DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The embodiments of the present invention and their advantages are best understood by referring to FIGS. 1-18 of the drawings. Like numerals are used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.

[0034] Turning first to the nomenclature of the specification, the detailed description which follows is represented largely in terms of processes and symbolic representations of operations performed by conventional computer components, such as a local or remote central processing unit (CPU), processor, server, or other suitable processing device associated with a general purpose or specialized computer system, memory storage devices for the processing device, and connected local or remote pixel-oriented display devices. These operations may include the manipulation of data bits by the processing device and the maintenance of these bits within data structures resident in one or more of the memory storage devices. Such data structures impose a physical organization upon the collection of data bits stored within computer memory and represent specific electrical or magnetic elements. These symbolic representations are the means used by those skilled in the art of computer programming and computer construction to most effectively convey teachings and discoveries to others skilled in the art.

[0035] For purposes of this discussion, a process, method, routine, or sub-routine is generally considered to be a sequence of computer-executed steps leading to a desired result. These steps generally require manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, although not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical, magnetic, or optical signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated. It is conventional for those skilled in the art to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, text, terms, numbers, records, files, or the like. It should be kept in mind, however, that these and some other terms should be associated with appropriate physical quantities for computer operations, and that these terms are merely conventional labels applied to physical quantities that exist within and during operation of the computer.

[0036] It should also be understood that manipulations within the computer system are often referred to in terms such as adding, comparing, moving, searching, or the like, which are often associated with manual operations performed by a human operator. It must be understood that no involvement of the human operator may be necessary, or even desirable, in the present invention. The operations described herein are machine operations performed in conjunction with the human operator or user that interacts with the computer or system.

[0037] In addition, it should be understood that the programs, processes, methods, and the like, described herein are but an exemplary implementation of the present invention and are not related, or limited, to any particular computer, system, apparatus, or computer language. Rather, various types of general purpose computing machines or devices may be used with programs constructed in accordance with the teachings described herein. Similarly, it may prove advantageous to construct a specialized apparatus to perform one or more of the method steps described herein by way of dedicated computer systems with hard-wired logic or programs stored in nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM).

[0038] Network for Managing a Supply Chain

[0039] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a network 10 for managing a supply chain, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 1 depicts a number of domains communicating in a communication network 12, including a network domains 14, one or more enterprise domains 16, one or more partner domains 18, and a customer domain 20. The network 10 allows integration of the one or more partner domains 18 with an enterprise domain 16.

[0040] Communication network 12 can include any portion of one or more suitable networks for communicating information or data. For example, such a network can be a telecommunications network or the Internet. The Internet is an interconnection of computer “clients” and “servers” located throughout the world and exchanging information according to Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Internetwork Packet eXchange/Sequence Packet eXchange (IPX/SPX), AppleTalk, or other suitable protocol. The Internet supports the distributed application known as the “World Wide Web.” Web servers maintain websites, each comprising one or more web pages at which information is made available for viewing. Each website or web page can be identified by a respective uniform resource locator (URL) and may be supported by documents formatted in any suitable language, such as, for example, hypertext markup language (HTML), extended markup language (XML), or standard generalized markup language (SGML). Clients may locally execute a “web browser” program. A web browser is a computer program that allows the exchange of information with the World Wide Web. Any of a variety of web browsers are available, such as NETSCAPE NAVIGATOR from Netscape Communications Corp., INTERNET EXPLORER from Microsoft Corporation, and others that allow convenient access and navigation of the Internet. Information may be communicated from a web server to a client using a suitable protocol, such as, for example, HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) or File Transfer Protocol (FTP).

[0041] A telecommunications network may include telephony and voice services, including plain old telephone service (POTS), digital services, cellular service, wireless service, pager service, etc. The telecommunications network allows communication via a telecommunications line, such as an analog telephone line, a digital T1 line, a digital T3 line, or an OC3 telephony feed. The telecommunications network may include a public switched telephone network (PSTN) and/or a private system (e.g., cellular system) implemented with a number of switches, wire lines, fiber-optic cable, land-based transmission towers, spaced-based satellite transponders, etc. In one embodiment, the telecommunications network may include any other suitable communication system, such as a specialized mobile radio (SMR) system. As such, the telecommunications network may support a variety of communications, including, but not limited to, local telephony, toll (i.e., long distance), and wireless (e.g., analog cellular system, digital cellular system, Personal Communication System (PCS), Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD), ARDIS, RAM Mobile Data, Metricom Ricochet, paging, and Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio (ESMR)). The telecommunications network may utilize various calling protocols (e.g., Inband, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and Signaling System No. 7 (SS7) call protocols) and other suitable protocols (e.g., Enhanced Throughput Cellular (ETC), Enhanced Cellular Control (EC²), MNP10, MNP10-EC, Throughput Accelerator (TXCEL), Mobile Data Link Protocol, etc.). Transmissions over the telecommunications network may be analog or digital. Transmissions may also include one or more infrared links (e.g., IRDA).

[0042] Domains 14, 16, 18, and 20 are part of a supply chain. Each domain corresponds to a particular entity in the supply chain. These entities may include an enterprise, one or more partners who provide services or products to the enterprise, possibly an entity which maintains or operates one or more systems of the network for the enterprise and/or partners, and one or more customers of the enterprise. The enterprise may be a manufacturer of goods, such as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), or a provider of services to businesses or consumers buying products from OEM companies, such as an electrical utility or a telecommunications company. These companies rely on efficient supply chains both for inbound materials and goods and services. A partner may be a supplier of raw materials or parts, a third party logistics (3PL) vendor such as a warehouse hub, a carrier, or a service provider, a third party maintainer (3PM) such as field service, third party repair center, third party returns handling center, or a third party fulfillment provider such as a distributor. A customer may purchase goods or services from the enterprise. Associated with each domain may be one or more functions that are performed by the respective entity. Each entity may have its own systems (e.g., computer systems) to implement some aspects of the functionality, whereas some entities may lack its own systems to implement some aspects of the functionality.

