Agile supply chain transformation matrix: an integrated tool for creating an agile enterprise

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to propose a tool, the Agile Supply Chain Transformation Matrix (ASCTM), and the implementation methodology for a systematic approach to achieve agility in the supplier-buyer supply chain. Design/methodology/approach - The conceptual framework for agile capability creation is developed based on literatures in the supply chain management and manufacturing agility field and the ASCTM tool is constructed using the quality function deployment (QFD) and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique. The implementation methodology including the tools to support the implementation of the ASCTM tool are developed based on the QFD/AHP approach and the agility concepts established through the Agility Program at Lehigh University. A practical case study is used to illustrate the applicability of the ASCTM tool. Findings - This tool can help companies create and improve their agility by relating the business changes with the appropriate approaches for supplier-buyer supply chain configuration and supplier-buyer relationship establishment and determine the business processes and the infrastructures needed to support the creation of agile capability. Research limitations/implications - The ASCTM tool constitutes an important effort to bridge the gap between theory and practice as it is used to achieve supply chain agility in practice. Additional case studies need to be conducted to validate the practicability of the ASCTM tool. Originality/value - The ASCTM tool is developed with the aim to help companies identify the most appropriate way to improve their supply chain agility by contrasting the environmental dynamics and changes to the company's ability to keep pace using the systematic approach. This tool is necessary because different companies experience different sets of changes and require different degree of agility and combination of strategies and practices to achieve agility. For practitioners, the ASCTM tool provides a basis for assessing their business situations and a guideline for identifying capability required for creating/improving supply chain agility.