Table 3 Overview of decision levers and associated assumptions/sources used in model
Decision levers | Definition |
|---|---|
Switches for supply strategies | These variables determine whether a supply strategy is applied or not. Stockpiles are assumed to be always in place |
Order buffers for supply strategies | Order buffers are applicable to supply strategies, excluding stockpiling PPE or ventilators. Order buffers determine to what extent a supply strategy is prioritized. Higher-order buffers trigger higher sizes in orders |
Setup times for supply strategies | Setup times determine how quickly orders can be placed with a specific supply strategy. Setup times are not considered for stockpiles. More effective procurement and supplier frameworks can reduce the setup times for supply strategies |
The effectiveness of innovative supply strategies | Decision levers in this category affects the impact of the supply strategy innovation. Levers in this category include, for instance, government support |
The composition and operation of stockpile | Decision levers in this category focus on the logistics of the stockpile and its equipment |
Operational levers | In the developed system, it is assumed that products are stored centrally before being delivered. These variables focus on the effectiveness of these processes |
Levers affecting forecast and order point | Levers in this category include the forecast horizon and the threshold value to order PPE |