Table 3.

Overview of decision levers and associated assumptions/sources used in model

Decision levers	Definition
Switches for supply strategies	These variables determine whether a supply strategy is applied or not. Stockpiles are assumed to be always in place
Order buffers for supply strategies	Order buffers are applicable to supply strategies, excluding stockpiling PPE or ventilators. Order buffers determine to what extent a supply strategy is prioritized. Higher-order buffers trigger higher sizes in orders
Setup times for supply strategies	Setup times determine how quickly orders can be placed with a specific supply strategy. Setup times are not considered for stockpiles. More effective procurement and supplier frameworks can reduce the setup times for supply strategies
The effectiveness of innovative supply strategies	Decision levers in this category affects the impact of the supply strategy innovation. Levers in this category include, for instance, government support
The composition and operation of stockpile	Decision levers in this category focus on the logistics of the stockpile and its equipment
Operational levers	In the developed system, it is assumed that products are stored centrally before being delivered. These variables focus on the effectiveness of these processes
Levers affecting forecast and order point	Levers in this category include the forecast horizon and the threshold value to order PPE