Advanced Logistic Partnership

An agile model for equitable relationships between buyers and suppliers of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (Diss.)

Researchers: 

Dr. F. Frigo-Mosca, Prof. P. Schönsleben

Financed by:

ETH

Motivation:

Within the process of introducing the post mass-production paradigm in western countries, one of the most basic but also most complex steps is the realization of more agile and efficient relationships between suppliers and customers. The supply chain management systems developed for the automotive industry cannot be used directly for the relationship between Small and Medium-sized Enterprises SME. Due to their independence, one company cannot force another to adapt to new conditions. In the relationship of the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises no customer has the power to have a supplier make radical changes and adapt to the customer's special requirements. For these kind of companies it is difficult to convince their suppliers, but at the same time such changes are favorable for customers and suppliers. Since more then 90% of the companies in Switzerland are SME, there is a need for new models to manage the relationships between customers and suppliers. This dissertation project responded to the need through the development of a supply chain management model called Advanced Logistic Partnership (ALP).