An Exploration of Fisher's Framework for the Alignment of Supply Chain Strategy With Product Characteristics

In his 1997 Harvard Business Review article, Fisher suggests that supply chain improvement efforts have not produced expected results due to misalignment of products with supply chain strategies. His framework appeals logically and researchers rapidly moved into modifications of Fisher's premise. A critical missing component, however, is a quantitative analysis of the benefits of the proper classification of products and alignment with the appropriate supply chain strategies to optimize performance. Quantifiable proof of Fisher's framework can strengthen the validity of the initial premise and expansions of his theory. This article presents such a quantitative analysis exploring the validity of Fisher's framework for improving performance.