[0043] Furthermore, a network system of network 10 may be implemented at least in part at each of enterprise domain 16, partner domains 18, network domain 14, or customer domain 14 to execute the functionality of the respective domain. One or more subsystems 22 of the network system supports communication with the network domain 14 and each of the enterprise domain 16, a partner domain 18, or the customer domain 20. In a typical application, the various domains (e.g., enterprise, partner, and customer) can be implemented with heterogeneous systems, such as, for example, with different operating systems, platforms, applications, protocols, and the like (essentially, different hardware and software combinations).

[0044] The network domain 14 may be linked through a gateway to another network domain 14. For example, one network domain 14 may be associated with a service network, and another network domain 14 may be associated with an inbound or supplier network. The service network may be linked to the supplier network through the respective network domains 14 to route transactions between the networks.

[0045] An enterprise operating through the enterprise domain 16, partner domains 18, network domains 14, and customer domain 20 of network 10 manages execution of one or more tasks, processes, events, or actions (e.g., receiving orders, manufacturing products, warehousing products, delivering products, etc.) by the enterprise or its supply chain partners. In one embodiment, one or more subsystems 22 can be implemented, at least in part, with agents for providing the ability to manage some part of one or more domains. These agents may run at respective domains for managing the associated entities. Network 10 provides a framework for connecting different operating systems and sub-networks (in various domains) and communicating between them. Network 10 defines the infrastructure needed to support the management and deployment of the services for management of a supply chain. As such, network 10 facilitates the management of the supply chain by the enterprise.

[0046] FIG. 2A illustrates a network 10 for managing a supply chain, according to another embodiment of the present invention. The supply chain may involve one or more networks, each of which involves a plurality of entities cooperating to achieve or execute related functions in one aspect of the supply chain, such as an inbound network 34, a fulfillment network 36, and a service network 38. Some entities may be involved in one network but not another network. Some entities may be involved in multiple networks.

[0047] As depicted, the inbound network 34 may involve, for example, contract manufacturers 40, suppliers 42, and logistics providers 44. Contract manufacturers 40, suppliers 42, and logistics providers 44 may cooperate to manufacture and deliver products to an enterprise 32. The contract manufacturer 40 may manufacture parts for goods manufactured by the enterprise 32. The supplier 42 may supply raw materials to contract manufacturer 40 and/or the enterprise 32. Logistics providers 44 may be needed to deliver parts, raw materials, or finished goods to the enterprise 32.

[0048] The fulfillment network 36 and the service network 38 include various entities which may cooperate with the enterprise 32 in delivering goods and services to customers 48. The fulfillment network 36 may involve, for example, call centers, contract manufacturers, logistics providers, hubs, distributors, wholesalers, or retailers who cooperate to take and fulfill orders from one or more customers. The service network 38 may include, for example, call centers, customer support, field service, repair vendors, or logistics providers who cooperate to provide services (e.g., repair, replacement, warranty, installation, etc.) for one or more customers. Logistics providers 46 may work with the fulfillment network 36 and the service network 38. Logistics providers 46 may include, for example, warehousers or delivery services.

[0049] The entities of the supply chain include the enterprise 32 and one or more partners, which can be contract manufacturers 40, suppliers 42, logistics providers 44, 46, other service providers, customers, etc. Each entity in the supply chain may have its own systems for performing at least some of the functions or tasks for which the entity is responsible. The network 10 allows integration of an existing system of the enterprise 32 with existing systems of its partners and existing systems of its endusers (e.g., customers). An existing enterprise system may be a system such as an enterprise resource planning (ERP), material requirements planning (MRP), supply chain management (SCM), customer relationship management (CRM), warehouse management systems (WMS), or enterprise application integration (EAI) application or subsystem or a legacy system with which a partner coordinator component 180 (described below) can be integrated for communication with the network 10. An existing partner system may be a system such as ERP, MRP, SCM, CRM, WMS, or EAI application or subsystem or a legacy system with which a partner coordinator component 180 (described below) can be integrated for communication with the network 10. An existing customer system may be a system such as ERP, MRP, SCM, CRM, WMS, or EAI application or subsystem or a legacy system with which a partner coordinator component 180 (described below) can be integrated for communication with the network 10. Each existing enterprise, partner, or customer system, subsystem, or legacy system may be distinct and have its own separate protocols, interfaces, processes, routines, and the like, running on respective platforms or architectures. The network system may include, for each partner, a subsystem 50, which is physically located at that partner's site. In one embodiment, the subsystems 50 of the network system logically allow integration of the diverse partner domains with the enterprise domain.

[0050] FIG. 2B illustrates a network 10 for managing a supply chain, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this environment, like that shown in FIG. 2A, enterprise 32 cooperates with a number of partners (which may be involved in an inbound network 34, fulfillment network 36, or service network 38) to execute various functions and actions in a supply chain. Network 10 allows integration of the systems of the enterprise 32 and its partners. The network system includes a number of subsystems 50. Each subsystem 50 can reside physically at the enterprise.

[0051] FIG. 3 illustrates a network 10 for managing a supply chain, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows that integration of partners (e.g., contract manufacturers 40, 52, suppliers 42, logistics providers 44, 54, 58, hubs 56, repair vendors 62, and field service 66) and customers 48 with the enterprise 32 is possible through a variety of different communication techniques. These different communication techniques may include a dedicated line, a telecommunications network, or the Internet. Dedicated lines may be part of a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) that connects systems such as a legacy system 72. A telecommunications network may connect any Internet Protocol (IP)-capable broadband and local-area wireless devices 74, such as cellular, mobile, pager, or personal digital assistant devices. The Internet may connect desktops and other computers through a browser 76, encrypted data communications using secure-socket level communications, or virtual private network (VPN) technology.

[0052] With regards to the various embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-3, network 10 integrates seamlessly with an existing infrastructure of an enterprise 32, one or more partners, or a customer 48, and it is compatible with the previous information technology (IT) efforts of an enterprise 32, one or more partners, or a customer 48. The network 10 may overlay on an enterprise's existing infrastructure, thus enhancing what an enterprise has already invested in. As described herein, a framework is provided for a scalable, reliable, flexible network by defining standard ways of network-management in a supply chain and for achieving interconnectivity across potentially heterogeneous systems and sub-networks. Network 10 is thus able to manage diverse equipment and software associated or located at different domains throughout the supply chain, thus providing a view of a significant portion of the network infrastructure for the supply chain (from end to end). Ultimately, this enables the accurate measurement of statistics for overall supply chain performance.

