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

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compind.2007.02.003 Byline: Mikko Ronkko, Mikko Karkkainen, Jan Holmstrom Keywords: Materials management; Data model; Tracking; Logistics services Abstract: 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 Makinen, 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 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 location-based design for enterprise-data models. Author Affiliation: Industrial Engineering and Management, Helsinki University of Technology, POB 5500, FI-02015 HUT, Finland Article History: Received 30 September 2005; Revised 8 February 2007; Accepted 9 February 2007