At the Information Systems Research Network (FORWIN), Nuremberg, Germany we have prototypically implemented a lean and flexible available-to-promise application which is integrated with a framework of software components fulfilling the functions of supply chain management (SCM). This project is to demonstrate that it is possible to implement cost-effective and flexible software tailored to the needs of small businesses which can provide reliable information about product availability. To suit a large variety of companies, the way in which the component influences decisions or automates processescan be adjusted through different parameters, such as timeout, substitution, automatic processing or prioritization of suppliers.In order to integrate all sorts of existing MRP or legacy systems along the supply chain the information flow is organized through a transaction-based exchange of standardized XML documents via the Internet.

As supply chain managers spend well above 60% of their total working time remedying disruptions along the value chain, they require the support of interorganizational information systems that allow them to focus their attention on the critical problems. In addition, each action they decide on needs to be aligned with the overall network strategy to sustain the supply chain's competitive edge. However, research has only been very limited in this area. Commercially available Supply Chain Event Management-suites are a first step into this direction but so far lack important aspects like diagnostic analyses and integration into existing management and controlling frameworks. Based on a network-wide capturing of performance measurement data and alerting mechanisms in case key figures or process metrics do not meet their targets or exceed pre-set limits, this paper describes a computerized symptom-to-therapy cycle starting with recognizing performance deviations all the way to diagnosing the underlying root causes and supplying management with possible reaction measures to steer clear of the problem. At FORWIN this concept has been realized in a web-based prototype that will be presented to show these principles work in practice. The modules for symptom recognition and diagnosis will be discussed in detail. The article concludes with a brief outlook on future research.

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