Supply chain network design is the process of designing a product supply chain with a better understanding of time, costs, resources, and location. Designing a supply chain depends on determining the best location and optimal-sized- facilities. This, in turn, ensures an uninterrupted flow of products using an appropriate mathematical model.<\/p>\n
The supply chain network design is important for the success of any business. It depends on various factors, such as<\/p>\n
Warehouses,<\/p>\n
Suppliers,<\/p>\n
Factories,<\/p>\n
It is important to ensure that the number of factories or facilities and their location is suitable. It reduces operational costs and increases overall efficiency.<\/p>\n
Creating a scope of the supply chain before designing it is crucial. Once the scope is decided, important deadlines and goals can be scheduled realistically.<\/p>\n
In the second step, elements of supply chain designs are determined to create a modelling framework. It is important to focus on collecting proper data to support the supply chain network model. The elements of the supply chain include:<\/p>\n
Planning<\/p>\n
Sourcing raw materials<\/p>\n
Manufacturing<\/p>\n
Delivering and returns<\/p>\n
Warehousing costs<\/p>\n
Inventory costs<\/p>\n
Transportation rates<\/p>\n
An analysis is conducted based on the company\u2019s performance. Companies also carry out analyses regarding the demand for products. The company then runs the model to identify any problematic areas. They also find solutions to troubleshoot the same.<\/p>\n
The next step in designing a supply chain network is creating an alternative model. The alternatives help the companies to ensure supply in case the original model breaks down. It includes:<\/p>\n
Adding and removing products or locations<\/p>\n
Adding or removing resources<\/p>\n
Adding or removing transportation elements<\/p>\n
Changing network flow and sources of supply<\/p>\n
Changing locations according to the demand of customers<\/p>\n
The last step is creating a final detailed plan and its implementation. The chosen network of the supply chain is analysed further for availability and implementation. During this step, spending and savings are analysed. The planning should be revisited and checked regularly to tweak the model according to any changes in the previous steps. It helps to decrease the chances of interruptions in a supply chain. Remember, the design and analysis in designing a supply chain network is an ongoing process.<\/p>\n
To design an efficient system, route planning and optimisation are essential as it supports the systematic and timely transportation of products. It includes planning the proper transportation of raw materials and the final product and determining that the operational process is working properly.<\/p>\n
Warehouses and distribution points are key to an effective supply chain. They ensure that the product reaches customers on time. A good supply chain network design ensures that these are located in appropriate locations. The process focuses on finding an optimum number of facilities to build an efficient supply chain. It is also important that the sizes of warehouses match the requirement.<\/p>\n
Inventory planning and management are major areas while designing a supply chain network. It means that inventory should be stored and transported properly. A proper design should also ensure that the response time is maintained for increased efficiency.<\/p>\n
While designing a network of the supply chain, the materials sourcing and vendor management must be done in terms of<\/p>\n
Cost<\/p>\n
Time<\/p>\n
Location<\/p>\n
Identifying the quality and number of manufacturers and suppliers is also important.<\/p>\n
Supply chain network design is important since it helps to optimise the resources to achieve business goals. It also increases efficiency and overall profitability. It also helps in the following:<\/p>\n
Reduction in production costs<\/p>\n
Increased efficiency<\/p>\n
Improvement in customer satisfaction<\/p>\n
Receiving raw materials at competitive prices<\/p>\n
Increase in brand loyalty<\/p>\n
Balanced cost and revenue to generate profits<\/p>\n
Highly optimised operations<\/p>\n
Reduction in transportation cost<\/p>\n
Reduced transit time and fuel cost<\/p>\n
Performance visibility of the supply chain<\/p>\n
Imarticus Learning offers Executive certification Chief Supply Chain and Operations Officers Online Training<\/strong>. The online+ campus immersion program spans around 10 months. The Supply Chain Management Strategies Course<\/a><\/strong> is offered in collaboration with IIM Raipur. The program offers the following benefits:<\/p>\n c-suite training<\/p>\n SCM Globe simulations<\/p>\n Masterclasses by industry leaders<\/p>\n Campus immersion<\/p>\n IIM Raipur alumni status<\/p>\n