Information that arises in the plant that makes a difference all across the supply chain must henceforth relate to process performance local to the domain of that link in the chain, as well as to the overall global KPIs. The objective is to generate not only the optimal plan, but more critically, one that is optimally feasible. This last point seems obviously implicit, but it is not by definition present as a result of the presence of the other three attributes. Optimum feasibility is dependent on a highly granular, detailed model of the plant, one that accurately portrays materials, machines, and human resource skill sets at the most discrete level. Aggregate profiling that only gets to daily schedules is not enough.
Seamless transparency is a hallmark of robust plant desktop information architecture.
The universe of systems the hub draws upon needs to include LIM, MES, ERP and CRM systems, among others. Ideally, all of these allied technologies and tools should be embedded, making them integral to the design and performance of the plant desktop. System intelligent required to close the loop in support an e-SCM strategy of this scope must also include two other vital applications. The resident profiles need to include an individual's job function, permissible data access, desired data format, and designated alerts tied to specific threshold events. The navigation component should be comprised of an intelligent workflow engine for successful, rapid bi-directional transmission of information across the supply chain.