Architectural design for make-to-specification application software

• US 8,401,908 B2
• Filed: 12/03/2008
• Issued: 03/19/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 12/03/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SAP SE
• Original Assignee: SAP AG (SAP SE)
• Inventors: Bildmayer, Reiner, Clemens, Achim, Lokowandt, Bernhard, Gross-Boelting, Thomas, Muench, Manfred, Reinelt, Klaus
• Primary Examiner(s): Zeender, Ryan
• Assistant Examiner(s): Racic, Milena
• Application Number:
  US12/327,232
• Publication Number:
  US 20100138276A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,567 Days
• Field of Search: 705/26.1, 705/26.81, 705/26.82, 705/28, 705/29, 705/30
• US Class Current: 705/26.1
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06 Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/063 Operations research, analysis or management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/087 Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/04 Billing or invoicing

Abstract

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for implementing a software architecture design for a software application implementing plan-driven procurement. The application is structured as multiple process components interacting with each other through service interfaces, and multiple service operations, each being implemented for a respective process component. The process components include The process components include an RFQ Processing process component, a Purchase Request Processing process component, a Purchase Order Processing process component, a Purchasing Contract Processing process component, a Supplier Invoice Processing process component, a Supply and Demand Matching process component, an External Procurement Trigger and Response process component, and a Customer Requirement Processing process component.

Claims

1. A computer program product comprising instructions encoded on a non-transitory, computer-readable medium, the instructions being structured as process components interacting with each other through service interfaces, the instructions operable when executed by at least one processor to:

define a plurality of process components, each of the process components comprising a modular and application-independent package of reusable, granular software implementing a respective and distinct business process, the business process comprising functionality exposed by the process component via a corresponding service interface, the plurality of process components including;

a purchase request processing process component that creates, changes, and processes purchase requests to locate appropriate external sources of supply;

a purchase order processing process component that creates and maintains purchase orders and purchase order confirmations;

a supplier invoice processing process component that manages and volume processes supplier invoices, including exception handling and approval;

a supply and demand matching process component that manages all the tasks necessary to ensure that sufficient material receipt elements exist to cover material demand while taking available capacity into account;

a customer requirement processing process component that controls customer requirements in a supply chain;

a logistics execution control process component that creates, controls, and monitors the supply chain execution activities that are necessary for the fulfillment of an order on a macro-logistics level;

an external procurement trigger and response process component that manages all the tasks necessary for processing procurement planning and procurement release orders, and the interface to purchasing, accounting, supplier invoicing, outbound delivery, and a supplier from a supply planning and control perspective;

a production process component that executes production on a shop floor and comprises preparation, execution, confirmation, completion, scheduling, and monitoring;

a site logistics processing process component that prepares, physically executes, and confirms logistics processes within a site;

an outbound delivery processing process component that manages and processes the outbound delivery requirements for shipping goods to a product recipient;

an inventory processing process component that manages inventory and records inventory changes;

an inbound delivery processing process component that manages and processes the inbound delivery requirements for received goods from a vendor;

a due item processing process component that collects, manages, and monitors trade receivables or payables and corresponding sales tax or withholding tax;

a payment processing process component that processes and manages all payments;

an accounting process component that represents business transactions for valuation and profitability analysis;

a customer quote processing process component that processes quotes to customers offering delivery of goods according to specific terms;

a customer invoice processing process component that invoices customers for the delivery of goods or the provision of services;

a productions trigger and response process component that interfaces between planning and production; and

a sales order processing process component that processes customers'"'"' requests to a seller for the delivery of goods, on a specific date, for a specific quantity, and for a specific price; and

define a plurality of service interfaces, each service interface associated with exactly one process component and comprising at least one operation, each operation being implemented for exactly one process component, the operations comprising inbound and outbound operations, the outbound operation for a first process component being operable to send a message to a second process component of the plurality of process components, the second process component having an inbound operation for receiving the message, the sending and receiving of messages between an inbound and an outbound operation defining a message-based pair-wise interaction between the respective process components of the respective operations, the pair-wise interactions between pairs of the process components including interactions between;