[0053] In one embodiment, the network 10 can be constructed primarily in Java applications and may be supported by industry-standard technologies such as browsers, Web servers, Enterprise Java Beans (EJB)-based transaction servers, and relational database management systems (RDBMSs). The network 10 may have a Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition (J2EE) web infrastructure, providing the ability for customized portal access and wireless technology. The J2EE framework provides a coherent model for applications development and deployment, unlike the hybrid models in the client/server world, which have evolved into a complex layer of unrelated technologies. J2EE also provides support for the client/server interfaces to make it easy to co-exist with Microsoft-based ecosystems. The network 10 can fully exploit the advanced features of J2EE, such as network directories for security and business policies, component-based architecture for networked business components, and Java Messaging Services to loosely couple a network of applications residing on different processors and networks. The value of J2EE is providing a networked infrastructure with configuration flexibility.

[0054] The network 10 can be built as a grid to allow multiple dynamic routing policies and events to travel at different cycles of execution between redundant processors, which may reside at the enterprise domain 16 and the network domain 14. The network 10 allows multiple dynamic routing policies—each entity can coordinate and propagate decisions in real time without disrupting the integrity of the enterprise-focused system and data repositories of other supply chain entities. The network 10 is secure, reliable, scalable, and customizable to support the individual needs of a business partnership between the enterprise and a partner. This partnership is embodied in the form of a contractual agreement with a clear definition of a business process, business policy rules, and service-level agreements, ensuring support of an enterprise's mission-critical business processes. This customization model is different from enterprise applications, which are designed to support one centralized, static, standardized business process and business policy rules. With the network's 10 dynamic framework for managing routing and other forms of business policies and events, an enterprise can build intelligence into its supply chain network 10 to manage each partner's operation as an extended enterprise business unit (EBU). The agreement between the enterprise and the EBU becomes the governance mechanism to enforce business policies and monitor contract compliance for service level agreements. The business processes are policy-driven. This allows an enterprise to benefit from automated governance of the extended supply chain.

[0055] In one embodiment, to implement the network 10, an integrated network application suite may be designed and architected as a complete closed-loop system. This application suite may incorporate all of the features in one package required to execute and coordinate transactions accurately in the network 10 and be able to monitor the performance of any given partner. It may function as the “Traffic Cop” or “Air Traffic Controller” for a dynamic network. The application suite can sit transparently on top of existing IT infrastructures, rather than replace applications.

[0056] The network 10 allows for a non-intrusive business-to-business (B2B) integration. The network 10 offers partners multiple connection options to minimize IT investment, reduce overhead, and increase adoption rates among partners. The noninvasive system components do not replace the infrastructure of an enterprise or a network, but instead integrate seamlessly with and enhance the existing infrastructure of an enterprise or a partner. The network 10 can support direct, real-time connections to a number of enterprise resource planning (ERP), material requirements planning (MRP), supply chain management (SCM), customer relationship management (CRM), warehouse management systems (WMS), and enterprise application integration (EAI) applications or subsystems for direct back-end system integration. Furthermore, the network can support connections to databases, spreadsheets, and other software systems used to manage supply chain operations. Communication with any existing system is possible using multiple electronic connection protocols, including enterprise application integration (EAI), electronic data interchange (EDI) files, flat files, and application connectors. Because the network 10 does not require users to install and run software from their systems, even companies with limited IT capabilities can use the network 10 through an electronic connection protocol or a browser with access to personalized web functions. The network 10 can leverage existing connectivity with EAI, database, direct VPN, existing EDI standards, and leading XML-based industry standards, including ebXML and RosettaNet.

[0057] The network can provide a standards-based interchange that supports a variety of data transmission formats and provides translation services between the various standards. Using the network 10, any number of trading partners, using any number of standard data formats—e.g., ANSI X.12 and EDIFACT, SAP IDOC, RosettaNet, XML, and custom flat files—can automatically share data between systems. With minimal change to their existing systems, trading partners can eliminate the need for time-consuming and error-prone manual processes.

[0058] For entities that do not need or which cannot support integration with backend systems, the network 10 can provide immediate access to these services via the Internet. Using a web browser, for example, partners can access the network's services to view and communicate with other entities in the supply chain. With the network 10, an entity can immediately participate in the supply chain community and get value from the network 10, implementing deeper back-end systems as the entity's requirements or abilities evolve.

[0059] Allowing for separation of partners, the network 10 lends itself to no single point of failure. This ensures rapid deployment, while still allowing a high degree of personalization. The network 10 provides an error-free, highly secure, mission-critical, and always-on solution to an enterprise and its partners.

[0060] The network 10 provides consolidated data repositories. Transactional, reference, and configuration data can be stored in a relational database or a lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP) repository, allowing data accuracy beyond data exchange and manual reconciliation. The business repository can act as a proxy for the enterprise or partner applications within the network.

[0061] Data can be shared in real-time, thus providing up-to-date information or data that allows better management over events, actions, or transactions in a supply chain. The present invention provides real-time visibility and control of data content and the business processes from end to end. The network 10 enables an enterprise and its partners to view accurate supply chain information in real-time. The network 10 can provide total visibility into the conglomeration of enterprise-class and legacy systems within a supply chain. Because contract manufacturers, suppliers, and third party logistics (3PLs) all rely on shared data, synchronization, validation, and enrichment are desirable.

[0062] The network 10 can provide real-time monitoring that alerts an entity when the reality of events or conditions in the supply chain deviates from an entity's plan or business process. It allows an entity to assess the impact of exception conditions, effect their resolution, and ensure that the entity's resolution decisions propagate throughout the supply chain due to the business context management provided by the network 10.

