Concept and Measurement of Dynamic Supply Chain Flexibility Based on the Shortest Lead-Time

In this paper, the dynamic supply chain flexibility theory is founded on the basis of concepts of flexibility of lead-time, response interval, the best flexibility of lead-time and the most efficient response interval. The flexibility couple is defined as the tensor of the best flexibility and the most efficient response interval. Flexibility couple is used to characterize and measure the capability of supply chain to cope with uncertainties. It has been elaborated that these concepts that are updated continuously in the process of accommodating environmental changes are dynamic. Delivery lead-time model of supply chain is developed, the model is applied to design the methods of flexibility measuring and prove that the best flexibility of supply chain is the maximum of that of all the suppliers and the most efficient response interval of supply chain is wider than that of all suppliers. Several examples are given to illustrate and validate the results.