Cloud-Based Supply Chain Integration Service Platform

Abstract

In recent years, Taiwan has enhanced the manufacturing advantages in the competitive global market because of excellent manufacturing processes, product quality, and the flexible delivery date and speed. However, how to maintain the competitive advantages in the global market has become an issue. Due the advanced development of the Internet, the cloud computing technology has significant progress and become more matured. Therefore, if the cloud computing technology can be applied in the supply chain of the manufacturing industry, the information among manufacturing, assembly, logistics, sales, and customers can be shared and accessed easily. In this study, a cloud-based supply chain integration service platform of the manufacturing industry is developed, and this platform includes the supplier management, procurement and materials management, manufacturing management, facilities planning, customer service, transportation and physical distribution, and information flow to form a supply chain integration service cloud. Thus, the members of the whole supply chain integration service cloud are able to work together, and rapidly deploy and dynamically allocate resources, and the computer hardware and software resources of the upstream and downstream can be appropriately shared. By doing so, the inventory fluctuations caused by the bullwhip effect can also be reduced. Eventually, it will achieve the goals of shortening delivery time, raising production capacity utilization, and decreasing the material preparation time.