[0063] The network 10 can provide transactional processing for monitoring, reporting, and alerting. The business context of all transactions is maintained in the network repository and process state managers to be used for real-time validation of the content of transactions to ensure high degrees of execution accuracy. A business context provides a complete view into a supply chain. Such business context may comprise information and data for the transaction, such as, for example, the type of transaction (e.g., purchase order, service request, installation request, warranty matter, replacement request, etc.); the names, addresses, and contact information of the partners involved in the transaction; the name, address, and contact for an end-user (e.g., consumer) which initiated the transaction; the purchase/service request order number for the transaction; the date on which the transaction was initiated; the dates on which the partners involved in the transaction was notified; the dates on which the involved partners completed tasks related to the transaction (e.g., shipped product, made service call to end-user's location, completed installation of new product, etc.); and the like. For example, a purchase order line item is matched against supplier shipment records and warehouse receipts in real-time, rather than post-transaction matching of transactions to verify accuracy. Thus, a perpetual view of inventory is maintained across the entire supply chain, reducing expedite fees, while increasing service levels due to increased accuracy of data and process execution. Lost sales due to inability to deliver are reduced, service levels are increased, and inventory and expedite fees are decreased.

[0064] The network 10 supports real-time reporting of status, events, or conditions in a supply chain. The network 10 can provide business metrics and trend analysis, such as real-time metrics and reporting request confirmation, part ship, inventory, WIP, part delivered, and cancellation. A user can view historical supply chain metric data with drill-down capabilities. Pre-configured business metrics, such as reports, graphics, and alerts based on process exceptions, can be available in real time. Personalized, real-time alerts can be delivered anywhere, such as to a graphical user interface, a pager, a phone, or e-mail. The improved visibility leads to lower costs and maximized service levels.

[0065] The network 10 can provide a uniform business context across an enterprise and partners. The network 10 can maintain the context of complex multi-company transactions for catching errors at the source, thus minimizing post-processing of data to match and reconcile transactions. This allows business users a consistent view of relevant supply chain information, whether the information originated in an enterprise application or a partner application. Reconciliation and matching can be provided in real-time, as opposed to batch post-processing, saving significant process cycle time.

[0066] The network 10 can be based on a distributed and layered architecture, rather than a client or server model. The layered architecture enables better fault tolerance and isolation, as each layer is built with a full set of error compensation and diagnostics capabilities. Each functional layer can also be optimized for performance and scalability, thereby eliminating system bottlenecks and enabling more robust load balancing schemes. The network 10 is designed to have full horizontal and vertical scalability across any layer with no single point of failure.

[0067] Supply Chain

[0068] FIG. 4 illustrates a number of different actions which may occur in a supply chain and some features of a network domain 14, according to an embodiment of the present invention. A customer 48 may make a service request 82 to an OEM 84 which can be an enterprise 32. The OEM 84 may enter a service order 90 to a network domain 14. One or more real-time inventory checks 92 may occur between the network domain 14 and the OEM 84. The network domain 14 may make a real-time ship request 94 to a third party logistics (3PL) provider 102, which can be a partner to OEM 84. The 3PL 102 may provide real-time inventory updates 96. The 3PL may ship a part 108 or dispatch a field technician 110 to the customer 48. When the service order is complete, the 3PL may provide service order proof of delivery status 98 to the network domain 14, and the network domain 14 may close the service order 100 with the OEM 84.

[0069] The checks, orders, updates, requests, etc. that are provided or exchanged in the supply chain can be conveyed in the form of transaction messages for notifying, updating, alerting, or otherwise informing various entities of the status of transactions, tasks, events, or other actions in the supply chain. At least some of the transaction messages can be associated with workflows that are initiated or triggered, for example, by the order of a product or a request for service. The transactions, tasks, events, or other actions in the supply chain can be governed by or performed pursuant to contracts or agreements between two or more entities (e.g., an enterprise and one or more partners, such as an extended enterprise business unit) involved in the supply chain. These contracts or agreements may include terms which specify time-based service levels, expectations, obligations, or business policies, which must be met by the different entities.

[0070] The OEM 84 may operate or maintain a system which includes applications or subsystems for enterprise resource planning (ERP) 86 and customer relationship management (CRM) 88. The ERP application 86 may provide or support functionality that is related to a core competency of the OEM 84, such as, for example, the manufacturing of a particular article or product. The customer resource management application 88 may support or maintain a database with information for one or more customers 48 of the OEM 84. The 3PL provider 102 may operate or maintain a system which includes applications or subsystems for a warehouse management system (WMS) 104 and a CRM 106. The WMS application 104 supports inventory management and other functionality associated with storing products in a warehouse. Each of OEM 84 and 3PL provider 102 may have a respective domain in the supply chain.

[0071] The OEM 84, the 3PL provider 102, or any other partner in a supply chain may maintain real-time data related to the supply chain. This real-time data may include reference data and transaction data. Reference data can specify, for example, inventory levels and parts numbers. Transaction data can specify, for example, numbers for purchase orders, shipping receipts, invoices for various transactions in which the respective partner is involved; the dates and times at which the partners were notified, alerted, or requested to take actions or work on tasks; the kinds of tasks, actions, and the like required to be performed by the partners (e.g., pulling a product from inventory, packaging a product, delivering a product, making a service call to a customer, installing a machine at a customer site, repairing a machine, etc.); the dates and times at which the actions or tasks were completed; and the like.

[0072] Each of the ERP 86, CRM 88, WMS 104, and CRM 106 of the OEM 84 or 3PL can be existing partner systems into which systems of the present invention can be integrated. These existing partner systems can be information technology infrastructure for the respective partners. At least some portion of the existing partner systems can be legacy systems. In one embodiment, systems of the present invention may provide the real-time data maintained at the existing partner systems to the network domain 14.

[0073] The network domain 14 may use the real-time data from the existing partner systems to coordinate, initiate, or otherwise manage actions and events associated with the supply chain. As depicted, the network domain 14 may include applications or subsystems for a graphical user interface (GUI) 112 (labeled “cockpit”), a network domain gateway 114, an inbound network component 113, a fulfillment network component 15, a service network component 117, an alert and exception management component 116, and a network application management platform 118. The network domain gateway 114 may facilitate communication between the network domain 14 and one or more partner domains 18, enterprise domains 16, or customer domains 20. The graphical user interface 112 may be a graphical interface that allows an user to access and interact with the network domain 14. The inbound network component 113, fulfillment network component 15, and service network component 117 may be dedicated application layers that may support communication or interactions with inbound network 34, fulfillment network 36, and service network 38, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3.

