On the benefits of CPFR and VMI: A comparative simulation study

This paper aims to help managers of a supply chain to determine an appropriate level of collaboration according to their specific business conditions. For this purpose, a comprehensive simulation model representing two popular supply chain initiatives, that are collaborative planning, forecasting and replenishment (CPFR) and vendor-managed inventory (VMI), is constructed. In addition, a traditionally managed supply chain (TSS) is also included in the model as a benchmark. The results indicate that benefits of CPFR are always higher than VMI. However, we also realize that under certain conditions, the gap between the performances of CPFR and VMI does not rationalize the additional resources required for CPFR. Especially, when the lead time is short and/or when available manufacturing capacity is tight, a careful consideration has to be given on the selection of an appropriate collaboration mode.