Framework for a dynamic and responsive: Time separated – lean-agile spare parts replenishment system in army

Abstract

Purpose

Armies around the world face the dilemma of reaching the right size of the logistics chain, without compromising the effectiveness of it. The stocking of spares for maintaining the equipment and the vehicles of the army is done with just in case philosophy which results in huge inventories that have associated holding and carrying costs. Material managers of the army must learn lessons from the industry about rightsizing their inventories. Concepts like lean and agile must find place in managing spares of army. Both these concepts have their inherent positives which must be exploited by making use of them at the opportune time. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper starts with discussing the case study of spare parts supply of army. The paper then presents a framework where both lean and agile methods of managing inventory can be used in army. The paper also brings out salient aspects of both these concepts as relevant to spares management in army. The paper also proposes use of automation incorporating MIMOSA database and Ontology-based knowledge repositories.

Findings

The paper brings out the fact that both lean and agile supply chains can be used for spares replenishment in army. The paper also gives out a framework to implement the concept.

Originality/value

This concept has been used in the field of healthcare, however, this paper is original in its approach to use it for the army spare parts replenishment. Use of Ontology and MIMOSA as proposed in the paper is also an original attempt.

Citation

Sharma, P. and Kulkarni, M.S. (2016), "Framework for a dynamic and responsive: Time separated – lean-agile spare parts replenishment system in army", International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 65 No. 2, pp. 207-222. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-07-2014-0113