[0074] The network application management platform 118 in network domain 14 may comprise or support databases or subsystems, such as a partners subsystem 120, a knowledge subsystem 122, a processes subsystem 124, and a performance subsystem 126. The partners subsystem 120 may provide or maintain information on the various partners involved in the supply chain. The knowledge management subsystem 122 may provide fault determination and root cause analysis at the application level. The processes subsystem 124 manages the state of business processes governing the flow of business objects relating to transactions, events, or actions which occur in the supply chain. These objects may be generated by an enterprise application, by third-party systems, or by the network domain 14. The processes subsystem 124 may also provide enforcement of the policies and procedures for the enterprise and one or more of its partners. This allows automated inter-enterprise communication and collaboration in real time. The performance management subsystem 126 may provide the ability to monitor the system performance statistics for each partner in the network domain 14.

[0075] The alert and exception management component 116 manages alert- and exception-related actions, which may occur within the supply chain. The alert and exception management component 116 may provide sophisticated alert handling, exception management, and event management capabilities. Alerts may relate to actions and trigger conditions, such as order volumes exceeding a specified amount, maximum time allowed for an activity being reached, or a service level agreement (SLA) being violated. Alerts are classified by severity according to specific business process and/or product control thresholds. The enterprise or partner can define which entity receives an alert based on the alert name, alert severity, and alert context. Notifications are transmitted via wireless application protocol (WAP), email, or pager. Escalation processes and specific message text can also be customized to meet the specific needs of the enterprise or the partner.

[0076] The functionality of various components of network domain 14 can be performed with suitable data processing facility running appropriate software and operating under the control of any suitable operating system, such as MS-DOS, MacINTOSH OS, WINDOWS NT, WINDOWS 2000, OS/2, UNIX, XENIX, GEOS, and the like.

[0077] The subsystems 120, 122, 124, and 126 can be implemented with any one or more suitable storage media, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), disk drives, tape storage, or other suitable volatile and/or nonvolatile data storage facility.

[0078] Network Domain

[0079] FIG. 5 illustrates components of a network domain 14, according to an embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, network domain 14 comprises a process execution component 132, a business data managers (BDM) component 134, a data access layer component 136, and a common services component 138. One or more transaction messages may enter the network domain 14 via a business-to-business (B2B) connector 146, such as a partner coordinator, alone or in combination with a remote management component 148, such as a web-browser graphical user interface (GUI). A workflow event management component 150 or a workflow task API (application programming interface) component 152 may route the transaction messages based on the point of origin found in the transaction message header to the appropriate process execution component 132. The API component 152 and the event manager component 150 provide an interface for external activities to connect to and use the workflow(s) that are driven by the process execution component 132. They may also provide an interface for receiving a request for a transaction from an end-user (e.g., customer) or a partner.

[0080] The functionality of business data manager component 134, data access layer component 136, process execution component 132, common services component 138, workflow event management component 150, and workflow task API 152 can be performed by any suitable processor such as a main-frame, file server, workstation, or other suitable data processing facility running appropriate software and operating under the control of any suitable operating system, such as MS-DOS, MacINTOSH OS, WINDOWS NT, WINDOWS 2000, OS/2, UNIX, XENIX, GEOS, and the like.

[0081] The process execution component 132 is designed to execute objects representing decision nodes, events, and actions (e.g., tasks). The process execution component 132 may include software or applications for business workflow 140, exception workflow 142, and routing workflow 144. A workflow may be initiated by a transaction, a request, or a demand and may include processes, which execute tasks. The workflows 140, 142, and 142 may access real-time data relevant to a transaction from an existing partner system, generate a context for the transaction using the real-time data, and process a request for a transaction in the context for the transaction. In one embodiment, a context may be generated and maintained by using a particular item or set of information, such as, for example, a purchase order number, to identify, gather, forward, access, and process data and initiate and direct tasks and actions for the transaction. The business workflow 140 manages business policies and transactions in network domain 14. The exception workflow 142 monitors and manages alerts. The routing workflow 144 routes transaction messages throughout the network domain 14, as well as to and from other domains (e.g., partner domains 18, enterprise domain 16). Each of workflow 140, 142, and 144 may include triggers which call on specific common services component 138 and business data managers component 134.

[0082] The business data managers component 134 may manage the processes involving one or more objects which are initiated pursuant to the transaction messages that flow through network domain 14 and other domains. As depicted, the business data managers component 134 may include a policy manager component 154, a enterprise business unit (EBU) manager component 156 (representing a business organization unit), an alert manager component 158, and a repair order manager component 160. The policy manager component 154 maintains the policies and practices specific to an enterprise's way of doing business with a partner, such as an extended EBU. The policy manager component 154 may be “called” by the business data manager component 134 to ensure that a workflow does not violate any organizational conditions of one or more entities in the supply chain (e.g., enterprise, partner, etc.). The alert manager component 158 may provide or support alert handling, exception management, and event management capabilities for the actions take (or not taken) by the various entities pursuant to the transaction messages. The repair order manager component 160 provides or supports the management of events or transaction messages related to the orders for repair of products provided by the enterprise and/or its partners.

[0083] The data access layer component 136 provides access for other components of the network domain 14 to databases, such as a lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP) database 162 or a relational database (labeled “Oracle” in FIG. 5) 164. The databases may store real-time data relating to one or more transactions and may maintain a respective context for each transaction. The use of the LDAP 162 provides for the distribution of key information throughout the network 10 for access by network system components Business policy rules can be implemented in a LDAP database 162 or a relational database 164 to allow for separation of decision logic from process logic. This mechanism also allows for dynamic reconfiguration of business policy rules with distribution throughout the network 10. The business logic in the network 10 dynamically loads policy rules through the use of a policy manager component 154.

[0084] LDAP database 162 and relational database 164 can be implemented with any one or more suitable storage media, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), disk drives, tape storage, or other suitable volatile and/or nonvolatile data storage facility. LDAP database 162 may be configured as a relational database.

