Standardisation in IT-based procurement in non-hierarchical networks

This chapter deals with communication aspects in non-hierarchical manufacturing networks and how standardized electronic data interchange (EDI) can contribute to overcoming the respective shortcomings of characteristic non-hierarchical supplier relationships. Generally, information technology (IT) has a great potential to improve business processes. The chapter first identifies different IT-based solutions in machine tool industry for supporting the procurement process. Then, the chapter presents necessity of standards for secure communication in non-hierarchical networks. It describes the general requirements of electronic business processes regarding secure messaging and archiving in non-hierarchical production networks, and provides examples of the state of the art to tackle these requirements. The chapter addresses four main aspects-authenticity, integrity, confidentiality and non- repudiation. Similar topics, such as different types of electronic signatures and storage issues are also discussed.