Research on matching capacity of supply chain based on Metagraph modelling

The concept of Metagraph is introduced. A Metagraph_based supply chain modeling method for discrete manufacturing industry is illusrated. We define the matching capacity of supply chain, propose an algorithm to calculate this capacity and analyze the complexity of the algorithm. Then we give a case study with a set of computer manufacturing supply chains to validate our method. Finally we consider the situation that some kinds of material are provided by multi_suppliers simultaneously, and discuss a revision algorithm for it. The results can be used to quantitatively analyze the matching capacity of a supply chain, which is an important index for the responsibility and the productivity of a supply chain, before it has actually been constructed and during the process of its operation. In addition, the method can be used as a basis for evaluating other performances such as reliability and flexibility of a supply chain.