Distributed supply chain network modelling and simulation: integration of agent-based distributed simulation and improved SCOR model

Agent-based distributed simulation is an efficient methodology for modelling and analysing such complex adaptive systems as dynamic supply chain networks. However, it lacks an acceptable generic standard. Supply chain operations reference (SCOR) model is a cross-functional framework widely accepted as an industry standard. It provides the standard processes, performance metrics, best practices and associated software functionalities for modelling, evaluating and improving supply chain networks. However, it is a static tool. Integration of agent-based distributed simulation and SCOR model can exploit their advantages to form a generic methodology for modelling and simulation of a wide range of supply chain networks. Therefore, this paper proposes a methodology for distributed supply chain network modelling and simulation by means of integration of agent-based distributed simulation and an improved SCOR model. The methodology contains two components: a hierarchical framework for modelling supply chain network based on the improved SCOR model and agent building blocks integrating the standard processes from the SCOR model. The hierarchical framework provides an approach for structure modelling in any level with different granularities based on the improved SCOR model, and allows rapidly mapping a supply chain network into the structure model of a multi-agent system; while agent building blocks are quite useful and convenient to fill the structure model to fulfil its function modelling. With the approach of structure modelling and function filling, not only can the process of agent-based supply chain network modelling be accelerated, but also the built models can be reused and expanded. Because the hierarchical framework is based on the conceptual framework of SCOR model and agent building blocks integrate the standard processes from SCOR model, the proposed methodology is more generic. In addition, the issues of sub-model synchronisation and data distribution management in the agent-based distributed simulation implementation are taken into consideration and the corresponding solutions for these issues are proposed. Finally, an example of a supply chain network is modelled and implemented to illustrate the proposed methodology and related solutions.     

基于SCOR模型的供应链再造

供应链运作参考(SCOR)模型是一种高效实用的供应链设计和再造的利器。本文简要而系统地介绍了供应链运作参考模型以及基于该模型的供应链再造过程。     

On the Bullwhip Avoidance Phase: supply chain collaboration and order smoothing

This paper provides an assessment of the impact of collaboration and smoothing replenishment rules on supply chain operational performance and customer service level. Three supply chain configurations (i.e. Traditional, Information Exchange and Synchronised) in which orders are generated by smoothing (S, R) inventory control policies are studied for different proportional controllers. A supply chain stress test is performed through a sudden and intense change in demand. A structured and extended supply chain assessment framework is adopted. The main conclusions of this paper are the following. (i) The impact of Supply Chain Collaboration on overall supply chain performance is greater than that of order smoothing. Order smoothing mitigates the bullwhip effect, but it may have a negative impact on customer service. Supply Chain Collaboration mitigates the bullwhip effect, provides inventory stability, limits lumpy orders and enhances customer service level. (ii) The negative effect on customer service level of order smoothing is almost eliminated in synchronised supply chains.     

煤炭供应链SCOR模型研究

为促使煤炭企业实现从职能管理到流程管理的转变,提升煤炭供应链管理的效率和水平,构建了以煤炭生产商为核心企业的煤炭供应链SCOR模型。模型第1层建立包括计划、采购、生产、配送和退货的流程类别模型,第2层建立每一种流程的计划、执行和支持的详细类别模型。这个模型清晰地描述了以煤炭生产商为核心企业的煤炭供应链内部信息流向,为煤炭供应链信息的高度集成、业务流程的重组与优化进一步打下良好的基础。     

基于SCOR模型的供应链建模方法

SCOR模型被遍布世界各地的、各行各业的众多企业所采用,为这些企业带来了巨大的效益。SCOR模型被认为是为企业进行供应链评估和流程再造的最佳工具。本文系统介绍了SCOR模型的完整建模方法以及实施SCOR模型所采用的自上而下的步骤。     

A SCOR-based model for supply chain performance measurement: application in the footwear industry

Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) is a widely employed model for SC performance assessment, regardless its generic nature. This article presents a SCOR-based model for performance measurement in supply chains (SC) and apply it in the context of Brazilian footwear industry. The model has two dimensions: SCOR processes (source, make, deliver and return) and performance standards adapted from original SCOR (cost, quality, delivery and flexibility). This structure delivers a 4 × 4 matrix, with each component assessed under analytical hierarchy process. Using focus groups, SC’s experts weighted each component of the matrix regarding their relevance. Thereafter, SC’s managers indicated respective results. The SC’s overall performance was obtained by adding the performance of all indicators. The model application embraced one focal footwear manufacturer, four suppliers, three distribution channels and a return channel, with 85 indicators assessed. The achieved performance for the whole SC is 75.29%.The main gaps were found in deliver process (12.78 percentual points of difference between relevance and achieved proportions) and in flexibility performance (9.82). Further application is recommended in order to find consolidated results.     

