An integrated approach of SCOR and DEMATEL for risk assessment in the cold chain of agricultural products

Abstract

A cold chain is a specialised supply chain that can control and maintain the optimal temperature for goods requiring various levels of cold storage, help to preserve the quality and extend the shelf life of perishable items. However, cold chain operations are susceptible to numerous risks, including challenges related to supply, equipment reliability,
storage facility management, transportation logistics, workforce availability, and distribution processes. This article
introduces an integrated approach combining the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) and DecisionMaking Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) models for identifying and assessing risks within the cold chain. Specifically, the SCOR model is employed to pinpoint potential risks across the cold chain stages, while the DEMATEL model is used to evaluate the significance and impact of these risks. The proposed model is applied to the cold chain for agricultural products in Can Tho city, such as vegetables, tubers, and fruits. The analysis results reveal that out of the 16 risks identified, the risk of rising operating costs stands out as the most critical.