Supply Chain Design
A supply chain design is a process that involves making strategic decisions about the various entities, facilities, and systems that are part of a company’s supply chain. This includes:
- selecting partners,
- determining the location and capacity of warehouse and production facilities,
- deciding on products,
- choosing transportation modes,
- and developing information systems to support all of these actions.
The goal of a supply chain design is to optimize the flow of goods through the system in order to minimize costs while maximizing efficiency. There are a number of factors that can impact supply chain design decisions, including:
- regulatory requirements,
- regional economies,
- and infrastructure limitations.
A company’s existing operations may also influence how its supply chain is designed.
Given these considerations, there is no single approach for designing a supply chain. However, there are certain guiding principles that can be used as a framework for making decisions about the structure of the supply chain. These include considering what resources and facilities are required to meet demand, assessing market conditions including location and competition, identifying potential bottlenecks in the logistics process, and developing contingency plans for unforeseen events.
Ultimately, the success of a supply chain design depends on its ability to meet customer needs while ensuring profitability for the company. This requires an ongoing process of evaluating performance metrics such as costs, service levels, and inventory levels and making adjustments accordingly. By following these principles, businesses can optimize their supply chains and ensure that they remain flexible and responsive over time.
Related Links
System Design for Supply Chain Management and Logistics – ChalmersX on edX – Course About Video
Logistics Network Design
What Is Supply Chain Network Design & Why Is It Important?
Distribution Network Design – Supply Chain & Logistics Modelling
How Supply Chain Solutions Does it – Supply Chain Solutions
Five Ways to Simplify Your Supply Chain Design with Analytics – Inbound Logistics
Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Network Design
Related Videos
Supply Chain Strategy - Introduction, Types and Global Strategies | AIMS Lecture
Chapter 5: Learning objective 1: Understand the role of network design in a supply chain.
-
Supply Chain Strategy - Introduction, Types and Global Strategies | AIMS Lecture
-
Chapter 5: Learning objective 1: Understand the role of network design in a supply chain.