Abstract

Purpose: This study observes how the consignment performs over time and proposes the proper way to operate the consignment to bring its best benefit to the supply chain system. Research design, data, and methodology: The supply chain system is represented as the mathematical model where a manufacturer and a retailer trade one type of products to maximize their own profits. In the numerical examples of the proposed models, the consignment is compared with the fully coordinated system as well as the traditional system, and both advantages and limitations of the consignment are detected. Results: The consignment makes greater profit than the traditional system after a certain time period. The consignment is still outperformed by the fully coordinated system. The numerical examples also show that the performance of the consignment is sensitive to the consignment ratio. Conclusions: This study finds out that a certain time period must be spent until the consignment brings the benefit to the supply chain system. The numerical outcomes also imply that the consignment requires additional features to be a completely effective supply chain collaboration program. To obtain the best result from the consignment, the supply chain members are recommended to decide the appropriate consignment ratio by consent.