@conference{Disney1999,
  author       = {S.M. Disney and M.M. Naim and D.R. Towill},
  title        = {Improving the efficiency of supply chains},
  booktitle    = {15th International Conference on Production Research},
  year         = {1999},
  pages        = {637-640},
  address      = {Limerick, Ireland},
  month        = {August 9th-13th},
  url          = {https://www.researchgate.net/publication/399658695_Improving_the_efficiency_of_supply_chains},
  abstract     = {Following a supply chain diagnostic, or health check, an internal logistics bottleneck was identified as constraining the capacity of a supply chain. The importance of de-bottlenecking a manufacturing plant was realised, before rolling out a supply chain based change programme, first internally and then across the supplier and customer interfaces. The paper describes a generic simulation based methodology used within a first tier Anglo-American automotive systems manufacturer. The aim was to assess appropriate tactics to maximise capacity so that the supply chain may be agile to the variable demands placed by end customers. Simulation attributes include cycle times, quality control procedures, scrap rates, machine downtimes, stock levels, tooling changes, manning levels and alternative methods of organising tasks. Within a task force environment it has been used to assess and direct effort into team design, engineering changes, capacity acquisition and improvement activities. Sample results from the research are outlined which indicate that with the right labour force numbers and allocation of tasks, the supply chain is efficient in meeting changes in customer requirements. This has been validated via on-line trials. It has resulted in labour productivity improvements of over 100% whilst maintaining the high (85%+) plant efficiencies.},
  }