Caracterización de las problemáticas de la cadena de abastecimiento

The current contribution intends to identify, characterize and provide context to the most usual supply chain problems. One hundred and twenty three SC problems were identified and addressed in a specific area that locates them within the context of the fundamental SC components. The conceptual framework developed here identifies different degrees of similarity among SC problems. Finally, as a practical example, the production scheduling problem is characterized. By making the interactions among SC problems and the implications of the available decisions that are likely to solve them clear, the present contribution is not only a useful scorecard for decision makers, but it is also an upgraded conceptual development for theoreticians on the topic. As they are the central object of business competitiveness, SC improvements such as the present one are greatly valuable in terms of the social and economic profit of more efficient chains, sustainable organizations and wealthy stakeholders.