Table 3.
Definition of main concepts.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Total Quality Management (TQM) | A management approach focused on long-term success through customer satisfaction. It involves all members of an organization participating in improving processes, products, services, and the culture in which they work. |
| Just-In-Time (JIT) | An inventory management strategy that aligns raw-material orders from suppliers directly with production schedules. It aims to reduce inventory costs and increase efficiency by receiving goods only as they are needed in the production process. |
| Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI) | A supply chain initiative where the supplier is responsible for maintaining the inventory levels of their products at the buyer's location. The supplier manages the inventory, ensuring that the buyer has the right amount of stock at all times. |
| Lean Management Practices | A systematic method for waste minimization within a manufacturing system without sacrificing productivity. Lean also takes into account waste created through overburden and unevenness in workloads. |
| Manufacturer-Led Decentralized Systems | Supply chain systems where the manufacturer takes the lead in coordinating activities and decisions across the supply chain network, allowing for more flexibility and responsiveness to changes in demand or supply conditions. |
| Blockchain | A distributed ledger technology that ensures transparency, security, and traceability of transactions. In supply chains, blockchain can track the journey of products from origin to consumer, ensuring accountability and reducing fraud. |
| The Internet of Things (IoT) | The network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet. IoT enhances supply chain visibility, efficiency, and real-time decision-making. |
| Big Data | Large and complex data sets that are analyzed computationally to reveal patterns, trends, and associations. In supply chain sustainability, big data helps in predicting demand, optimizing routes, reducing waste, and improving overall efficiency. |