A Proposed Hybrid Model for Cost Management of Agility Smart Supply Chains Using Nanotechnology- Case Study

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a proposed hybrid model for managing the cost of agility smart supply chains using Nanotechnology. Methodology – The paper concentrates on a case study of the Egyptian Electric Cables company related to the new implementation of Nanotechnology in Egypt’s industrial sector. The data was collected through interviews with company officials specializing in Nanotechnology since 2022. The paper constructs a model for managing the cost of an agile smart supply chain using the Fuzzy Model. The methodology involves defining specific capabilities and attributes, establishing linguistic scales for performance evaluation, and computing fuzzy performance indices. These indices aim to quantify the performance of agile attributes and capabilities within the context of Nanotechnology’s application in smart supply chains, culminating in an overall Fuzzy Performance Index. Findings – The Egyptian Electric Cables company’s utilization of Nanotechnology within their agile smart supply chain demonstrates remarkable effectiveness, as indicated by the fuzzy performance index values. Their success appears in adeptly managing various factors: flexibility, allowing adaptability to market demands and diverse product ranges; responsiveness, ensuring strong supplier relationships and swift adjustments to market fluctuations; competence, exhibited through effective collaboration, product quality, and skilled workforce development; cost management, focusing on controlling expenses throughout the sourcing, manufacturing, and delivery processes; and performance, emphasizing efficiency, increased output, and resource optimization. These practical results prove the company’s success in integrating Nanotechnology to efficiently manage costs within its agile smart supply chain model. Originality – It is believed that there is no study to date examining the effect of using Nanotechnology on the cost management of agility smart supply chains. This paper contributes to the limited literature on Nanotechnology and cost management of agility smart supply chain. It develops a fuzzy model that integrates Nanotechnology within the scope of capabilities (Flexibility, Responsiveness, Competence, Cost, and performance) in sourcing, manufacturing, and delivery within the agile smart supply chain, the construction of this fuzzy model was guided by the researchers’ creation of the suggested hybrid model for agile smart supply chains, integrating Nanotechnology and leveraging advanced technologies. Keywords: Nanotechnology, Cost Management, Nano Supply Chains, Agility Supply Chains, Smart Supply Chains, Value Chains, RFID, 3D printing.