Internet-Enabled Information Management for Configure-to-Order Product Fulfillment

Configure-to-order (CTO) strategy has been implemented by many industries that adopt mass customization. Its major concern lies in a series of product fulfillment activities, e.g. configuring the individual product and corresponding production process. The successful implementation of CTO production calls for the correctness and promptness of the execution of these activities. Therefore, a Web-based integrated information management system is important and necessary. Facilitated by such a system, not only the required product and process information can be shared and exchanged by multiple partners dispersed geographically, but also the enabled functional integration contributes to an effective communication and coordination among departments across a supply chain network. In the paper the issues relating to the integrated information management and a Web-based system are discussed in detail. Also provided is the role of the system in supply chain management in today’s e-commerce environment.