Supply chain configuration modeling under the influence of product family architecture

Supply chain partners strive hard for operational business excellence, enhanced integrated value chain and sustainable competitive advantage under mass-customization/globalization challenges. In this paper new notions, GBOP (generic bill-of-product: set of product family variants), GBOP/GSCS (generic supply chain structure) interface and GBOP architectural constraints have been introduced to empower supply chain with flexibility to rapidly reconfigure under business environmental dynamism and ability to quickly respond to the varying customer needs with economies of scope. Further a mathematical model is proposed to investigate the influence of GBOP architecture on supply chain configuration, relationship between GBOP and GSCS architectures, optimal redefinition of GBOP/GSCS and decisions related to opening or closing of market segments under cost min. / profit max. objectives.