A new technology paradigm for collaboration in the supply chain. (9th October 2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pecar, Branko; Davies, Barry
• Is Part Of: International journal of services operations and informatics. Volume 2:Number 3(2007)
• Page Start: 300
• Page End: 314
• Publication Date: 2007-10-09
• Subjects: collaborative planning -- forecasting -- replenishment -- CPFR -- supply chain management -- SCM -- supply chain collaboration -- service-oriented architecture -- SOA -- web services -- business process management -- BPM -- business process execution language -- BPEL -- pi-calculus; Service industries -- Management -- Periodicals; Service industries -- Management -- Information technology -- Periodicals; 658.5
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-539X

Abstract

'Just-in-case inventory' is one of the traditional methods of reducing uncertainty in business. The unfortunate consequence of this approach is the bullwhip effect. An alternative approach is some form of collaborative scenario. Unfortunately, neither approach guarantees optimisation across the supply chain. The fundamental reason for this is found in the rational behaviour that participants in the process adhere to. As it is impossible to suppress rational behaviour, a solution for this problem is sought through orchestration and rigorous implementation of the Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR) process. A technology framework that promises to facilitate this objective is a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) based on web services. However a new paradigm, more suited to collaborative business scenarios, is needed. Pi-calculus, coupled with business process modelling and web services, seem to offer a solution. This paper sketches the direction for future research.