An institutional theory perspective of business continuity planning for purchasing and supply management

Supply chains are increasingly susceptible to unplanned, unanticipated disruptions. With the implementation of the practices of lean systems, total quality management (TQM), time-based competition and other supply chain improvement initiatives, managers now realize that their supply chains are fragile, particularly to environmental disruptions outside their control. As a result of recent events including 11 September 2001, a system is now emerging in purchasing to manage supply risk characterised as having a very low probability of occurrence, difficult to predict, and with a potentially catastrophic impact on the organization. This paper presents case study research findings examining how and why firms create business continuity plans to manage this risk. Propositions are then presented from an institutional theory perspective to examine how various isomorphic pressures result in firms having similar risk management practices embedded in their supply management practices over time.     

供需链管理的运作模式研究

信息技术的发展使动态供需链的实现成为可能,在前者的支持下,供需链管理的模式可以按照运作中心的不同分为以分销商为核心的供需链、以制造商为核心的供需链和以拍卖商为核心的供需链三种模式,分析了在三种模式下的供需链的流程,并针对供需链不同的生命周期分析了供需链的功能,最后对供需链管理信息系统的实现进行了讨论。     

基于HTN和XML的供应链规划策略研究

供应链是企业为在市场竞争中生存和满足客户需求而形成的新的合作形式，比以往任何形式的合作关系都要紧密。链上企业间信息集成和业务集成是要解决的重要问题。本文就业务过程的集成提出了一种基于人工智能中问题求解策略的新模式，提出使用HTN(层次任务网络)技术在供应链上进行规划的步骤，并使用XML(可扩展标识语言)技术对传统HTN技术进行了改进以更适宜分布式规划的要求。     

多级供应链的分拨中心运作中的流程序列研究

分拨中心是多级供应链中连接上下游的节点,其运作流畅性直接关系到整个供应链的运作顺畅性。本文研究了多级供应链中的分拨中心对多个申请任务的流程序列规划,给出了定量分析模型,因延时造成的供应链紊乱损失也被特别涵括在该模型中。     

On measuring company performance within a supply chain

Emerging research strengthens the connection between supply chain performance and a company's financial performance (D’Avanzo, R., Von Lewinski, H. and Van Wassenhove, L. N., 2003. The link between supply chain and financial performance. Supply Chain Management Review, November/December, 40–47). The focus on integrating functional internal processes has expanded to include the need for integrating these with external processes of business partners (Edwards, P., Peters, M. and Sharman, G., 2001. The effectiveness of information systems in supporting the extended supply chain. Journal of Business Logistics, 22(1), 1–27). This need for enterprise efficiency is compelling companies to review, to identify, and to adopt supply chain initiatives. This research investigates the use of common measurement metrics in an attempt to determine which one(s) are most useful for measuring performance as companies implement SCM practices. For firms that were engaged in SCM we found inventory and cycle time to be the most significant metrics.     

Processes and measurement of knowledge management in supply chains: an integrative systematic literature review

During the last 10 years, important contributions about knowledge management (KM) issues in supply chain management (SCM) have been published. The current paper aims to build upon previous literature reviews focused on KM in supply chains (SCs) from an integrative perspective, particularly recognising the studies conducted by Bhosale and Kant (2016. “Metadata Analysis of Knowledge Management in Supply Chain: Investigating the Past and Predicting the Future.” Business Process Management Journal 22 (1): 140–172) and Cerchione and Esposito (2016. “A Systematic Review of Supply Chain Knowledge Management Research: State of the Art and Research Opportunities.” International Journal of Production Economics 182: 276–292) as an effort to discuss the evolution of KM in the SC field. To this end, a systematic literature review including 210 papers is conducted over the period 2008–2017 from three positions previously not addressed jointly within the supply chain (SC) context: research methods employed by the authors; KM processes applied in the business processes across the SC; and intra and inter- organisational performance metrics linked with KM initiatives. Results exhibited that: (i) ‘Survey’ and ‘Case study’ are the two research methodologies mostly employed by authors (ii) the knowledge transfer is discussed in the majority of the studies reviewed, (iii) 114 intra and inter-organisational performance metrics are reported within the SC context from an empirical data approach. Findings concerning previous identified gap analysis and future lines of research are described.     

