Abstract: A method and system for managing information in a multi-hub system for supply chain management and collaborative planning. A technique is presented from managing communications in a multi-hub model. First, consistency of data throughout the system is maintained by limiting which entities in the supply chain have the authority to write to the data. Various techniques for determining which entity has such authority are presented. Second, the relative complexity of transactions is determined by identifying how much computer processing is required. Transactions that require little processing are handled by lightweight servers; transactions that required moderate to extensive processing are sent to heavyweight servers. The end user receives information about the transaction more rapidly because the transactions are processed more efficiently.

Abstract: Adaptable multi-hub connectivity in a system for collaborative planning. Collaborative planning partners communicate using a set of local hubs. Each local hub is disposed for receiving and sending collaborative planning messages, caching and modifying collaborative planning data, and coordinating with one or more regional authorities regarding access to data. The local hubs communicate with client devices, other local hubs, and regional authorities. Regional authorities control access to collaborative planning data, thus controlling who owns that data, who is allowed to modify that data, and who is allowed to read or cache that data. Regional authorities partition the collaborative planning data, each one thus having a distinct subset of that data for which that particular regional authority has the final say. Regional authorities coordinate so that each one can obtain instructions for data not belonging to that particular regional authority.