, 2002). Ontologies for domains other than an industry sector are
available, for instance, the Web service modelling ontology proposed by Roman et
al. (2005) uses semantic technologies to automate tasks of Web service discovery,
composition, and invocation.
Information. Flows. in.SCM
A typical business receives inputs from a number of suppliers and may then use
a number of channels to sell their goods and services. A supply chain is the flow
of information, materials, finances, and services stretching from the procuring of
raw materials through the delivery of the finished product to the end user (Turban,
King, Lee, & Viehland, 2004). Management of the supply chain is done with the
intent of improving customer service levels, cycle time reduction, and increased
inventory turnover leading to agile supply chains (Christopher & Towill, 2001).
Improvements in these functions increase the effectiveness of business processes
leading to improved organisational performance (Power & Sohal, 2002; Prem
PremKumar, 2003).
SCM can be defined as a set of tools and techniques applied to coordinate suppliers,
manufacturers, warehouses, and retailers so that goods and services are produced
and distributed to the required locations within requisite service levels, while minimising
logistics costs (Simchi-Levi, Kaminsky, & Simchi-Levi, 2003).
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