Abstract: An N-dimensional material planning method for evaluating supplier material policy includes steps for storing supplier characterization data in a N-dimensional data space, and evaluating the supplier characterization data using predetermined rules to thereby generate at least one of a current policy assessment and a recommended policy goal. Moreover, the method includes a further step for analyzing the predetermined rules upon which the at least one of the current policy assessment and the recommended policy goal are based. According to an aspect of the present invention, the evaluating step uses predetermined rules including binary rules and weighting rules to generate the at least one of the current policy assessment and the recommended policy goal, where the binary rules have precedence over the weighting rules. A computer system and a storage medium for carrying out and storing computer readable instructions, respectively, pertaining to the N-dimensional material planning method are also described.

Abstract: A decision support system for managing an agile supply chain including a server side and a client side. The server side includes a decision support system database that interfaces with a model engine that performs analysis of the data to support planning decisions. The server side also includes a server manager that coordinates requests for service and information. The client side includes decision frames that present the various view points available in the system to the users. A frame manager coordinates the requests from the decision support frames to access the needed data and models.

Abstract: A decision support system for the management of an agile supply chain that provides an architecture including a server side and a client side. The server side includes a decision support system database that interfaces with a model engine that performs analysis of the data to support planning decisions. The server side includes a server manager that coordinates requests for service and information. The client side includes decision frames that present the various view points available in the system to the users. A frame manager coordinates the requests from decision support frames to access the needed data and models. The decision support frames provide a view into the supply chain and integrate analytical models responsive to the view point of a business process such as demand management. The frames include a supply management frame, a demand management frame, a vendor managed replenishment frame, a Planning, Sales and Inventory planning frame, and a distribution network design frame.