential of packing operations using an integrated barcode-based warehouse management system. Results: By employing the SDLC waterfall model for application development, the integrated system showed improvements in item identification efficiency, minimized packing errors, and enhanced inventory accuracy. Novelty: The proposed approach demonstrates how barcode technology can streamline warehouse management processes, which is not thoroughly documented in existing literature. Implications: These findings provide insights for companies to develop effective strategies and technologies to improve warehouse operations, ensuring a stronger position in the competitive market. Highlights: Barcode integration improves packing speed and accuracy. The system reduces manual errors in warehouse operations. Enhances inventory management for better supply chain performance. Keywords: Packing Optimization, Warehouse Management, Barcode Integration, Efficiency, Inventory Accuracy

A Novel Framework to Evaluate the Effect of Strategic Systems Thinking on Sustainable Supply Chain Risks, LARG Capabilities and Performance

Supply chain (SC) disruptions created due to sustainable, social, economic, environmental and technical risks are mitigated by lean, agile, resilient and green (LARG) capabilities across the SC node. This study aims at the assessment and alignment of SC risks and capabilities for a strategic fit of appropriate practices resulting in performance, efficiency and continuity of operations. The novelty of this research work is the investigation of the direct and mediating effects of strategic system thinking (SST) between SC risks, capabilities and performance. A survey comprising of 78 items was administered to 255 managers of Pakistan automotive SC industries. The exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were executed to identify the valid constructs along with their reliability and validity. The structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the conceptual model by establishing the second order constructs. SEM results indicated only technical risks having negative significant effect with performance. In terms of capabilities, the general, efficiency, integration as well as the redundant resources were found to have significant association with SC performance. The SST approach was found to be significantly associated with technical risks and capabilities such as general, recovery and redundancy. The hypothesis of SST as a mediating variable across all factors was not observed to be valid in this research. This study can help in the policy and decision-making as well as strategic assessment, planning, development, positioning and alignment of resources across the sustainable SC. The operations can be influenced positively through system integration and conservation of resources for a sustainable performance. The green, environmental and social risks had higher SC impact and need to be focused upon in Pakistan automotive SC for higher performance and sustainability.

Enhancing Supply Chain Management for Improved Performance: A Case Study of Mambilla Beverages Nig. Limited

In today's dynamic business environment, effective supply chain management (SCM) is crucial for organizations seeking to enhance performance and gain a competitive edge. This study investigates the impact of Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and Transportation Efficiency (TE) on the performance of Mambilla Beverages Nig. Limited (MBNL). The research adopts a quantitative approach, utilizing survey data collected from 171 respondents within the organization. The findings reveal significant positive effect of SRM, TE, on MBNL's performance, as evidenced by regression analysis results. Specifically, the study finds that strong supplier relationships and efficient transportation logistics significantly contribute to MBNL's sales performance. Based on these findings, recommendations are provided for MBNL to strengthen supplier relationships, enhance transportation efficiency, embrace technology, and prioritize training and development initiatives. By implementing these recommendations, MBNL can optimize its supply chain operations, improve operational efficiency, and achieve sustainable growth in the competitive beverage industry.

Effect of Competitiveness the Factors on VUCA Supply Chain Performance in Jordan

Effect of Competitiveness the Factors on VUCA Supply Chain Performance in Jordan

Enhancing supply chain performance by integrating knowledge management and lean, agile, resilient, and green paradigms

Due to global market competition, there is an increasing emphasis on utilizing lean, agile, resilient, and green (LARG) paradigms to improve Supply Chain (SC) performance. Furthermore, as technology advances, Knowledge Management (KM) is essential in improving SC performance through information sharing, improving processes, and increasing coordination and collaboration. Thus, this research proposes a novel approach to integrating KM with LARG paradigms to enhance SC performance. Also, the decision framework is presented using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approaches, including the Grey Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA-G) and Grey Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to Compromise Solution (MARCOS-G) method. The presented approach is implemented in an automobile enterprise to improve SC performance. The findings indicated that building coordination and collaboration to improve efficiency, facilitate operations, and reduce communication and exchange costs was introduced as the most critical strategy in the automotive industry.

The Effect of Information Sharing, Supply Chain Collaboration and Supply Chain Agility on Supply Chain Performance in Food and Beverage SME in the Bogor Region

This study analyzes the influence of information sharing, supply chain collaboration, and supply chain agility on supply chain performance in the food and beverage industry in the Greater Jakarta area. The main focus of this study is to evaluate the extent to which information sharing practices and collaboration between supply chain partners, as well as the ability of the supply chain to respond to change, affect overall supply chain performance. The method used was a survey with SME respondents in the food and beverage sector. The results showed that information sharing has a significant positive influence on supply chain collaboration and supply chain agility, which in turn improves supply chain performance. This research makes an important contribution to the development of supply chain management theory and practice, particularly in the context of SME in the food and beverage sector.

EXAMINING THE INTEGRATION OF INDUSTRY 4.0 TECHNOLOGIES IN MANUFACTURING

The integration of Industry 4.0 technologies is transforming manufacturing, enhancing efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability. This research paper explores the application of key technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics in the sector. By analyzing a comprehensive dataset that includes supply chain metrics from major corporations like Apple, Amazon, and Google, the study examines the impact of Industry 4.0 practices on critical supply chain performance indicators, including inventory turnover ratio, lead time, and customer satisfaction. Industry 4.0 technologies are reshaping supply chain management (SCM) strategies such as lean manufacturing, agile SCM, and cross-docking. AI and block chain are shown to significantly enhance supply chain agility and resilience. Companies that integrate these technologies tend to have more streamlined operations, shorter lead times, and higher customer satisfaction rates. Environmental sustainability practices are becoming increasingly important as businesses strive for more eco-friendly manufacturing processes. The study finds that organizations employing agile supply chain practices and leveraging advanced technologies often demonstrate superior operational efficiency and financial performance. The integration of these technologies also introduces challenges, such as increased supply chain complexity and risk management concerns. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of how Industry 4.0 technologies are revolutionizing manufacturing and supply chain dynamics. It highlights the future trajectory of smart manufacturing and emphasizes the need for continued innovation to address emerging challenges. The research offers insights into how companies can adapt their supply chain strategies to thrive in the evolving landscape of digital transformation and automation.

Supply Chain Planning and Performance of Road Transport Sector Agencies in Kenya.

Supply Chain Planning and Performance of Road Transport Sector Agencies in Kenya.

Optimistic Third-Party Sellers in E-Commerce Supply Chains

This paper investigates the effects of optimism in an e-commerce supply chain where two third-party sellers offer substitutable products through a shared e-commerce platform. In this context, optimism is defined as a cognitive bias in which third-party sellers underestimate the probability of encountering low market potential. We present a game-theoretic model to characterize the equilibrium strategies of both the platform and the sellers. Our analysis reveals that when both sellers exhibit optimism bias, this bias invariably leads to lower expected profits for them. However, seller optimism can benefit both the platform and the whole system. That is, as sellers become more biased, the profits of the platform and the entire supply chain increase. Moreover, when a biased seller competes with a sophisticated one, unilateral optimism can result in a win–lose outcome in which the optimistic seller benefits from her bias at the expense of her sophisticated rival. Indeed, we demonstrate that optimism can confer a competitive advantage in a duopoly, allowing the more biased seller to earn higher profits than its less biased competitor—even if the latter is unbiased or sophisticated. Our work sheds light on the conditions under which optimism bias may have detrimental or beneficial impacts on e-commerce supply chain operations.