Supply Chain Comparison Matrix

The Supply Chain Quality Matrix is developed to allow consideration of and comparison of a range of different factors that might impact the potential strength, or weakness, of a supply chain. The chain is divided into 3 separate sections: Economic factors, Environmental factors and Social Factors. Within each of these 3 sections, separate indicators have been identified to help to establish the quality of each. The model has been weighted so that slightly more importance is given to economic factors.

While the model works as a standalone model, it is perhaps best used to compare different ideas for similar projects. For example, if you are developing a project where many parts of the project are likely to remain the same, but one or two aspects are flexible the model could help to decide which is the best. This could be in a case where two options include using an existing energy farm or where a completely new energy farm is required. This might require a high level of upfront costs to build the new farm, which would bring that indicator score down, but a higher level of employment in the development might push that score up.

  And finally for social factors we are looking at: employee satisfaction, customer satisfaction, health and safety and noise pollution.

  For each indicator, a sliding score of 1-5 should be assigned with the worst outcome providing a score of 1 and the best outcome a score of 5. The descriptions of each indicator set out some ideas to think about when selecting your score.