Postponement: an evolving supply chain concept

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess and document the progress of postponement research, identify current gaps, and provide direction for future research efforts. Design/methodology/approach Postponement literature published from 1999 to 2006 was reviewed. Findings The review revealed a significant increase in the number of postponement research efforts, many of which at least partially addressed past challenges noted in previous research. Several opportunities to continue addressing these past challenges were identified. Future researchers are challenged to validate new postponement concepts and extend postponement research beyond its manufacturing context. Other challenges call for the continued assessment of the relationship between postponement and uncertainty and the investigation into the slow rate of postponement adoption among practitioners. Research limitations/implications This effort is not an exhaustive review of all postponement research. This review does not consider unpublished papers, papers in non‐academic journals, or papers presented at conferences. Practical implications This review is a useful resource for supply chain researchers interested in supply chain strategies and the evolution of postponement as a supply chain concept. Originality/value This paper uses the challenges of past research as a measure of the progress of postponement thought and theory. The gaps identified and challenges made will serve as a foundation upon which future researchers can build.