Buyer–supplier relationships and planning solutions

The paper focuses on supply chain relationships and segmented planning and ICT concepts. Major supplier segments are distinguished based on literature: capacity suppliers, standard suppliers, system suppliers and key suppliers. Next, current supply chain planning solutions are distinguished: vendor managed inventories (VMI), supplier hubs, electronic markets and integrated systems. A framework, with dimensions customisation and integration, linking supplier typologies with supply chain planning solutions is presented. Finally, the applicability of the framework is tested at a mid-size Danish manufacturer. The case shows that level of customisation and level of integration between buyer and supplier define options for supply chain planning and related ICT solutions.