Exploring systemic factors creating uncertainty in complex engineer-to-order supply chains: Case studies from Norwegian shipbuilding first tier suppliers

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpe.2021.108211
• Publication Date: 2021-06-25T08:03:36Z
• Authors: Erlend Alfnes; Jonathan Gosling; Mohamed Naim; Heidi C. Dreyer
• Keywords: Build to order; Tier 1 network

While it is recognised that there are varying uncertainty characteristics between industry sectors, little research directly related to engineer-to-order (ETO) systems. A novel method developed identify the factors contributing in shipbuilding first-tier suppliers inhibit effective and efficient delivery of ETO products. The empirical data set comes from case-specific workshops involving cross-disciplinary staff engineering, production, purchasing, planning sales. protocol included presentations by researchers company, tours shopfloor interactive sessions. latter used 'brown-paper' exercises map customer penetration-point locations, where uncertainties occurred evaluate their impact-likelihood. mapping identified two types; redesign-to-order (RTO) innovate-to-order (ITO). major challenges faced ITO systems caused through failures (a) properly understanding requirements translating those product specification, (b) providing capacity capability engineering design teams at both first- second-tier suppliers, (c) managing interfaces suppliers. Engineering processes RTO have poor configuration protocols leading complex, overengineered products without pre-existing bill materials. production extended lead-times with availability. change programme suggested reduce requiring primary consideration process control aspects before addressing demand-side then supply-side changes. findings evaluated independent interviews indicating tools adopted validity, commensurate wider expectations.