Title: FMECA-based approach for vendor rating: benefits, limits and future perspectives

Authors: Gionata Carmignani; Francesco Zammori

Addresses: Department of Energy, Systems, Territory and Constructions, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56126 Pisa, Italy ' Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Parma, Via G.P. Usberti 181/A, 43100 Parma, Italy

Abstract: Over the last decades, the capability to establish logistic partnerships has proven to be a key element of success and consequently, vendor rating has become a topic of great importance, both from a practical and academic point of view. This paper belongs to this stream of research and rethinks failure mode effect and criticality analysis (FMECA) as a quantitative framework for vendor rating. The rationale behind this choice can be traced in the high reputation of FMECA and in the key role played by 'suppliers' reliability' in the achievement of outstanding management results. Aiming to develop a rigorous, yet easy to use framework, the structure of the standard FMECA has been kept almost unchanged, limiting modifications to the main criticality criteria which have been properly contextualised and redefined. A relevant industrial case is finally presented; obtained results are discussed, both from a managerial and operating point of view.

Keywords: failure mode effects and criticality analysis; FMECA; vendor selection; vendor rating; logistics partnerships; supplier reliability; supplier selection; supply chain management; SCM.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2015.069375

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2015 Vol.21 No.2, pp.199 - 228

Received: 05 Oct 2013
Accepted: 31 Jan 2014
Published online: 14 May 2015 *

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