供应链设计与管理 概念、战略与案例研究 英文版·第4版

Fierce competition in today’s global markets, the introduction of products with shorter life cycles, increased risk (for example weather, pandemic, cyber) and the heightened expectations of customers have forced business enterprises to invest in, and focus attention on, their supply chains. This, together with new technology trends, (for example Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, RFID and blockchain technologies, and more generally, digitization, advanced analytics, and automation), has motivated the continuous evolution of the supply chain and of the techniques to manage it effectively.In a typical supply chain, raw materials are procured and items are produced at one or more factories, shipped to warehouses for intermediate storage, and then shipped to retailers or customers. Consequently, to reduce cost and improve service levels, effective supply chain strategies must consider the interactions at the various levels in the supply chain. The supply chain, which is also referred to as the logistics network, consists of suppliers, manufacturing centers, warehouses, distribution centers, and retail outlets, as well as raw materials, work-in-process inventory, and finished products that flow between the facilities. In this book, we present and explain concepts, insights, practical tools, and decision support systems important for the effective management of the supply chain.