Analyzing new ways to adapt the Triple-A Supply Chain model and its extensions in agri-food supply chains

Abstract

. Background: With the emergence of supply chain management as a key strategic function in the agrifood sector, a lot of research has been conducted to find ways to improve the performance and sustainability of agri-food supply chains. The Triple-A Supply Chain concept, which refers to the agility, adaptability, and alignment of the supply chains, has been a field of study for various researchers aiming at shaping meaningful and sustainable competitive advantages for businesses and organizations in various sectors. Over the years, alternative, complementary, or upgraded versions of this approach have been proposed, such as the “New AAA Supply Chain”, which describes the renewed Triple-A Supply Chain model based on Super-Agility, Architectural Adaptability, and Ecosystem Alignment, and the “Triple A & R” framework, which refers to Agility for Robustness, Adaptability, and Resilience, and Re-Alignment. Methods: This paper presents the results of a selective study of the bibliography considering the Triple-A Supply Chain model, the “New AAA Supply Chain” model and the “Triple A & R” framework. These frameworks are analyzed and compared with each other considering their principles, and their implementation in the agri-food sector is researched. The scope of this study is to analyze the potential of the application and suitability of these frameworks in agri-food supply chains, having considered the particularities of the sector. Results: Examining the models concerning the evolution of the Triple-A Supply Chain paradigm, it is evident that they differ from each other, as they approach supply chain management from different viewpoints. Conclusions: The potential of application of various models originating from the Triple-A Supply Chain paradigm was examined in the case of the agri-food sector considering product nature, sustainability, and investment cost as the factors affecting it. These frameworks could partially find application in the agri-food sector, as some of their guidelines promote the increase of the agri-food supply chain effectiveness.