Abstract: A method for translating a stock keeping unit (SKU) hierarchy in a customer order to a type-model-feature (TMF) structure in a vendor's order fulfillment system. A translation table relating the SKU hierarchy and TMF structure is defined. The SKU hierarchy includes SKU numbers that identify a configurable part and configurable options that specify a product. An initial order for the product includes the SKU hierarchy. Using the translation table, the SKU numbers are translated into an instance of the TMF structure. A multi-value characteristic is populated with values that include the SKU numbers and subline identifiers. A second order for the product is created that includes the instance of the TMF structure and subline values associated with the SKU number that identifies the configurable part.

Abstract: A method and system for translating a stock keeping unit (SKU) hierarchy in a customer order to a type-model-feature (TMF) structure in a vendor's order fulfillment system. A translation table relating the SKU hierarchy and TMF structure is defined. The table structure includes a hierarchy of configurable features and special manufacturing instructions. The SKU hierarchy includes a configurable part and configurable options. An initial order for a product includes the SKU hierarchy. The multi-value characteristic for carrying multiple values in a free format is defined for each configurable product type and populated with configurable option(s) included in the order. Using the translation table, SKU values of the configurable part and configurable option(s) are translated into an instance of the TMF structure. A second order for the product is created that includes the instance of the TMF structure.