Supply chain management (SCM) offers business benefits but is a difficult concept to master without the right software support. This dissertation is aimed at academic and IT professionals and SCM decision makers or consultants as it provides insights into SCM software and the leading concepts behind it. A qualitative approach was chosen for answering the research questions which focus on general SCM software principles but also enquire benefits, functionalities and the software architecture of SAP’s SCM 4.1 solution. In addition to that, the differences between what decision makers request and what mySAP SCM 4.1 offers are addressed with the research questions. To answer these research questions, the structure of the dissertation contains a general introduction to SCM software and includes a SCM software market overview. After this part, one major part of the dissertation contains an analysis of the dominant SCM software solution mySAP SCM (Release 4.1). The examination of mySAP SCM 4.1 focuses first on technological aspects (software architecture, technological platform and programming language) before the business benefits and functionalities of this SCM software are examined. After that, the functionalities, business benefits and the architecture of mySAP SCM 4.1 are compared with the SCM software requirements obtained from ten SCM professionals from different industries (automotive, logistics, retail, consumer packaged goods, consulting and education). The analysis of the requirements from SCM decision makers (gathered using a questionnaire) shows that an increase in SCM transparency and a reduction of SCM costs were the main requirements articulated by decision makers. The comparison of the questionnaire with the functionalities, business benefits and the architecture of mySAP SCM 4.1 then illustrates that these requirements can be realised with SAP’s SCM 4.1. Concerning future research in the field of SCM software, it was found out that SCM software will be influenced by the following developments: increasing globalisation together with the internationalisation of SCM, the trend of services oriented architecture and the integration of corporate information systems.
Keywords:
Supply Chain Management (SCM), Supply Chain Management Software, mySAP SCM 4.1, Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) Model, Enterprise Services Architecture (ESA), Netweaver
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Chapter 1: Introduction to Supply Chain Management Software
- Chapter 2: Supply Chain Management Software Market Overview
- Chapter 3: Analysis of mySAP SCM 4.1
- Technological Aspects
- Business Benefits and Functionalities
- Chapter 4: Comparison of mySAP SCM 4.1 with Requirements from SCM Professionals
Objectives and Key Themes
This dissertation aims to provide insights into supply chain management (SCM) software, focusing on general principles, benefits, functionalities, and the architecture of SAP's mySAP SCM 4.1 solution. It compares the software's capabilities with the requirements of SCM professionals to determine its effectiveness in meeting real-world needs.
- General principles of SCM software
- Benefits and functionalities of mySAP SCM 4.1
- Software architecture of mySAP SCM 4.1
- Comparison of mySAP SCM 4.1 with industry requirements
- Future trends in SCM software
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1: Introduction to Supply Chain Management Software: This chapter provides a foundational overview of supply chain management software, establishing its importance in improving business operations. It likely discusses the challenges of SCM without proper software support and sets the stage for the subsequent analysis of mySAP SCM 4.1. The introduction likely highlights the benefits of effective SCM and the role of software in achieving those benefits, setting the context for the research questions that guide the rest of the dissertation. It might also introduce key concepts and terminology used throughout the study, ensuring a common understanding for both academic and professional readers.
Chapter 2: Supply Chain Management Software Market Overview: This chapter offers a comprehensive exploration of the SCM software market landscape. It probably examines the competitive dynamics, various software solutions available, and the key players dominating the market. The analysis likely includes details on different types of SCM software, focusing on their strengths, weaknesses, and target customer segments. It may delve into market trends, including emerging technologies and software features that are reshaping the SCM landscape. This chapter lays the groundwork for understanding the context within which mySAP SCM 4.1 operates and its position among competitors.
Chapter 3: Analysis of mySAP SCM 4.1: This chapter provides a detailed analysis of SAP's mySAP SCM 4.1 solution. It delves into both the technological aspects of the software, such as its architecture, platform, and programming language, and its business functionalities and benefits. The technological analysis likely covers the underlying infrastructure, integration capabilities, and scalability of the system. The analysis of business functionalities and benefits probably includes details on how mySAP SCM 4.1 addresses various SCM processes, such as planning, execution, and monitoring. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the capabilities and features of this prominent SCM software.
Chapter 4: Comparison of mySAP SCM 4.1 with Requirements from SCM Professionals: This chapter compares the functionalities, benefits, and architecture of mySAP SCM 4.1 with the requirements gathered from ten SCM professionals across diverse industries. It likely highlights the key requirements articulated by the professionals, such as increased SCM transparency and cost reduction. The comparison focuses on how effectively mySAP SCM 4.1 addresses these requirements, evaluating its strengths and weaknesses in meeting real-world needs. The chapter likely concludes by assessing the overall effectiveness of mySAP SCM 4.1 based on this comparative analysis, providing insights into the alignment between software capabilities and industry demands. The findings could inform potential improvements or future developments of the software.
Keywords
Supply Chain Management (SCM), Supply Chain Management Software, mySAP SCM 4.1, Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) Model, Enterprise Services Architecture (ESA), Netweaver
Frequently Asked Questions: Comprehensive Language Preview of mySAP SCM 4.1
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a dissertation analyzing SAP's mySAP SCM 4.1 supply chain management software. It includes the table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the main topics covered in the dissertation?
The dissertation focuses on supply chain management (SCM) software, specifically examining the functionalities, benefits, and architecture of mySAP SCM 4.1. It compares the software's capabilities to the requirements of SCM professionals to assess its effectiveness in real-world applications. Key themes include general SCM software principles, mySAP SCM 4.1's features and benefits, its software architecture, and a comparison with industry needs.
What is the structure of the dissertation?
The dissertation is structured into four chapters: Chapter 1 introduces supply chain management software; Chapter 2 provides a market overview of SCM software; Chapter 3 analyzes mySAP SCM 4.1's technological aspects and business functionalities; and Chapter 4 compares mySAP SCM 4.1's capabilities with the requirements of SCM professionals. The document also includes an abstract and keywords.
What are the key themes explored in each chapter?
Chapter 1: Provides a foundational overview of SCM software, its importance, and the challenges of SCM without appropriate software support. Chapter 2: Explores the competitive dynamics of the SCM software market, examines different software solutions, and identifies key market players and trends. Chapter 3: Delves into the technical architecture and business functionalities of mySAP SCM 4.1. Chapter 4: Compares mySAP SCM 4.1's features against the requirements outlined by SCM professionals, assessing its effectiveness in meeting real-world needs.
What are the key takeaways from the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries highlight the progressive nature of the dissertation, starting with a broad introduction to SCM software and progressing to a detailed analysis of mySAP SCM 4.1 and its practical application. The final chapter critically assesses the software's performance against industry requirements.
What are the key words associated with this dissertation?
The key words are: Supply Chain Management (SCM), Supply Chain Management Software, mySAP SCM 4.1, Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) Model, Enterprise Services Architecture (ESA), Netweaver.
What is the overall goal of the dissertation?
The dissertation aims to provide insights into mySAP SCM 4.1, evaluating its capabilities and effectiveness in meeting the demands of SCM professionals. It seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application of SCM software.
Who is the intended audience of this document?
This document is intended for an academic audience and professionals interested in supply chain management and the application of SCM software. The information presented is suitable for both academic research and practical business analysis.
- Quote paper
- Andreas Weth (Author), 2005, Supply Chain Management Software Requirements and mySAP SCM, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/42920
