Introduction to a Physics-Based Theory to Manage Risks and Opportunities in Supply Chains

Currently, the management of risks and opportunities is highly depending on the ability of managers: to analyze complex situations (with a lack of common vision and decision on the whole supply network), to mobilize their experience and their knowledge. The goal of this article is to introduce a new vision for collaborative network management, especially dedicated to supply chain management. It deals with an innovative and original approach for supply chain management, based on physical principles. With that theory, risks and opportunities can be seen as forces pushing and pulling a system according to its key performance indicators (KPIs).