Positioning multiple decoupling points in a supply network

X. Y. Sun, Ping Ji, L. Y. Sun, Y. L. Wang

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

65 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A decoupling point is the boundary between make-to-order (MTO) and make-to-stock (MTS). Many researchers have discussed the decoupling point in a serial supply chain. In reality, a product consists of many parts and components, and, consequently, their supplies form a supply network instead of a supply chain. This paper positions multiple decoupling points of a product in a complicated supply network instead of a supply chain. Based on the bill of materials (BOM) of a product, a mathematical model is developed in order to find the multi-decoupling points in the supply network through MTO and MTS integration, with the objective of minimizing the overall cost subject to satisfying customer delivery time. The results show that the hybrid strategy is better than a pure MTO or MTS strategy in a dynamic supply network and tight delivery deadline environment. Based on the mathematical model and its solution, the mutual impact between the multiple decoupling points in the supply network is investigated through sensitivity analysis. Finally, this paper makes multiple decoupling points more understandable.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)943-956
Number of pages14
JournalInternational Journal of Production Economics
Volume113
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2008

Keywords

  • Make-to-order
  • Make-to-stock
  • Multiple decoupling points
  • Supply chain
  • Supply network

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Business,Management and Accounting
  • Economics and Econometrics
  • Management Science and Operations Research
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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