International Journal of Reliability, Risk and Safety: Theory and Application

International Journal of Reliability, Risk and Safety: Theory and Application

A Study on the Impact of Component Standardization and reducing the complexity of Product on Performance and Risk of Supply Chain

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors
1 Department of Industrial Engineering, Qa.c., Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran
2 a) Department of Industrial Engineering, Qa.c., Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran b) La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University, Bandooran, Australia
Abstract
This study proposes a model and practical framework to reducing the risk of supply chain performance by reducing component number and variety in manufactured products. A conceptual model linking product design characteristics to supply chain performance was developed from the literature and validated using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) based on expert opinions from two major automotive manufacturers. An innovative four-level component categorization framework was introduced and evaluated through a two-round Delphi method (CVR index) and a case-based field assessment using Fleiss’ Kappa to test reliability. Findings show that component standardization and modularity significantly enhance supply chain performance by reducing logistics costs and lead time, while improving responsiveness and predictability. The proposed four-level framework also provides a practical and reliable guide for product design and supply teams. The study confirms that supply chain improvements originate in early design and R&D phases and can extend to other convergent industries.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 13 August 2026

  • Receive Date 20 June 2026
  • Revise Date 09 August 2026
  • Accept Date 13 August 2026