This paper investigates a pivotal problem in supply chain management: how to
configure supply networks and business processes to achieve time performance. The
study focuses on the time-sensitive casual wear industry. Initially, Zara’s and Benetton’s
supply networks are cross-compared to understand the rationale behind their
differences in time performance. Starting from this analysis, the paper then borrows
an analogy with fluid dynamics to explain the relations between the supply network
structure, business process configuration and time performance, and interprets
Benetton’s and Zara’s configuration decisions and their impact on time performance.
The paper proposes a model that unites under one framework the different perspectives
existing in the literature on the phenomenon under investigation. This study also has
interesting practical implications, as it offers guidance for managers facing programmes
for supply network design or re-configuration
