**2. Types of information exchanged in the course of the order execution**

The exchange of information is a basic prerequisite for the coordination of the intercompany order execution. That is to say also for the division of labor in general. According to (Schuh & Westkämper, 2006) and (Wiendahl & Meyer, 2006), the information exchanged between the network partners in the course of the inter-company order execution can be distinguished based on the typical, time-logical sequence of tasks concerning the interaction of the involved parties. In this context, the first task of interaction usually refers to a declaration of intent, which basically initiates the customer-producer-interaction or respectively the producer-supplier-interaction in the first place. The corresponding type of information exchanged at that point is consequently called intent information. This type for instance encompasses inquiries or requests in written form. The aforementioned task is usually followed by the task of clarifying the specifications of the product or service to be exchanged. The corresponding information exchanged between the network partners in this context is thus called specification information. On the one hand, this second type of information respectively encompasses order-independent master data, such as standard drawings or parts lists. On the other hand, it furthermore includes order-specific data, which basically represent the customers influence on the product or service to be provided by the producer or respectively the producer´s influence on the product or service to be provided by a certain supplier. As far as the complex, highly individualized products or services of the addressed target group are concerned, existing master data is usually modified or extended to a considerable extend by order-specific data to comply with orderspecific requirements.

Fig. 1. Types of information exchanged in the course of the order execution

The exchange of information is a basic prerequisite for the coordination of the intercompany order execution. That is to say also for the division of labor in general. According to (Schuh & Westkämper, 2006) and (Wiendahl & Meyer, 2006), the information exchanged between the network partners in the course of the inter-company order execution can be distinguished based on the typical, time-logical sequence of tasks concerning the interaction of the involved parties. In this context, the first task of interaction usually refers to a declaration of intent, which basically initiates the customer-producer-interaction or respectively the producer-supplier-interaction in the first place. The corresponding type of information exchanged at that point is consequently called intent information. This type for instance encompasses inquiries or requests in written form. The aforementioned task is usually followed by the task of clarifying the specifications of the product or service to be exchanged. The corresponding information exchanged between the network partners in this context is thus called specification information. On the one hand, this second type of information respectively encompasses order-independent master data, such as standard drawings or parts lists. On the other hand, it furthermore includes order-specific data, which basically represent the customers influence on the product or service to be provided by the producer or respectively the producer´s influence on the product or service to be provided by a certain supplier. As far as the complex, highly individualized products or services of the addressed target group are concerned, existing master data is usually modified or extended to a considerable extend by order-specific data to comply with order-

> **Monitoring & control information, e.g.:** • Progress information (e.g. dispatch notifications) • Status information (e.g. released, in progress, completed)

• Mandatory proposals (quantities, prices, delivery dates)

**Scheduling & availability information, e.g.:** • Standard procurement times, available stocks • Order lead times, capacitiy utilization, quantities • Available resources, demands for materials, parts, etc.

• Master data, standard- and customer specifications

• Standard/ order-specific drawings, partslists, prices etc.

**Consent information, e.g.:**

**Specification information, e.g.:**

**Intent information, e.g.:**

• Inquiries • Requests

• Product and service characteristics

• Orders of products, services, etc.

• Order confirmations

Fig. 1. Types of information exchanged in the course of the order execution

• Malfunction notifications, rejects information

**2. Types of information exchanged in the course of the order execution**

specific requirements.

**Clarification of the specifications**

**Declaration of intent**

**Scheduling and availability assessment**

**Declaration of consent**

**Monitoring & controlling** The next interaction task basically deals with the scheduling of the intended product or service exchange as well as with the assessment of availabilities. The information exchanged in this context is hence called scheduling & availability information. This type of information again includes master data, such as procurement times of standard parts, and order-specific data, such as current demands for materials or parts and required resources. In the following course of the companies´ interaction, a number of written documents typically have to be exchanged in order to provide a legally binding basis for the scope of supply to be provided. These documents, among which are e.g. mandatory proposals, reservations, orders and order confirmations, mainly stipulate the terms and conditions agreed on during the clarification of the specifications as well as the during the scheduling and the availability assessment. The type of information exchanged in this context is called consent information. The final interaction task of monitoring & controlling eventually leads to the last type of information exchanged in the course of the inter-company order execution. That is the corresponding type of monitoring & control information. Monitoring & control information are for instance internal or external progress or status reports, dispatch or release notifications as well as sporadic malfunction information.
