International Business Machines Corporation

Philippe Duffaut

John Ryan McGarvey

George L Andrews

Jan Scofield

Manuel Fusco

Kathy Tasnady

John Pelesz

James DeFilippo

Wes Seaman

Susan Krystek

Debra Hughes

Peter Badalamenti

Michael Meaden

A method and computer program product for facilitating supply chain processes in an outsourced manufacturing environment is provided. The method includes a customer focus team system providing logistical administrative services for a contract manufacturer on behalf of a manufacturing enterprise. The customer focus team is assigned to the contract manufacturer based upon geographic proximity. The logistical administrative services include facilitating transfer and replenishment of components needed during manufacture, ensuring ongoing inventory demand issues are addressed and resolved, and obtaining and providing metrics on outsourced supply chain parts and activities. The logistical administrative services also include assisting the contract manufacturer during shortfalls of supplies, collaborating with commodity team councils relating to acquisition of critical parts, and providing assistance on matters related to import, export, and tax issues. The method also includes a commodity council team assigned to a supplier based upon geographic proximity and providing logistical administrative support services to the supplier.

Enhanced method and computer program product for providing supply chain execution processes in an outsourced manufacturing environment

An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method and system for facilitating supply chain processes in an outsourced manufacturing environment comprising an original equipment manufacturer, at least one contract manufacturer, and at least one supplier. The method includes placing a purchase order with the contract manufacturing entity via an outsourced supply chain tool; filtering out parts listed on the purchase order that are flagged for special execution; and placing a second purchase order for flagged parts with the supplier. The second purchase order contains instructions for providing the flagged parts to the contract manufacturer. The method also includes coordinating delivery and payment transactions for the flagged parts and for finished products; monitoring associated activities of the entities involved; and resolving associated issues. The system includes a manufacturing entity comprising: a server executing a plurality of applications including an outsourced supply chain tool for implementing supply chain execution processes; a terminal and data storage device both in communication with the server; network links to a manufacturing division, a plurality of trading partner systems, a customer focus team system, and a commodity team council system; and a decentralized file database for providing supply chain execution data specific to a contract manufacturer system.

Enhanced method and system for providing supply chain execution processes in an outsourced manufacturing environment

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Gradignan, France

Philippe Duffaut