the external procurement trigger and response process component and the purchase request processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the external procurement trigger and response process component and the purchase request processing process component includes the transmission of;

a purchase request request message from the external procurement trigger and response process component to the purchase request processing process component, the purchase request request message message comprising a request to create or update a purchase request for the procurement of products or services; and

a purchase request confirmation message from the purchase request processing process component to the external procurement trigger and response process component, the purchase request confirmation message comprising a confirmation regarding creation, change, or cancellation of a purchase request to the requestor;

the purchase order processing process component and the accounting process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the purchase order processing process component and the accounting process component includes the transmission of;

a sales and purchasing accounting notification message from the purchase order processing process component to the accounting process component, the sales and purchasing accounting notification message comprising a notification to accounting that a purchase order is created, changed, or cancelled;

the purchase order processing process component and the supplier invoice processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the purchase order processing process component and the supplier invoice processing process component includes the transmission of;

an invoicing due notification message from the purchase order processing process component to the supplier invoice processing process component, the invoicing due notification message comprising a notification to the supplier invoice processing process component of a new, changed, or cancelled purchase order; and

a purchase order invoice values notification message from the supplier invoice processing process component to the purchase order processing process component, the purchase order invoice values notification message comprising a notification regarding actual values and quantities of a supplier invoice that is saved and contains a reference to a particular purchase order;

the purchase order processing process component and the sales order processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the purchase order processing process component and the sales order processing process component includes the transmission of;

a purchase order request message from the purchase order processing process component and the sales order processing process component, the purchase order request message comprising a request to process a purchase order sent to the sales order processing process component;

a purchase order change request message from the purchase order processing process component and the sales order processing process component, the purchase order change request message comprising a request to change a previously sent purchase order;

a purchase order cancellation request message from the purchase order processing process component and the sales order processing process component, the purchase order cancellation request message comprising a request to cancel a previously sent purchase order; and

a purchase order confirmation message from the sales order processing process component to the purchase order processing process component, the purchase order confirmation message comprising a confirmation of a change in a particular sales order to a customer;

the purchase order processing process component and the external procurement trigger and response process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the purchase order processing process component and the external procurement trigger and response process component includes the transmission of;

a purchase order notification message from the purchase order processing process component to the external procurement trigger and response process component, the purchase order notification message comprising a notification to the external procurement trigger and response process component that a particular purchase order is created, changed, or cancelled;

the supplier invoice processing process component and the accounting process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the supplier invoice processing process component and the accounting process component includes the transmission of;

an invoice accounting notification message from the supplier invoice processing process component to the accounting process component, the invoice accounting notification message comprising a notification about accounting-relevant data from a posted supplier invoice; and

an invoice cancellation accounting notification message from supplier invoice processing process component to the accounting process component, the invoice cancellation accounting notification message comprising a notification about accounting-relevant data from a previously posted supplier invoice that is cancelled;

the inbound delivery processing process component and the supplier invoice processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the inbound delivery processing process component and the supplier invoice processing process component includes the transmission of;

an invoicing due notification message from the inbound delivery processing process component to the supplier invoice processing process component, the invoicing due notification message comprising a request to create, update, or cancel a particular supplier invoice;

the inventory processing process component and the supply and demand matching process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the inventory processing process component and the supply and demand matching process component includes the transmission of;

a planning view of inventory reconciliation notification message from the inventory processing process component to the supply and demand matching process component, the planning view of inventory reconciliation notification message comprising a notification regarding reconciliation of aggregated inventory quantities;

the customer quote processing process component and the customer requirement processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the customer quote processing process component and the customer requirement processing process component includes the transmission of;

a product availability query message from the customer quote processing process component to the customer requirement processing process component, the product availability query message comprising a non-binding query regarding availability of specified amounts of specified products at specified dates to request product availability information for customer quote items; and

a product availability response message from the customer requirement processing process component to the customer quote processing process component, the product availability response message comprising a response to a product availability query message that includes non-binding information associated with which amounts of products are available at which dates;

