Beyond Fisher's product-supply chain matrix: illustrating the actual impact of technological maturity on supply chain design

The literature suggests that supply chains should be designed based on product characteristics, with particular focus on technological maturity and its effect on the predictability of demand. However, other factors influence the predictability of demand and technological maturity has effects that go beyond demand forecasts. This paper discusses the actual challenges of designing a supply chain and, based on a single case study, illustrates how a leading technology-based company solves these problems. The study found that although technological maturity drives a change towards a more efficient supply chain, a partially separate supply chain had to be maintained for unpredictable demand.