[0085] The common services component 138 administers or manages areas, such as security, directory, auditing, alert notification, logging 166, eXtensible Markup Language (XML) converting 168, and messaging 170, which can be commonly performed for various transactions. Logging 166 facilitates the auditing of data. XML converting 168 converts or formats messages into XML. Messaging 170 provides secure messaging between components. Security provides authentication, non-repudiation, authorization, and confidentiality services. Directory provides a data flow for platform configuration data and parameters. Alerts provide warnings and errors encountered by the network domain 14 and/or other domains involved with the supply chain.

[0086] Business Processes

[0087] FIG. 6 illustrates the communication among and within various domains of a network 10 for managing a supply chain, according to an embodiment of the present invention. This communication may occur pursuant to one or more business processes executing throughout the supply chain. For each such process, object-oriented software in the network may perform one or more specified functions on data.

[0088] Data relating to numerous business events may get exchanged between the customer domain 20, network domain 14, and a partner domain 18. In one embodiment, for this purpose, one or more partner coordinator components 180 may be provided at customer domain 20, partner domain 18, or network domain 14. A partner coordinator component 180 may physically reside in the customer domain 20 or partner domain 18, as shown in FIG. 6, or in the network domain 14. In some embodiments, the partner coordinator component 180 provides the network domain 14 with real-time information about transactions that are occurring within the supply chain. This real-time information can be used to generate, assemble, modify, update, etc., respective contexts for the transactions. The partner coordinator may independently “push” out the real-time data to the network domain 14 or may provide access to the data for the network domain by cooperating with one or more existing (or legacy systems) at the customer domain 20 or partner domain 18.

[0089] In many instances, the business events in a supply chain can take place at any given time depending on the rules and conditions derived from a business process. The description for FIG. 6, however, is scenario-based and provides two examples that will illustrate how a transaction might flow through the network 10. The following examples are presented solely for the purpose of further illustrating and disclosing the present invention, and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. These examples assume content-based gateway routing and, for clarity, are simplified. Transactions for administrative purposes, such as message acknowledgement and error logging, are not described in detail.

[0090] In the first example, which may involved B2B messaging, a business request may be created from an application in a customer enterprise resource planning (ERP) application or system 182. This request can be, for example, an order by the customer for a replacement part or a service repair. The request may be transformed into an eXtensible Markup Language (XML) document 184 by a partner coordinator component 180 and may be transported to the network domain 14 as a message by an XML message transport 186. The partner coordinator component 180 may handle data, translate messages, and execute processes. The partner coordinator component 180 provides or supports a standard means or way for communicating with network domain 14, thereby allowing distributed processing to appropriate levels for optimum performance, reusability, and efficiency.

[0091] At the network domain 14, the message is passed to a business process 188, for example, according to the type of message. The business process 188 may be part of or running on an execution subsystem 238 (described below). The message may relate to an existing process (e.g., a follow-up to a product order previously placed by the customer), or may cause initiation of a new process (e.g., a new order for a product or service). In either case, the process may operate in a context for the transaction.

[0092] In response to the incoming message, business process 188 may access real-time data by reading related business data from a business document 190 in the business data repositories 192. The business data repositories 192 maintain order and inventory information along with metadata information for the network 10. The repositories 192 may contain, for example, configuration data, metadata for private applications in the network, cross-reference key information for quick lookup, table-driven business policy rules, object-relational message maps, private network application schema and extensions. The metadata repository can be tightly integrated with an LDAP. Some lookup functions will be LDAP-based with detailed data in the repository. Business process 188 may evaluate conditions and determine subsequent actions through the use of policies stored in the policy data repositories 194. Business process 188 can then update business data in the business document 190, and generate audit and process metrics.

[0093] The business data repositories 192 and the policy data repositories 194 can be implemented with any one or more suitable storage media, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), disk drives, tape storage, or other suitable volatile and/or non-volatile data storage facility. The business data repositories 192 and the policy data repositories 194 may be configured as one or more relational databases.

[0094] If a response to the customer is required, a new XML document can be created at network domain 14 and transported back to the customer ERP application or system 182 in the customer domain 20.

[0095] Additionally, network domain 14 may send a response to a partner domain 18 as well. In some instances, there will be times when the network 10 may instantiate a business process based on the rules defined by the service level agreement (SLA) contract between a customer, the enterprise, and/or one or more partners. Thus, if the partner is late on providing predefined parts or services, a notice-of-warning 196 would be generated. The notice 196 can be created in or converted to an XML document, transported to the appropriate partner domain 18 by the XML message transport 186, translated by the partner coordinator component 180 from XML into a format capable of being read by a partner ERP application or system 198, and routed to the proper destination, either within the partner domain 18 or some other domain.

[0096] In the second example, based on user-defined rules, a scheduled task 200 (formatted in an XML document) may be generated by the network domain 14. The task may be posted to a work list table 202 for handling by a user.

[0097] When a user signs-on to the network domain 14, an alert may be presented, for example, via a suitable GUI (e.g., GUI 112 of FIG. 4), thereby signaling the user that there is a task 200 that requires completion. The user may access the work list table 202, identify the task 200, and complete the task 200.

[0098] Alternatively, the same task 200 could be retrieved by a user via an ERP application or system 206 located on a partner domain 18. The task 200, formatted in an XML document, can be transported to the partner coordinator component 180 on the partner domain 180 via XML transport 204, translated and processes by the ERP application or system 206.

[0099] On completion of the task 200, a new XML document specifying the action taken for the task may be returned to the business process 188, which will update the context for the transaction, for example, by updating business data repositories 192, and thereafter continue with further activities.

[0100] Subsystems

[0101] FIG. 7 illustrates components of a network 10 for managing a supply chain, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, an enterprise application (EA) 210 (also referred to as an enterprise resource planning (ERP) application or system) and a partner coordinator component 180 are provided in a partner domain 18 of the network 10. A web browser 212, user GUI 224, administration component 216, network execution component 214, application data repository 218, policy data repository 220, and XML transport component 222 are provided in a network domain.

