Enterprise Architecture in the Supply Chain

Abstract-Information systems in supply chain management (SCM) is common, bringing architecture on the agenda . The paper uses three perspectives on enterprise architecture (EA) in the supply chain: The correlation view, the remote view and the institutional view. It is shown that the EA in the domain of supply chain has to meet quite a complicated set of demands. Coherency Management (CM) for the aligning of business processes and underlying technology is used by proposing three parameters for EA: Alignment, agility and assurance. Alignment addresses the depth of business vs. technology correspondence. Agility is fighting lack of understanding on technological and social impact. Assurance is the compliance of any type: Internal, external, quality, voluntary, governmental, international, moral, social and legal. A case of an apparel company using a bespoke ERP system for its global supply chain support is presented and discussed. The case outlines potentials for an enhanced alignment and coherence between management, business processes and underlying information system; innovation is led by tighter integration with business partners, higher versatility in the adaption to formal business requirements and compliance. Local social shaping of technology is prevalent. The case study suggests EA with bespoke ERP approach can work as a platform of comprehending and planning the changes of an enterprise on its own grounds.