System and method for planning and ordering components for a configure-to-order manufacturing process

摘要

A computer-implemented method for planning and implementing the ordering of component parts provides for inputs customers ordering products and from suppliers, indicating whether they can supply component parts to meet net demand levels during specified time periods. The planning method is performed on an ongoing basis, such as on a weekly basis with data being prepared for the current week and for the next twelve weeks. The method is particularly adapted to be used for a number of fixed configuration products and additionally for a number of configure-to-order products, the configuration of which is specified in customer orders.