Supply chain redesign in the aquaculture supply chain: a longitudinal case study

Abstract Companies aiming to upgrade their supply chains to meet operational and sustainability objectives are often required to redesign their supply networks. However, there is scarce empirical evidence on how to redesign existing supply chains, especially global supply chains. This longitudinal case study examined the aquaculture supply chain redesign process with the aim of improving market, operational, and sustainability performance. Aquaculture, although characterized as the blue revolution, has received little attention in management studies. Action research collected evidence via informal interviews, participant observation, on-site visits, and secondary data selection. The redesign process included three phases: (i) physical distribution network mapping, risk-uncertainty analysis, and hierarchical goal setting, (ii) implementation of physical network re-design, and (iii) performance monitoring, control, and continuous improvement. The company achieved significant lead time reduction and fast response to the markets while, at the same time, reducing environmental pollution and meeting sustainable targets. The study uncovers that supply chain redesign should not be limited to physical network restructuring but also include facilities value extension and integrated information management. It shows how companies can mitigate different types of risks (supply, production, logistics, demand) via specific supply chain redesign interventions.