Designing an integrated order fulfillment system for configure-to-order production

In accordance with diverse customized products, an increased attention has been paid to the order fulfilment process in configure-to-order production. However, most of the solutions reported either focus on isolated areas without considering the impacts from/on the related issues or approach order fulfilment processes from a strategic level. In view of the limitations of existing solutions and the significance of order fulfilment activity automation and integration, this study proposes an integrated order fulfillment system (IOFS) by considering the entire spectrum of order fulfilment process at an operational level. The IOFS is designed to automatically execute order processing, configure products and process plans based on product and process family models. It assists companies to quickly respond to diverse customer requirements and deliver the expected products at low costs. An industrial example of turn unit assemblies is presented to demonstrate the feasibility and potential of the IOFS.