the sales order processing process component and the customer requirement processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the sales order processing process component and the customer requirement processing process component includes the transmission of;

a product available to promise check request message from the sales order processing process component to the customer requirement processing process component, the product available to promise check request message comprising a request to check and/or confirm availability of a specific amount of materials;

a product available to promise check confirmation message from the customer requirement processing process component to the sales order processing process component, the product available to promise check confirmation message comprising a set of results associated with a check and/or confirmation of availability of a specific amount of materials;

a provisional customer requirement delete notification message from the sales order processing process component to the customer requirement processing process component, the provisional customer requirement delete notification message comprising a request to delete provisional customer requirements created in response to a product available to promise check request message;

a customer requirement fulfillment request message from the sales order processing process component to the customer requirement processing process component, the customer requirement fulfillment request message comprising a request to create or update a particular customer requirement;

a product available to promise update notification message from the customer requirement processing process component to the sales order processing process component, the product available to promise update notification message comprising a notification for updating a sales order with availability and reservation information based on changes in fulfillment planning; and

a customer requirement fulfillment confirmation message from the customer requirement processing process component to the sales order processing process component, the customer requirement fulfillment confirmation message comprising a confirmation of fulfillment for updating a particular sales order with information from fulfillment confirmation;

the logistics execution control process component and the outbound delivery processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the logistics execution control process component and the outbound delivery processing process component includes the transmission of;

a delivery request fulfillment request message from the logistics execution control process component to the outbound delivery processing process component, the delivery request fulfillment request message comprising a request to create or update an outbound delivery request; and

a delivery request fulfillment confirmation message from the outbound delivery processing process component to the logistics execution control process component, the delivery request fulfillment confirmation message comprising a notification to the logistics execution control process component of fulfillment of a particular outbound delivery request for reconciliation purposes;

the logistics execution control process component and the inbound delivery processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the logistics execution control process component and the inbound delivery processing process component includes the transmission of;

a delivery request fulfillment request message from the logistics execution control process component to the inbound delivery processing process component, the delivery request fulfillment request message comprising a request to create or update an inbound delivery request; and

a delivery request fulfillment confirmation message from the inbound delivery processing process component and the logistics execution control process component, the delivery request fulfillment confirmation message comprising a notification to the logistics execution control process component of fulfillment of a particular inbound delivery request for reconciliation purposes;

the production trigger and response process component and the production process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the production trigger and response process component and the production process component includes the transmission of;

a production request request message from the production trigger and response process component to the production process component, the production request request message comprising a request for production of a certain quantity of a specific material by a requested due date;

a production request confirmation message from the production process component to the production trigger and response process component, the production request confirmation message comprising a confirmation of receipt for a production request; and

a production request confirmation reconciliation notification message from the production process component to the production trigger and response process component, the production request confirmation reconciliation notification message comprising a reconciliation notification of a production request confirmation;

the production process component and the accounting process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the production process component and the accounting process component includes the transmission of;

a production lot accounting notification message from the production process component to the accounting process component, the production lot accounting notification message comprising a notification to accounting regarding a status change of a production lot;

an inventory change and activity confirmation accounting notification message from the production process component to the accounting process component, the inventory change and activity confirmation accounting notification message comprising a notification to accounting of inventory changes and activity confirmations; and

an inventory change and activity confirmation cancellation accounting notification message from the production process component to the accounting process component, the inventory change and activity confirmation cancellation notification message comprising a notification to accounting of cancellation of previously sent inventory changes and activity confirmations;

the site logistics processing process component and the accounting process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the site logistics processing process component and the accounting process component includes the transmission of;

an inventory change and activity confirmation accounting notification message from the site logistics processing process component to the accounting process component, the inventory change and activity confirmation accounting notification message comprising a notification to accounting regarding inventory changes for physical goods and activity confirmations;

an inventory change and activity confirmation cancellation accounting notification message from the site logistics processing process component and the accounting process component, the inventory change and activity confirmation cancellation accounting notification message comprising a notification to accounting regarding cancellation of previously sent inventory changes and activity confirmations;

