Recent global disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing geopolitical conflicts, have profoundly exposed vulnerabilities in traditional supply chains, requiring exploration of more resilient alternatives. Among various solution offerings, Autonomous supply chains (ASCs) have emerged as key enablers of increased integration and visibility, enhancing flexibility and resilience in turbulent trade environments through the widespread automation of low level decision making. Although ASC solutions have been discussed and trialled over several years, they still lack well-established theoretical foundations. This paper addresses this research gap by presenting a formal definition of ASC along with its defining characteristics and auxiliary concepts. We propose a layered conceptual framework, called the MIISI model. An illustrative case study focusing on the meat supply chain demonstrates an initial ASC implementation based on this conceptual model. Furthermore, we introduce a seven-level supply chain autonomy reference model, delineating a trajectory towards achieving full supply chain autonomy. Recognising that this work represents an initial endeavour, we emphasise the need for continued exploration in this emerging domain. This work is designed to stimulate further research, both theoretical and technical, and contribute to the continual evolution of ASCs.

中文翻译：

---

迈向自主供应链：定义、特征、概念框架和自主水平


最近的全球中断，例如 COVID-19 大流行和持续的地缘政治冲突，深刻暴露了传统供应链的脆弱性，需要探索更具弹性的替代方案。在各种解决方案产品中，自主供应链 （ASC） 已成为提高集成度和可见性的关键推动力，通过低级决策的广泛自动化，增强了动荡贸易环境中的灵活性和弹性。尽管 ASC 解决方案已经讨论了和试用了几年，但它们仍然缺乏成熟的理论基础。本文通过提出 ASC 的正式定义及其定义特征和辅助概念来解决这一研究空白。我们提出了一个分层的概念框架，称为 MIISI 模型。一个专注于肉类供应链的说明性案例研究展示了基于此概念模型的初始 ASC 实施。此外，我们引入了一个七级供应链自主参考模型，描绘了实现完全供应链自主的轨迹。认识到这项工作代表了初步的努力，我们强调需要在这个新兴领域继续探索。这项工作旨在激发进一步的理论和技术研究，并为 ASC 的持续发展做出贡献。