Designing an efficient humanitarian supply network

摘要

Humanitarian organizations (HOs) are primarily intended to support a disaster affected area with adequate supplies as quickly as possible. The impact of logistics is key in making this operation effective, responsive and efficient. Most HOs are reviewing their present logistics to make necessary changes to achieve this. Research in this area has compared efficiencies of both centralized and decentralized systems. Centralized systems are efficient in managing storage and reduction of overhead costs. Decentralized systems are fast to respond with lesser lead times and are more suitable for HOs. Most HOs have changed over to decentralized systems so that they will be closer to a disaster site. Pan American Health Organization is of the opinion that decentralized systems result in shorter delivery times, reduced transportation costs, higher local capacity and support of the local economy with local purchases. According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, decentralized networks facilitate visibility and coordination with local government and nongovernment organizations. May HOs have reconfigured their facilities based on convenience such as nearness to airports. Since all other options are not considered, they may still be operating at non-optimal locations. Establishing and managing decentralized locations is a challenging job that involves supply network efficiency, accountability and demand rationalization. This article presents a model that reflects priorities of supply chain management of decentralized HOs and provide answers to the configuration optimality (one-stage or two-stage network), optimal number of locations, size and location of facilities and the impact of alternative sourcing strategies. (44 refs.)