正确理解供应链与价值链的关系

首先较系统地概述了供应链和价值链的涵义,发展和研究状况,在此基础上深入地探讨了两者的本质区别与联系。两者有不尽相同的地方,如价值链思想是面向效益,着眼点是企业的价值增值过程;供应链思想是面向效率,主要是围绕物流、降低成本和提高生产率方面。但两者也有许多交叉的地方,如价值链研究把成本优势作为重要方面之一,供应链的发展也逐渐强调联系的重要性等。正确理解供应链与价值链的关系可以为实现两者的有效管理提供一     

供应链运作风险影响供应链绩效的实证研究

从实证研究的角度研究了供应链运作风险对供应链绩效的影响.将供应链运作风险归纳为供应风险、需求风险、制造过程风险和信息风险四类,选择供应链可靠性、柔性、服务质量和财务绩效四个变量描述供应链绩效,构建了一个反映二者关系的概念模型.通过对国内制造业企业的问卷调研,利用结构方程模型软件LISREL8.70对模型进行了统计检验,得到了研究结果.研究结果表明:制造过程风险和信息风险对供应链绩效有显著的直接影响;供应风险和需求风险对供应链绩效无显著的直接影响,但通过与制造过程风险和信息风险的相关关系间接影响供应链绩效.研究结论为制造企业实际的供应链风险管理提供理论借鉴.     

Data supply chain (DSC): research synthesis and future directions

In the digital economy, the volume, variety and availability of data produced in myriad forms from a diversity of sources has become an important resource for competitive advantage, innovation opportunity as well as source of new management challenges. Building on the theoretical and empirical foundations of the traditional manufacturing Supply Chain (SC), which describes the flow of physical artefacts as raw materials through to consumption, we propose the Data Supply Chain (DSC) along which data are the primary artefact flowing. The purpose of this paper is to outline the characteristics and bring conceptual distinctiveness to the context around DSC as well as to explore the associated and emergent management challenges and innovation opportunities. To achieve this, we adopt the systematic review methodology drawing on the operations management and supply chain literature and, in particular, taking a framework synthetic approach which allows us to build the DSC concept from the pre-existing SC template. We conclude the paper by developing a set of propositions and outlining an agenda for future research that the DSC concept implies.     

Framework for flexibility in dynamic supply chain management

Effective Supply Chain Management (SCM) is a pivotal issue in the dynamically changing business environment. Dynamic SCM requires integrated decision-making amongst autonomous chain partners with effective decision information synchronization amongst them. By exploiting flexibility in supply chain structures, better performance can be achieved. Similarly, by judiciously employing decision flexibility and the associated dynamic control amongst autonomous supply chain nodes, many improvements are possible. The paper presents a study on the role of different flexibility options (i.e. no flexibility, partial flexibility and full flexibility) in a dynamic supply chain model based on some key parameters and performance measures. Supply chain flexibility has significant potential and needs a greater research attention. The paper attempts to advance the knowledge of dynamic control on effective flexibility exploitation in the context of dynamic supply chains. A simulation model of a dynamic supply chain is used for this purpose. The key results are highlighted along with industry implications. Here each supply chain node involves decision-making. Based on the order and sample information available from the immediate buyers or customers, the supplier selection decisions are dynamically made. A seemingly good decision at a stage based on local information often ends up as detrimental not only to the total chain cost, but also to the total costs of the node itself. These observations are important for the designers and managers of the flexible supply chain systems to arrive at appropriate types and a judicious level of flexibility to attain significant improvements in total cost reduction. The modelling of dynamic supply chains with a focus on flexibility can offer enormous potential to the industry. This paper addresses this interesting and challenging domain.     

An application of designing products and processes for supply chain management

In this paper we describe an application of designing products and processes for supply chain management at a large electronics products manufacturer. The objective of our research project was to reduce the costs of complexity resulting from a proliferation of parts and processes in the manufacturer's supply chain. In order to perform this analysis, we developed the Supply Chain Modeling and Analysis Tool (SCMAT). SCMAT models decentralized supply chains and is less data-in tensive and yet more general than previous work in this area.     

基于柔性组合策略的订单配置模型

随着社会消费量的不断增加,资源变得越发紧缺,对客户订单的柔性承诺以实现企业效益的最大化问题已成为供应链中每个企业考虑的关键问题.通过提出替代和二次交付相组合的订单配置策略,建立面向按订单装配型供应链(Assemble-to-Order Supply Chain)的柔性订单配置模型,研究多工厂多客户的供需环境下如何快速履...     

Characteristics of Global Automotive Supply Chain

To meet the demands of rapid development of the automotive industry, a well-built supply chain system is needed urgently under the background of globalization. The implication of Global Supply Chain(GSC) is discussed at first. Then, three characteristics of global automobile supply chain such as reversibility, complexity, and synergy are analyzed, and accordingly three apocalypses related global auto supply chain are proposed.     

平衡记分法在供应链绩效评价中的应用研究

较之传统绩效评价，供应链评价注重组织的未来发展和前馈性，注意力更多地放在对外部增值链的测控。本文在一般平衡记分法的基础上，提出了平衡供应链记分法，从客户角度、供应链内部流程角度、未来发展性角度和财务价值角度研究了对供应链绩效评价的问题，并提出相关的参考指标。