Reference Model for Optimizing the IT Organization in the Order Fulfillment Process of SMEs

In building their IT environment, manufacturing companies usually confine themselves to the selection of isolated systems, for example an ERP system, neglecting the fact that the interaction of multiple IT systems is required to achieve an optimal IT organization. Especially small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) often lack up-to-date knowledge in designing an IT environment aligned with the needs of the order fulfillment process. The European research project „SIMCET-TailorICT“, managed by the Fraunhofer IPA, has developed a reference model aimed at supporting SMEs in the design of a tailored system landscape in a systematic and standardized way. The objective is to strengthen the SMEs’ competitiveness.