Rework: A symptom of a dysfunctional supply-chain

This paper describes and presents findings from a detailed case study that sought to acquire an in-depth understanding of 'why' and 'how' rework occurred the way it did in a structural steel supply-chain. The findings from the case study indicate that the cause of rework was primarily attributable to the sequential nature of the supply-chain, which resulted in poor communication and decision-making being experienced. This was found to be further exacerbated by the absence of a quality focus during the design process, which resulted in the supply-chain becoming dysfunctional inasmuch as rework emerged downstream in the production process. A conceptual model for improving the effectiveness of a supply-chain and thus minimising the incidence of rework is presented and discussed.