An Integrated Model for the Design of Agile Supply Chains.

SCM 02

Professor Martin Christopher

Cranfield Centre for Logistics & Transportation

School of Management, Cranfield University

Professor Denis Towill

Logistics Systems Dynamics Group

Cardiff University 

Summary

The latter part of the 20th Century saw the lean production paradigm positively impact many market sectors ranging from automotive through to construction.  In particular there is much evidence to suggest that level scheduling combined with the elimination of muda has successfully delivered a wide range of products to those markets where cost is the primary order winning criteria.  However, there are many other markets where the order winner is availability. 

This has led to the emergence of the agile paradigm typified by ‘quick response’ and similar initiatives.  Nevertheless, ‘lean’ and ‘agile’ are not mutually exclusive paradigms and may be married to advantage in a number of different ways.  This paper explores ways in which hybrid strategies can be developed to create cost-effective supply chains and proposes an integrated manufacture/logistics model for enabling the essential infrastructure.