Development of a classification structure for spare parts supply chains based on coordination-related characteristics

Since breakdowns and system failures caused by insufficient maintenance can have huge effects and negative economic impact, effective and efficient management of spare parts supply chains has become crucial for achieving competitive advantage in today’s more and more complex production networks. Spare part supply chains cover the provision of maintenance services by providing spare parts and service personnel at the required location and time. In practice, there is not a “one size fits all” spare part supply chain, but they differ regarding several characteristics, e.g., organizational forms, processes, contracts and service level agreements.

This Bachelor thesis aims at developing a structural framework for the organizational and collaborative characteristics of spare parts supply chains. First, different organizational and collaborative characteristics of spare parts supply chains will be identified in the literature. A structured literature review of relevant scientific literature as well as case-based industry publications in the domains of supply chain management, spare parts supply chains and maintenance provides the basis for the identification of spare parts supply chain characteristics. Second, the findings of the literature review will be synthesized and structured in a framework, which groups the identified characteristics, provides a structured visualization of the characteristics and indicates their interrelations. Thereby, the framework will support the characterization and classification of spare parts supply chains.

Literature:

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  • Stadtler, H. "A framework for collaborative planning and state-of-the-art", OR Spectrum, 31, pp. 5-30, 2009.
  • Gopalakrishnan P, Banerji A K. Maintenance and spare parts management, PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd., 2013.
  • Garg, A., and Deshmukh, S. G. 2006. “Maintenance management: literature review and directions,” Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering 12:(3), pp. 205–238.
  • Muckstadt, J. A. 2005. Analysis and Algorithms for Service Parts Supply Chains, Springer.