Benefits of an item-centric enterprise-data model in logistics services: A case study

The paper uses a case example to present a novel way of building enterprise information systems. The objective is to bring forth the benefits of an item centric systems design in environments that require real-time material visibility, such as in logistics service provision. The methodology employed is case study and metadata modeling. Managers of SE Mäkinen, a Finnish car distribution company were interviewed on the implementation and operation of their award winning enterprise system. The case example was then analyzed using a generic metadata model of item-centric systems. The main finding of the paper is that introducing an item-centric enterprise-data model facilitated responsive service in the distribution of automobiles. The practical implications are that when starting to develop a new enterprise system, managers in logistics services should consider an item-centric design solution as an option to the conventional account-based design for enterprise-data models. Key words: En...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2007
• Where: CII
• Authors: Mikko Rönkkö, Mikko Kärkkäinen, Jan Holmström
• Keywords: Case Example, CII 2007, Enterprise System, Logistics Services