Article Details
  • Published Online:
    December  2025
  • Product Name:
    The IUP Journal of Supply Chain Management
  • Product Type:
    Article
  • Product Code:
    IJSCM021225
  • DOI:
    10.71329/IUPJSCM/2025.22.4.34-58
  • Author Name:
    Anjali B Nair and Lekha Ravi
  • Availability:
    YES
  • Subject/Domain:
    Management
  • Download Format:
    PDF
  • Pages:
    34-58
Volume 22, Issue 4, October-December 2025
Mapping the Concept of Synchromodality to Existing Supply Chain Management Theories
Abstract

In the dynamic domain of supply chain management (SCM), a forward-looking logistics concept termed ‘Synchromodality’ has emerged. This concept promotes dynamic and flexible use of multiple transport modes in real time, based on actual supply chain conditions, offering decision-makers the agility to select the optimal modal configuration. Research shows that in the existing transport literature, there is a theoretical gap, with existing SCM theories failing to capture the essence of ‘Synchromodality’. This study attempts to systematically map the core dimensions of Synchromodality to established SCM theories, revealing their strong theoretical connections. The findings shed light on the strong SCM links that synchromodality has and the scope for it to be developed into an independent SCM theory that can assist in structured implementation in international trade and logistics businesses.

Introduction

Supply chain management (SCM), as a concept, evolved in the early eighties and was defined as the flow of materials from suppliers through various processes to the end customer (Oliver & Webber, 1982).