Virtual Supply Chain Network Platform Design and Development for Crisis Response

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerability of the Canadian economy on many fronts. When the demand for lifesaving equipment increased globally, the supply chain networks were broken by the direct involvement of other countries. The rising competition and interruptions caused Canada to face significant difficulties in global markets to secure critical medical equipment and protective materials. Not only hospitals and healthcare workers but also the public and patients had no access to the needed equipment even though companies and organizations in the country have the required capacity and resources. In such emergency times, Canada should produce the essential equipment within the country. We propose a four-step strategic product manufacturing system to ensure crisis response. The first and second steps are creating a manufacturing capability database of Canadian companies and a library of product families, respectively. These two steps should be completed before the crisis. The third step involves emergency need analysis, equipment design and forecasting. Finally, the fourth step is developing a virtual supply chain network platform through which the procurement, production, and transportation activities will be scheduled based on the capability database, product families library, and requirements analysis in the most efficient and economical way possible. The research utilizes various tools such as forecasting, optimization, simulation, multi-criteria decision making, and engineering design tools.