Synchronizing Strategy and Execution: A Unified Optimization Framework for Resilient Cross-Docking Operations in Asia-Pacific Supply Chains

Research Purpose: The synchronization of strategic capacity planning and tactical production scheduling continues to be a crucial concern in the Asia-Pacific region's quickly changing logistics landscape. These responsibilities are frequently separated into organizational silos by traditional management techniques, creating "execution gaps" when strategic resource allocations fall short of meeting operational demands in real time. In order to improve cost effectiveness and operational resilience in cross-docking-based supply chains, this study suggests a Unified Optimization Framework (UOF) to unify various decision-making layers. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study creates a bi-level mathematical model that directly integrates labour availability and dock door throughput, two finite resource constraints, into a scheduling objective function. A hybrid meta-heuristic algorithm was created to deal with this integration's NP-hard difficulty. Thirty benchmark instances, spanning from small-scale operations to large-scale industrial scenarios characteristic of high-density manufacturing hubs in Asia (up to 50 suppliers and 100 + items), were used to validate the framework. Findings: According to the findings, the UOF achieves a total supply chain cost reduction of up to 17.6%, greatly outperforming conventional sequential planning methods. Crucially, the integrated method cut typical product dwell durations by 22% and removed the 15% feasibility failure rate common in detached models. These results show that in contexts with limited resources, mathematical synchronization can successfully replace physical infrastructure expansion. Theoretical and Managerial Implications: This work bridges the gap between macro-level resource management and micro-level operational execution from a theoretical standpoint. The study shows that process synchronization offers a higher ROI than capital-intensive facility expansion, especially in volatile markets where labour and supply fluctuations are common. It offers managers in the Asia-Pacific region a strategic blueprint for achieving "digital capacity." Originality/Value: By offering a mathematically unified goal function, this research adds to the body of knowledge on supply chain resilience in the Asia-Pacific region. It provides a fresh viewpoint on how manufacturing and logistics companies operating in fast-paced, developing markets can gain a competitive edge through integrated optimization.