the outbound delivery processing process component and the customer invoice processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the outbound delivery processing process component and the customer invoice processing process component includes the transmission of;

a customer invoice request request message from the outbound delivery processing process component to the customer invoice processing process component, the customer invoice request request message comprising a request from outbound delivery processing to customer invoice processing for a customer invoice request;

the inventory processing process component and the accounting process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the inventory processing process component and the accounting process component includes the transmission of;

a planning view of inventory reconciliation notification message from the inventory processing process component to the accounting process component, the planning view of inventory reconciliation notification message comprising a notification regarding reconciliation of aggregated inventory quantities;

the customer quote processing process component and the due item processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the customer quote processing process component and the due item processing process component includes the transmission of;

a credit worthiness query message from the customer quote processing process component to the due item processing process component, the credit worthiness query message comprising a request to verify a set of data or values of a current document against an actual credit standing of a customer; and

a credit worthiness response message from the due item processing process component to the customer quote processing process component, the credit worthiness response message comprising a response to the credit worthiness query message representing results associated with the verification of the set of data or values of the current document; and

the sales order processing process component and the accounting process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the sales order processing process component and the accounting process component includes the transmission of;

a sales and purchasing accounting notification message from sales order processing process component to the accounting process component the sales and purchasing accounting notification message comprising a notification to accounting when a particular sales order is created, updated, or changed.

2. The product of claim 1, wherein:

the plurality of process components further includes;

request for quote (RFQ) processing process component that requests for quotes and supplier quotes for strategic as well as operational negotiation purposes;

a purchase contract processing process component that creates and maintains purchasing contracts;

a production and site logistic auxiliaries processing process component that supports functionality valid for multiple process components in a deployment unit production and site logistics execution;

a freight documents processing process component that processes freight-related documents for shipping purposes;

a balance of foreign payment management process component that collects processes, and reports receivables and payables according to foreign trade regulations that are required by a financial authority of a country; and

a financial accounting master data management process component that manages financial accounting master data that is used both for accounting and costing purposes; and

the pair-wise interactions between pairs of the process components further include interactions between;

the outbound delivery processing process component and an inbound delivery processing a customer process component;

the customer invoice processing process component and the balance of foreign payment management process component;

the customer quote processing process component and the financial accounting master data management process component;

the purchase request processing process component and the RFQ processing process component;

the sales order processing process component and the financial accounting master data management process component;

the supplier invoice processing process component and the balance of foreign payment management process component;

a bank statement creation at bank process component and the payment processing process component;

the supplier invoice processing process component and the customer invoice processing at supplier process component;

the freight documents processing process component and a transportation management at freight forwarder process component;

the supplier invoice processing process component and a supplier invoice verification exception resolution at processor process component;

the RFQ processing process component and an opportunity/customer quote processing at supplier process component;

an outbound delivery processing at supplier process component and the inbound delivery processing process component;

the customer invoice processing process component and the supplier invoice processing process component;

the RFQ processing process component and the purchase order processing process component;

the customer quote processing process component and a RFQ processing at customer process component;

the payment processing process component and a payment order processing at house bank process component;

the customer invoice processing process component and a supplier invoice processing at customer process component;

the payment processing process component and a payment processing at business partner process component;

the sales order processing process component and the due item processing process component;

the sales order processing process component and the customer invoice processing process component;

the payment processing process component and the due item processing process component;

the customer invoice processing process component and the accounting process component; and

the site logistics processing process component and the supply and demand matching process component.

3. The product of claim 1, wherein:

each of the plurality of process components is assigned to exactly one deployment unit among multiple deployment units, and each deployment unit is deployable on a separate computer hardware platform independent of every other deployment unit; and

all interaction between a process component in one deployment unit and any other process component in any other deployment unit takes place through the respective service interfaces of the two process components.

