Evaluating operations flexibility in industrial supply chains to support build-to-order initiatives

摘要

Purpose - This paper seeks to evaluate the implications of operations flexibility in industrial supplyrnchains and the effect it has on supporting initiatives designed for build-to-order (BTO) manufacturing.rnDesign/methodology/approach - An industrial case study is used to investigate operationsrnflexibility and its impact on industrial supply chains. Tools used in the analysis include value streamrnmapping (VSM) and a scorecard for performance measurement. The scorecard tool comprises dailyrnutilisation figures, product demand and responsiveness measures such as supply chain cycle timesrnand pipeline inventory.rnFindings - The results of the analysis confirm that supply chain VSM and scorecarding are effectiverntools that can be used to measure the performance of supply chains through the identification ofrninefficiencies associated with supply chain integration/design. The analysis shows the duration ofrnvalue-adding and non-value adding activities in the entire chain. Also, the analysis has revealed thernclose relationship between operations flexibility and the supply chain flexibility dimensions of peoplernand information systems.rnResearch limitations/implications - The research presented analyses the operations and thernsupply chain of one industrial case study. The analysis does not cover the life cycle of the productsrnmentioned in the study.rnPractical implications - The study addresses the need, in the manufacturing industry, for toolsrnthat can be used in the analysis of manufacturing operations and supply chains, ultimately providingrnguidelines that can be used in the design of policies focused on performance improvement.rnOriginality/value - BTO initiatives are growing in importance in the manufacturing industry. The flexibility of operations and the supply chain are closely related to the concept of BTO in manufacturing.