Title: A performance benchmarking system to support supplier selection

Authors: Henry C.W. Lau, Carman K.M. Lee, George T.S. Ho, K.F. Pun, K.L. Choy

Addresses: Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hunghom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. ' Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hunghom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. ' Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hunghom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of West Indies, West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. ' Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hunghom, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Abstract: In today|s competitive business environment, management of suppliers is essential for companies to monitor the value chain of the entire production network. Evidence suggests that undesirable occurrences in companies, such as extensive delays in the planned schedule, serious quality problems and cost overruns, are, to a certain extent, related to the unfulfilled promises of business partners. Subjective judgment and the lack of a systematic method for supplier selection hinder the analysis of the current and projected performance of the suppliers, which is necessary before making a final decision. This paper attempts to propose a generic model for supplier selection, focusing on the methodology to benchmark the potential suppliers and providing a comparison of performance measures based on a number of relevant criteria. To validate the feasibility of the proposed system, this paper makes use of existing AI tools that have been developed for selecting and benchmarking suppliers for manufacturing firms.

Keywords: performance benchmarking; supplier selection; artificial neural networks; genetic algorithms; supply chain management; SCM; supplier management; value chain monitoring; performance measures; artificial intelligence; intelligent selection; performance management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2006.009033

International Journal of Business Performance Management, 2006 Vol.8 No.2/3, pp.132 - 151

Published online: 16 Feb 2006 *

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