Defining the Internet-based supply chain system for mass customized markets

The infusion of information technology into business operations is drastically changing the way businesses operate. In addition, the universal availability of the Internet is accelerating mass customization of products-from PCs to automobiles. Managing supply chain relationships in this new environment, therefore, necessitates the adoption of a new production paradigm characterized by: A centralized strategy but decentralized operation A synchronized supply chain management system A collaborative partnership among selected suppliers A new interoperable, open information system infrastructure A 'broker' and an intelligent, mobile, agent-based trading system. This paper describes a software system that satisfies these properties and one that can support business operations of a massively customized production system and its supporting supply chain partners. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.