A template-based approach to measure supply chain flexibility: a case study of Indian soap manufacturing firm

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to quantify the supply chain flexibility for an Indian soap manufacturing firm and to measure its performance. The authors made an attempt to find key strategic and operational decision-making dimensions for developing effective supply chain flexibility environment. Design/methodology/approach The authors have extracted 11 supply chain flexibility dimensions through extensive literature review. The authors used a decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) to make causal analysis and prioritizing the dimensions. After DEMATEL analysis three major supply chain flexibility dimensions that seem to have significant amount of influence on supply chain performance of the firms were retained for further consideration. The authors have developed an excel-based template for quantitative assessment of flexibility performance indicators. Findings This study provides key enablers for the successful implementation of flexibility concepts in Indian soap manufacturing firms and gives a view how to measure the performance through designing template based on real data. This template can be used in other firms also by simply modifying the key attributes. Originality/value A flexibility index has been defined here with the purpose of assessing the level of flexibility vis-a-vis what is desired and is meant to be evaluated from time to time, to assess if the firm is improving its flexibility or not. The index assumes importance in view of the fact that it has been prepared based on feedbacks of both the upper and the lower management people of the firm engaged in policymaking and operations.

Identification of cause and effect relationships among barriers of Industry 4.0 using decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory method

“…In addition, causality and barrier interactions have been established as a potential future research direction. One approach that defines both qualitative and causal relationships is DEMATEL (Raj et al , 2020; Singh et al , 2019, 2020b; Sharma et al , 2020).…”

“…Conversely, the result of ( r i − c j ) on the system represents the net contribution from barrier i (Sharma et al , 2020; Singh and Acharya, 2014). In addition, if ( r i − c j ) is positive, barrier i is a net cause and if negative, barrier i is a net effect (Singh et al , 2020b; Lee et al , 2009; Yang et al , 2008). Table 6 outlines the degree of total influence of Industry 4.0 barriers.Step 6: The threshold value ( α ) has been determined using equation (5) as the average of the elements in matrix ( T ).…”

Effect of information sharing in supply chains: understanding the roles of supply chain visibility, agility, collaboration on supply chain performance

“…Consistent with the indicated premise, information sharing according to Colicchia et al (2018) is the glue that holds supply chains together especially with regards to supply chain partners. Singh et al (2020) further indicated that miscommunications, which result from poor information sharing, creates conflicts and misunderstandings in supply chains, which defeat the overall goal of superior performance. Cao and Zhang (2011) recommended that information sharing is a critical component of supply chain collaborations and as such, collaborations between supply chain partners can be based on leveraging information sharing to acquire competitive advantage.…”

A bi-objective production planning for a flexible supply chain solved using NSGA-II and MOPSO

“…(16) (17) (18) (19) Equations ( 16) to (19) show restrictions on transportation. Equation ( 16) describes conditions upon transportation to end-users from plants.…”

“…Equation ( 18) reveals restrictions on transportation to end-users from warehouses. Equation (19) shows restrictions on transportation capacity. (20)…”