[0102] The functionality of enterprise application 210, partner coordinator component 180, XML transport 222, web browser 212, administration component 216, user GUI 224, network execution component 214, application data repository 218, and policy data repository 220 can be performed by any suitable processor such as a main-frame, file server, workstation, or other suitable data processing facility running appropriate software and operating under the control of any suitable operating system, such as MS-DOS, MacINTOSH OS, WINDOWS NT, WINDOWS 2000, OS/2, UNIX, XENIX, GEOS, and the like and connected to suitable storage facility.

[0103] This diagram illustrates the exchanges and management of data between the components of the network 10. The network 10 can receive and provide supply chain data at either the enterprise application (EA) 210 or from the web browser 212. The partner coordinator component 180 may manage data integration to an EA 210 (also referred to as an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) application or system). Data may also be sent from a web browser 212 into the network system 10. The network execution component 214 may be responsible for receipt of data (from either an EA 210 or web browser 212) and the management of metrics harnessed from that data for review by a user.

[0104] The network system 10 may include a partner coordinator component 180, network execution component 214, and administration component 216. The partner coordinator component 180, network execution component 214 and administration component 216 can all be considered subsystems. A subsystem is a cohesive functional package of hardware or software applications that provides behavior, for example, through interfaces. Application properties may be easily administered from within a single file (which can be formatted in LDAP or Java Native Directory Interface (JNDI)). An application can be configured from an external configuration file. For example, system properties may exist in a centralized repository, such as application data repositories 218 or policy data repositories 220. This eliminates the need to search through code to find specific information. Extensible database integration can be provided so that any Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) compliant database can be integrated with the network system 10 for the B2B model. Applications may run within a J2EE (Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition) compliant application server that supports EJB (Enterprise Java Beans) 2.0 or above. In one embodiment, the deployed software may comprise a collection of Java Archive (JAR), WAR, and ZIP files. WAR is J2EE archive of web resources—jsps, servlets, html, and images.

[0105] The partner coordinator component 180 may adapt to the partner's (or enterprise's) system, transform customer data to proprietary format, initiate business-to-business messaging transportation. The partner coordinator component 180 may generate, route, and receive messages that are exchanged with the network domain 14.

[0106] The partner coordinator component 180 may format messages into XML format. The partner coordinator component 180 may be part of a connection subsystem 228 (described below). As depicted, the partner coordinator component 180 is shown as physically residing in the partner domain 18, but it could also physically reside in the network domain 14.

[0107] The network execution component 214 may administer one or more transactions of the supply chain. For example, the network execution component 214 may be responsible for the business processes and business rules that govern how processes for handling the transactions take place in the supply chain. The network execution component 214 may also be referred to as an execution subsystem 238. In this embodiment, the network execution component 214 is shown as physically residing in the network domain 14, but it could also physically reside in the enterprise domain 16 or the partner domain 18.

[0108] Administration component 216 is responsible for the administrative-related processes of the system. Administration component 216 may be responsible for setting up enterprise business units (EBUs), associating relationships, and user entitlement. In addition, administration component 216 may provide security, messaging, directory, logging and alerts services through a common services component.

[0109] XML transport component 222 cooperates with partner coordinator component 180 for the exchange of messages between the network domain 14 and other domains (e.g., partner domain 18, enterprise domain 16).

[0110] The application data repository 218 may store data that supports the subsystems of the network domain 14 or the enterprise domain 16. The data may be segregated into logically consistent areas that usually correspond to business functions. In this manner, the data can be understood and structured within the scope of respective business functions. For those relationships that transcend a business function, data from other subject areas are “borrowed” to demonstrate the relationship.

[0111] The policy data repository 220 may identify business policies (rules) that govern how to distribute, perform, deliver, or initiate work, transactions, events, actions, etc. (e.g., repair orders) to specific entities (e.g., enterprise business unit (EBU)) from among many potential entities. A policy may be implemented by many rules. There may be many conditions that invoke a rule, and a rule may trigger one or more actions, carried out by an entity. An action may result in one or more state transitions within a business process.

[0112] There may be policies that govern how (e.g., protocols) the work is communicated to the Enterprise Business Unit (EBU) or other entity of choice. This may require knowing the format used or capable of being handled by the EBU, such as, for example, eXtensible Markup Language (XML) or File Transfer Protocol (FTP). In addition, policies may govern the relationship between specific transactions. This may be used to manage an iteration of the business process and determine the alerts that are generated when the process violates one or more policies. For instance, if a partner which specializes in repair attempts to replace an item, but a policy prohibits replacing items that are out of warranty, the policy statement can be stored in this subject area. Another example is a relationship policy. A relationship between two entities may require many relationship policies.

[0113] The application data repository 218 and the policy data repository 220 can be implemented with any one or more suitable storage media, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), disk drives, tape storage, or other suitable volatile and/or non-volatile data storage facility. The application data repository 218 and the policy data repository 220 may be configured as relational databases.

[0114] FIGS. 8-10 illustrate exemplary scenarios for interactions of entities in a network 10 for managing a supply chain.

[0115] Business-to-Business Transactions

[0116] FIG. 8 illustrates a scenario for an exemplary B2B (business to business) transaction, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In a typical B2B scenario, the entities involved with the transaction can be businesses, such as an enterprise and one or more partners. A partner domain 18 is associated with the partner, and a network domain 14 can be associated with the enterprise or one of its partners.

[0117] In this B2B scenario, a connection subsystem 228 resides within the partner domain 18. Data and information for the transactions may be transferred by a secure transport mechanism, i.e., a messaging service 232 (which can use HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP)), between the partner domain 18 and the network domain 14.

[0118] The connection subsystem 228 may send and receive eXtensible Markup Language (XML) messages 231 from the network domain 14 via the messaging service 232, may perform partner-specific data manipulation, and may communicate with the partner enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications or subsystems 226. The connection subsystem 228 may comprise a partner coordinator component 180. The connection subsystem 228 is shown as physically residing in the partner domain 18, but it could also reside in the enterprise domain 16 or the network domain 14.

