a) Cycle view: processes in a supply chain are divided into a series of cycles, each performed at the interfaces between two successive supply chain stages

b) Push/pull view: processes in a supply chain are divided into two categories depending on whether they are executed in response to a customer order (pull) or in anticipation of a customer order (push).

Cycle View of Supply Chains.

• Each cycle occurs at the interface between two successive stages
• Customer order cycle (customer-retailer)
• Replenishment cycle (retailer-distributor)
• Manufacturing cycle (distributor-manufacturer)
• Procurement cycle (manufacturer-supplier)
• Cycle view clearly defines processes involved and the owners of each process. Specifies the roles and responsibilities of each member and the desired outcome of each process.

Push/Pull View of Supply Chains

• Supply chain processes fall into one of two categories depending on the timing of their execution relative to customer demand
• Pull: execution is initiated in response to a customer order (reactive)
• Push: execution is initiated in anticipation of customer orders (speculative)
• Push/pull boundary separates push processes from pull processes
• Useful in considering strategic decisions relating to supply chain design – more global view of how supply chain processes relate to customer orders
• Can combine the push/pull and cycle views
• The relative proportion of push and pull processes can have an impact on supply chain performance.