performance evaluation of stochastic forward and reverse supply networks

Abstract The variability of the arrival and service processes has a strong impact on the performance of supply chain networks (SCNs), especially when the reverse flow to the manufacturer is considered. This paper proposes to use approximate analytical models to quickly evaluate the performance of SCN configurations during the design phase of the forward and reverse supply chains. The models are applied to the case of scrap-based steel production in which the role of the reverse flow is higher compared to the other reverse supply chains since a higher proportion of the raw material is provided by the reverse flow. As the solution methodology, an approach based on the queueing network model has been developed to represent general distributions of the stochastic parameters (i.e. arrival and processing rates). The accuracy of the proposed analytical models is assessed by comparing the results of numerical experiments against discrete-event simulations

A Journey into the European Supply Chains: Key Industries and Best Practices

Macro-trends and sectoral-specific evolutions are changing the way companies produce, distribute and build relationships in their supply network and with customers. Aiming to investigate the effective implementation of new supply chain concepts and innovation needs identified in the previous sections, this chapter provides a study of multiple cases of excellence among European supply chains. It depicts an overview of major trends and structural features of 8 key industries for European economy, i.e. Automotive, Aerospace, Fashion, Chemical, IT, Distribution/logistics, Furniture, Food and Beverage. For each industry, a structured investigation into one or more companies was performed with a total of 18 companies involved. The results identify possible matchings in relation to supply chain strategies, and good and best practices adopted accordingl

Empowering supply chains with Industry 4.0 technologies to face megatrends

This paper investigates how current megatrends (i.e., aging population, growing urbanization, shifts in consumer demands, geopolitical shifts, depletion of natural resources, climate change) are changing the supply chain landscape and the role of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies to support alignment with these changes. Building on contingency theory, the study employs focus-group interviews with various experts to generate new insights into fitting supply chain capabilities and enabling technologies. Data collected in the focus groups helped us to identify five supply chain capabilities as prevalent and mostly fitting the external contingencies, i.e., customer-driven, urban-centered, resource-efficient, fast reactive, and human-centered supply chain. Moreover, this study highlights and compares the potential of I4.0 technologies and their applications in supporting specific supply chain capabilities. The findings of this study can inform supply chain managers in the definition of capabilities to be enhanced at the supply chain level and contribute toward understanding the extent of I4.0 technologies in empowering supply chains to face turbulent and changing conditions

Collaborative networks: A pillar of digital transformation

UID/EEA/00066/2019 POCI-01-0247-FEDER-033926The notion of digital transformation encompasses the adoption and integration of a variety of new information and communication technologies for the development of more efficient, flexible, agile, and sustainable solutions for industrial systems. Besides technology, this process also involves new organizational forms and leads to new business models. As such, this work addresses the contribution of collaborative networks to such a transformation. An analysis of the collaborative aspects required in the various dimensions of the 4th industrial revolution is conducted based on a literature survey and experiences gained from several research projects. A mapping between the identified collaboration needs and research results that can be adopted from the collaborative networks area is presented. Furthermore, several new research challenges are identified and briefly characterized.publishe

Policy Recommendations for Supporting Supply Chains with Horizontal Actions

This chapter aims to identify the supply chain (SC) issues that can be considered “horizontal”, as they are cross–sectorial and faced by most companies operating both in production and distribution sectors, and to propose a set of policy recommendations that can support public and private organisations to promote and foster innovation and competitiveness of future European SCs. The definition of the Key Horizontal Issues (KHI) is the basis for developing 12 policy recommendations regarding infrastructure requirements, technological and organisational improvements and regulatory developments needed to set the stage for the European SCs for the future. Specifically, the policy recommendations entail assuring appropriate standards and legislation for European SCs; educating and training professionals for the future SCs; drafting of international agreements aiming at future European SCs; supporting and fostering incentives and funding schemes; promoting reference bodies for European SCs; and establishing infrastructure for fostering of future European SCs

Non-hierarchical Collaboration in Dynamic Business Communities

Abstract. A business community where communication can be streamlined, information shared and trust can be built can be considered as a collaborative network promoting SMEs long term sustainability by assuring quick response, fast time to market, differentiated offerings and competitive prices. This collaboration could be orchestrated both in hierarchical and non-hierarchical forms depending on the firms size, capacity and objectives. In this research, we have considered non-hierarchical networking among firms, especially for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), where the basic requirements are related with choosing appropriate business partners, building trust and sharing valuable information among them. In order to articulate the concept of this nonhierarchical collaboration, six pilot SMEs were analyzed and a methodological approach to manage these environments is proposed. A generic overview of different variables or factors necessary to build such business collaboration are presented and discussed critically in this study

Future Scenario Settings for Supply Chains

Trends and future developments make it necessary to discuss the future, but it is their bundling that forms a future scenario. This chapter describes six identified and verified macro-scenarios for future industry specific settings, which are shaped by various socio-economic, political, technological and environmental future developments. The description of each macro-scenario allows conclusions to be drawn on supply chain developments such as circular aspects, trade impacts or necessary supply chain structures. Each future scenario is set in a conceptual framework that provides the context and meaning of possible futures and enables companies to prepare and adjust their strategies accordingly

Explorative Multiple-Case Research on the Scrap-Based Steel Slag Value Chain: Opportunities for Circular Economy

This paper analyses the scrap-based steel slag from the electric arc furnace and secondary metallurgy and proposes a framework for valorising its value chain. Toward this aim, the role of slag features, technological advancements for the treatment of slag, applications, legislation, and their value chain in the circular economy and industrial symbiosis opportunities are discussed within the proposed framework. By interviewing a group of Italian steelmakers, accounting for around 30% of Italian scrap-based steel volume, we analyse various value chain key factors, namely, technology, legislation, production volume, and economic aspects. Consequently, we assess the as-is situation of the sector and elaborate on the challenges and expectations for the future in terms of collaboration frameworks. The results show how vertical (by internal treatment) and horizontal integrations (by collaborating with other potential industries) support decisions on material flow and facilitate circularity in sharing this kind of material. The most influential enabler in a vertical integration is the economic aspect, while in the horizontal integration the enablers are the market and technology. We also address the importance of raw-material self-sufficiency through analysing closed-loop supply chains and collaborative supply-chain networks

How to Implement Product Requirements for Market Niches with Innovative Business Processes

Part 3: StrategyInternational audienceIn order to stay competitive, European manufacturing companies need to enter new markets implementing innovative business processes based on networking economy. Through business processes and requirements analysis hold on some European SMEs, this work proposes a supply chain mapping of the most relevant processes, procedures and techniques comparing European fashion supply networks through multiple case studies. The innovative production model will be based on the integration of fashion companies towards both suppliers and customers to support sustainable production of small series addressed products for target groups like obese, disabled, elderly people

Establishing networks for the treatment of WEEE components

none2siThis paper analyzes different approaches for managing Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) in order to reduce the economic and environmental impacts and in particular how to manage collaborative networks. The classifications are made based on the review of the recent and related literature in WEEE treatment and show the impacts on different cases studied in the literature. In addition, a simulation model is proposed to study the practical impact of improving the capability of a Region to treat WEEE components.noneFalsafi M.; Fornasiero R.Falsafi, M.; Fornasiero, R