[0119] In general, messages exchanged between one domain and another may or may not require context-based routing. In context-based routing, decisions for routing informational messages, requests, instructions, and the like are based on, for example, current state of business policy rules and at what step in a business process a transaction resides. When context-based routing is required, a gateway subsystem 234 in the network domain 14 may send and receive messages 231 from the partner domain 18 via a messaging service 232 (which may use HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP)). The gateway subsystem 234 may route those messages via Java Messaging System (JMS) 236 to other subsystems in the network domain 14. The gateway subsystem 234 can be an implementation of the network gateway 114 (FIG. 4). When context-based routing is not required, messages may be sent directly between the connection subsystem 228 and the execution subsystem 238.

[0120] The execution subsystem 238 may provide the process management services for generating requests and evaluating responses related to the transaction. The execution subsystem is shown as part of the network domain 14, but it could also be part of a partner domain 18 or the enterprise domain 16. The execution subsystem 238 may also be referred to or implemented as part of network execution component 214.

[0121] The performance management subsystem 244 functions to monitor the system performance statistics. The performance management subsystem 244 may be part of an administration component 216. The performance measurement subsystem 244 provides decision support to users based on graphs and reports. It also can define metrics for the performance (e.g., on-time delivery) of various entities in the supply chain. The performance management subsystem 244 can display the performance statistics in one or more reports on a GUI (e.g., “dashboard”) to facilitate monitoring and management by a user. The reports and dashboards may be metric based. Custom structure query language (SQL) may define the report statistics.

[0122] The provisioning subsystem 240 may provide configuration and business rules for deploying the system. The provisioning subsystem 240 can be part of administration component 216. The provisioning subsystem 240 may be initialize the applications in network domain 14 in response to messages from partner domain 18. The provisioning subsystem 240 activities can manage or facilitate the management of partners, agreements, enterprise business units (EBUs), processes, and users. It may set up EBUs, associated relationships, as well as group and user entitlements (e.g., associating users to the appropriate level of security, etc.). It may be also responsible for creating rules and associating those rules to the appropriate processes and tasks which are governed by these policies. Provisioning subsystem 240 may receive requests to manage EBU and partnership activities. It may also service requests from the staff at an EBU to manage contract-related activities. The provisioning subsystem 240 may support the creation or collection of information relating to partners, users, groups, security, and network policy. Prior to a partner coming on line, this information may be defined by operations and professional services at an enterprise. This information may be stored in an LDAP repository. Thus, when the network system of network domain 14 receives a message from a partner, provisioning subsystem 240 may provide the appropriate uniform resource locator (URL) for the partner coordinator component 180 of that partner, the digital certificate, and other partner-specific information needed to generate a valid request. The user information may specify groups that the user belongs to and user policy information. The contracts or agreements between an enterprise and its partners may include policy information and collection information. For each partner, configuration properties may define the specifics for a partner configuration.

[0123] Data 242 can store the data and information received, generated, collected, or used by network domain 14. Data 242 can be implemented with any one or more suitable storage media, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), disk drives, tape storage, or other suitable volatile and/or non-volatile data storage facility. Data 242 may be configured as a relational database.

[0124] FIG. 9 illustrates a scenario for an exemplary B2B transaction, according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the network domain 14, rather than the partner domain 18, hosts the connection subsystem 228. Communication with the partner ERP 226 may be through a virtual private network 246. The transport or exchange of messages and data between the gateway subsystem 234 and the connection subsystem 228 may be done via Java Messaging System (JMS) 236. This eliminates the XML transport steps described above for FIG. 8.

[0125] Business to Consumer Transactions

[0126] FIG. 10 illustrates a scenario for an exemplary B2C (business to consumer) transaction, according to an embodiment of the present invention. For customers of an enterprise or for partners without an enterprise resource planning (ERP) application or subsystem, or who would like to communicate via a Web browser, the network 10 supports a B2C model. In a typical B2C scenario, a customer or partner initiates a transaction directly to the execution subsystem 238 via a browser 250.

[0127] Browser-based communication may be in the form of HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) 248.

[0128] Nevertheless, the connection subsystem 228 may still send and receive eXtensible Markup Language (XML) messages 231 from the network domain 14, may perform partner-specific data manipulation, and may communicate with the partner ERPs 226.

[0129] Partner Coordinator Component

[0130] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a partner coordinator component 180, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The partner coordinator component 180 may be part of or implemented in a connection subsystem 228. The partner coordinator component 180 may physically reside in the partner domain 18 (see e.g., FIG. 8) or the network domain 14 (see e.g., FIG. 9). The partner coordinator component 180 may provide the conduit and may control functions between the network domain 14 and a partner domain 18. The partner coordinator component 180 may include distributed process control logic to make decisions (i.e., issue commands or instructions) for workflows or business processes in process execution 132. The partner coordinator component 180 may be responsible for reliably connecting a remote partner to the network system 10. This allows for the exchange of eXtensible Markup Language (XML) messages 231 to deliver real-time content, data, and information and to initiate actions. The partner coordinator component 180 may use a LDAP database 162 for policy rules, configuration data, and other relevant information.

[0131] As depicted, partner coordinator component 180 includes an enterprise application integration component 252 and a transport component 254.

[0132] Enterprise application integration component 252 generally functions to integrate the systems application of a partner with the network 10. These existing partner applications can include an enterprise resource planning (ERP) 226, customer resources management (CRM) 256, relational database management system (RDBMS) 258 applications or systems, and any type of enterprise application or system.

[0133] The EAI component 252 may be implemented with partner-specific business policy code that performs the data manipulation and local process control particular to the partner requirements and for communicating with the ERP 226, CRM 256, and RDBMS 258 applications or systems. The EAI component 252 may include routing component 270, coordination component 266, adaptation component 260, validation component 262, transformation component 264, and transport handler component 268.

[0134] Adaptation component 260, validation component 262, and transformation component 264 operate on data or information which is exchanged between the existing partner applications or systems (e.g., ERP 226, CRM 256, and RDBMS 258) and the network domain 14. Adaptation component 260 may convert or adapt the data and information between a format that is usable and understood by the existing partner applications and a format that is usable and understood by the components and applications in the network domain 14. Validation component 262 validates the data and information, for example, by considering the date of the information and/or its source. Validation component 262 may also validate data relating to any give transaction against a context of process state that is maintained for such transaction. For example, if a purchase order to a supplier specifi