Flexibility planning in global inbound logistics

Building on the variety of different methods to operationalize flexibility in supply chains, this paper presents a process-oriented approach for the measurement and planning of inbound logistics flexibility in global production networks. Using the automotive industry as an example, process sequences of the overseas supply like transportation, storing or handling are parameterized regarding their respective flexibility range as well as the time- and cost-related implications of their adjustment. On this basis, a model to evaluate benefits and costs associated with the investment in logistics flexibility can be derived in order to support the decision-making process for a rolling planning on a tactical level.