AWeb-enabledAgileManufacturingSystemforSMEsinSupplyChainManagement.docVIP

005-0080 A Web-enabled Agile Manufacturing System for SMEs in Supply Chain Management Yan Zhang and Xiaojun Wang The University of Liverpool Management School, UK email: zhy@liverpool.ac.uk ; xiaojun.wang@liverpool.ac.uk Abstract SMEs are facing touch challenges from the uncertain external manufacturing environment and internal operations management. WIP and inventory cause redundancy and consume labour resources, which releases the importance of information visibility in enhancing operational performance. Large ERP system could not be affordable by SMEs, tailored and flexible models are in need in their supply chain management. This paper outlines the integration of material flow and information flow in agile manufacturing. A web-enabled prototype system for production planning and control is proposed to achieve the goal of rationalising the supply chain. From the perspective of the agility strategy, a case study of an SME specilised in customised stainless steel products is demonstrated. Hierarchical e-category paradigms are introduced to illustrate the coding design, internal linkages and system structure. Analysis and diagnose of current process, functionality proposed unveils the typical problems and systematic solution for SMEs in their supply chains. Keywords agile manufacturing, supply chain management, web-enabled SME Introduction Research Background Supply chain could be defined as an integrated process where business entities (up-stream suppliers, manufacturers and down-stream customers) work together in an effort to acquire raw materials, convert these raw materials into specified final products, and deliver these final products to end customers. This chain is traditionally characterised by a forward flow of materials and a backward flow of information. Supply chain management requires the conversion and movement of raw materials into final products. The challenge is to determine how to successfully accomplish this integration. Over the last two dec