An enterprise engineering approach for supply chain systems design and implementation

This paper reports research into the specification and implementation of an Information Technology (IT) Route Map for supply chain systems development and deployment. The purpose of the Map is to enable rapid design and implementation of IT solutions, capable of semi-automating business processes within manufacturing supply chains. The Map helps structure transition processes involved in 'identification of key business strategies and design of business processes' and 'choice of supply chain systems and supporting implementation techniques'. Common limitations of current Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are observed and incorporated as IT Route Map implications and constraints. Scope of investigation is targeted at Small-to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) that employ Engineer-To-Order (ETO) and Make-To-Order (MTO) business processes. In the course of the research a 'Business Strategy Driven IT (BSDIT) System Concept' was conceived and examined. Part-evaluation of the applicability and capabilities of the IT Route Map has been carried out by conducting industrial survey and case study work.