A new model for selecting information flow pattern in build-to-order Supply Chains

Build-to-order supply chains are categorized as agile supply chains, therefore reshaping their physical structure is inevitable. The reshape affects chains material flow pattern, therefore revising the chains information flow pattern becomes a necessity. The revision should create the most coordinated information flow pattern with the new physical structure. Hence, we have tried to study and survey the way material flows in supply chain affects its information flow and vice versa. We have thought up a model in which mathematical modeling establishes coordinated information and material flow patterns. To achieve this, the parameters which build the two flow patterns were studied and considered. Each parameter’s effects on others has been studied and relations were extracted. Using the capabilities of mathematical modeling the studied system converted to a model in which, some parameters as inputs give away the most coordinated information and material flow with chains physical structure considering minimum cost as objective.