Designing a Sustainable and Resilient Supply Chain Model

Abstract: We propose a Lean integrated closed loop supply chain (SC) design model to make the SC environmentally, and economically sustainable. The model also includes provisions in SC operations to make it socially responsible and resilient to withstand various foreseeable unforeseen man-made and natural calamity-based disruptions. The SC model uses modular product design for ease of assembling and dismantling which aids in cost reduction and improving responsiveness. Based on Lean integration the SC has partnering relation with their suppliers and retailers. The SC supports their suppliers maintaining sustainable practices. The model plans collection of customer returns (returnable) through retailers. The model includes provision of creating visibility with suppliers as well as retailers through sharing information management-based options. Such visibility supports SC to initiate actions and steps to contain any impending risks. Machines are reliable with lean based total productive maintenance and capacity flexibilities are available through set up reduction and networked partner organizations. The SC organizes several lean based skill developments, quality improvement and safety trainings, where they invite their partner and collaborating organizations. As such following classic lean tenet, employees of the SC and their collaborators are multi skilled, empowered and trained to keep them safe. The SC involves third party recovery services cooperatives for recovery of products and modules from customer returns e by providing them training through SC manufacturing. As such by providing skill improvement, safety training and involving third party recovery services the SC maintains reasonable level of social responsibility. A numerical example illustrates model applicability

 
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