4. The product of claim 3, wherein the deployment units comprise:

a strategic sourcing deployment unit that includes an RFQ processing process component;

a purchase deployment unit that includes the purchase request processing process component, the purchase order processing process component, and a purchase contract processing process component;

a supplier invoicing deployment unit that includes the supplier invoice processing process component;

a supply chain control deployment unit that includes the supply and demand matching process component, the customer requirement processing process component, the logistics execution control process component, the external procurement trigger and response process component, and the production trigger and response process component;

a production and site logistics execution deployment unit that includes the production process component, the site logistics processing process component, the outbound delivery processing process component, the inventory processing process component, the inbound delivery process component, a production and site logistics auxiliaries processing process component, and a freight document processing process component;

a financials deployment unit that includes a balance of foreign payment management process component, the due item processing process component, the accounting process component, a financials accounting master data management process component, and the payment processing process component;

a customer invoicing deployment unit that includes the customer invoice processing process component; and

a customer relationship management deployment unit that includes the customer quote processing process component and the sales order processing process component.

5. The product of claim 1, wherein:

each of the process components includes at least one business object.

6. The product of claim 5, wherein the business objects comprise a business process object.

7. The product of claim 5, wherein none of the business objects included in any one of the process components is included in any of the other process components.

8. The product of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of process agents, each process agent being either an inbound process agent or an outbound process agent, each inbound process agent being operable to receive a message from a corresponding inbound operation, each outbound process agent being operable to cause a corresponding outbound operation to send a message, each process agent being associated with exactly one process component.

9. The product of claim 8, wherein each inbound process agent comprises a first inbound process agent operable to start an execution of a business process step requested in a first inbound message by creating or updating at least one business object instance.

10. The product of claim 8, wherein the outbound process agents comprise a first asynchronous outbound process agent that is called after a business object that is associated with the first outbound process agent changes.

11. The product of claim 1, wherein the operations comprise synchronous and asynchronous operations.

12. A system, comprising:

a computer system comprising at least one hardware platform for executing computer instructions, the computer instructions structured as a plurality of process components interacting with each other through service interfaces, each hardware platform including at least one processor for executing the computer instructions;

at least one memory storing a plurality of process components executable by the respective processor of the particular hardware platform, each of the process components comprising a modular and application-independent package of reusable granular software implementing a respective and distinct business process, the business process comprising functionality exposed by the process component via at least one service interface, the plurality of process components including;

a purchase request processing process component that creates, changes, and processes purchase requests to locate appropriate external sources of supply;

a purchase request processing process component that creates, changes, and processes purchase requests to locate appropriate external sources of supply;

a purchase order processing process component that creates and maintains purchase orders and purchase order confirmations;

a supplier invoice processing process component that manages and volume processes supplier invoices, including exception handling and approval;

a supply and demand matching process component that manages all the tasks necessary to ensure that sufficient material receipt elements exist to cover material demand while taking available capacity into account;

a customer requirement processing process component that controls customer requirements in a supply chain;

a logistics execution control process component that creates, controls, and monitors the supply chain execution activities that are necessary for the fulfillment of an order on a macro-logistics level;

an external procurement trigger and response process component that manages all the tasks necessary for processing procurement planning and procurement release orders, and the interface to purchasing, accounting, supplier invoicing, outbound delivery, and a supplier from a supply planning and control perspective;

a production process component that executes production on a shop floor and comprises preparation, execution, confirmation, completion, scheduling, and monitoring;

a site logistics processing process component that prepares, physically executes, and confirms logistics processes within a site;

an outbound delivery processing process component that manages and processes the outbound delivery requirements for shipping goods to a product recipient;

an inventory processing process component that manages inventory and records inventory changes;

an inbound delivery processing process component that manages and processes the inbound delivery requirements for received goods from a vendor;

a due item processing process component that collects, manages, and monitors trade receivables or payables and corresponding sales tax or withholding tax;

a payment processing process component that processes and manages all payments;

an accounting process component that represents business transactions for valuation and profitability analysis;

a customer quote processing process component that processes quotes to customers offering delivery of goods according to specific terms;

a customer invoice processing process component that invoices customers for the delivery of goods or the provision of services;

