Evaluating suppliers within a self‐organized logistical network

Purpose – This research paper proposes that the conduct of supplier relationships can be improved through a “self‐organized logistical network”. Design/methodology/approach – An analysis has been conducted on logistical supply chain which ensures to define a self‐organized logistical network. In such a network, each supplier can evaluate its own performance by using a decision‐making method involving multiple criteria. Indeed, such method is therefore recommended to reach a satisfactory solution. For that, a typology of performance was proposed and a multiple criteria method was chosen. Indeed, among several methods available, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method has been chosen. Findings – The paper suggests quantifying an evaluation of each potential supplier who responds to a call for proposal from a customer, according to rules and criteria that are impartial and common to all. The process enables the emergence of the “best” supplier. The proposed approach allows a balance to be achieved between load and capacity at the supplier level, and produces a smoothing of the load curve among the various suppliers with the long‐term objective of establishing a fair system among the suppliers on the network. Our approach suggests a customer‐supplier (C‐S) relationship control where all entities C‐S partners, communicate and negotiate to respond as best as possible to the customers requirements. To each supplier, we associate a decision‐making centre through which he can self evaluate his performance in order to be able to take part to negotiations within a self organized logistical network. Originality/value – The research focuses particularly on the study of the decision‐making centre.