How inventory consignment programs can improve supply chain performance: a process oriented perspective

Abstract Inventory Consignment (IC) has largely been viewed as a method of shifting the ownership and cost burden of inventory from buyer to supplier to benefit the buyer. This primarily accounting based viewpoint has largely ignored process changes that can occur for both the buyer and supplier. This study addresses this gap in the extant literature by examining IC from a process perspective by specifically addressing: (1) the implementation issues in an IC program for both buyers and suppliers and (2) the financial and operational benefits from IC for both buyers and suppliers. Using the cas...