A knowledge-based algorithm for supply chain conflict detection based on OTSM-TRIZ problem flow network approach

The coordination and integration of efforts and activities of supply chain (SC) members that is a key component of supply chain management success has become a challenging activity due to conflicts in such systems.  Lack of proper detection of conflicts in a SC and therefore mismanagement of them will increase disruption risk in the SC. In this article, a knowledgebased algorithm is presented based on the OTSMTRIZ (general theory of powerful thinking) problem flow network approach to identify, formulate and solve the conflicts of SCs before they occur and cause harmful effects.  The proposed algorithm involves analyzing and developing network of problems (NoP) in order to transfer it into a network of conflicts. This study validated the proposed algorithm through a case demonstration. Through the implementation and application, the result demonstrated that this knowledge-based algorithm was able to identify and formulate supply chain conflicts before they occur and more importantly it greatly increased the coordination between supply chain entities.