a productions trigger and response process component that interfaces between planning and production; and

a sales order processing process component that processes customers'"'"' requests to a seller for the delivery of goods, on a specific date, for a specific quantity, and for a specific price; and

the memory further storing a plurality of service interfaces, each service interface associated with exactly one process component and comprising at least one operation, each operation being implemented for exactly one process component, the operations comprising inbound and outbound operations, the outbound operation for a first process component being operable to send a message to a second process component of the plurality of process components, the second process component having an inbound operation for receiving the message, the sending and receiving of messages between an inbound and an outbound operation defining a message-based pair-wise interaction between the respective process components of the respective operations, the pair-wise interactions between pairs of the process components including interactions between;

the external procurement trigger and response process component and the purchase request processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the external procurement trigger and response process component and the purchase request processing process component includes the transmission of;

a purchase request request message from the external procurement trigger and response process component to the purchase request processing process component, the purchase request request message message comprising a request to create or update a purchase request for the procurement of products or services; and

a purchase request confirmation message from the purchase request processing process component to the external procurement trigger and response process component, the purchase request confirmation message comprising a confirmation regarding creation, change, or cancellation of a purchase request to the requestor;

the purchase order processing process component and the accounting process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the purchase order processing process component and the accounting process component includes the transmission of;

a sales and purchasing accounting notification message from the purchase order processing process component to the accounting process component, the sales and purchasing accounting notification message comprising a notification to accounting that a purchase order is created, changed, or cancelled;

the purchase order processing process component and the supplier invoice processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the purchase order processing process component and the supplier invoice processing process component includes the transmission of;

an invoicing due notification message from the purchase order processing process component to the supplier invoice processing process component, the invoicing due notification message comprising a notification to the supplier invoice processing process component of a new, changed, or cancelled purchase order; and

a purchase order invoice values notification message from the supplier invoice processing process component to the purchase order processing process component, the purchase order invoice values notification message comprising a notification regarding actual values and quantities of a supplier invoice that is saved and contains a reference to a particular purchase order;

the purchase order processing process component and the sales order processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the purchase order processing process component and the sales order processing process component includes the transmission of;

a purchase order request message from the purchase order processing process component and the sales order processing process component, the purchase order request message comprising a request to process a purchase order sent to the sales order processing process component;

a purchase order change request message from the purchase order processing process component and the sales order processing process component, the purchase order change request message comprising a request to change a previously sent purchase order;

a purchase order cancellation request message from the purchase order processing process component and the sales order processing process component, the purchase order cancellation request message comprising a request to cancel a previously sent purchase order; and

a purchase order confirmation message from the sales order processing process component to the purchase order processing process component, the purchase order confirmation message comprising a confirmation of a change in a particular sales order to a customer;

the purchase order processing process component and the external procurement trigger and response process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the purchase order processing process component and the external procurement trigger and response process component includes the transmission of;

a purchase order notification message from the purchase order processing process component to the external procurement trigger and response process component, the purchase order notification message comprising a notification to the external procurement trigger and response process component that a particular purchase order is created, changed, or cancelled;

the supplier invoice processing process component and the accounting process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the supplier invoice processing process component and the accounting process component includes the transmission of;

an invoice accounting notification message from the supplier invoice processing process component to the accounting process component, the invoice accounting notification message comprising a notification about accounting-relevant data from a posted supplier invoice; and

an invoice cancellation accounting notification message from supplier invoice processing process component to the accounting process component, the invoice cancellation accounting notification message comprising a notification about accounting-relevant data from a previously posted supplier invoice that is cancelled;

the inbound delivery processing process component and the supplier invoice processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the inbound delivery processing process component and the supplier invoice processing process component includes the transmission of;

an invoicing due notification message from the inbound delivery processing process component to the supplier invoice processing process component, the invoicing due notification message comprising a request to create, update, or cancel a particular supplier invoice;

the inventory processing process component and the supply and demand matching process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the inventory processing process component and the supply and demand matching process component includes the transmission of;

a planning view of inventory reconciliation notification message from the inventory processing process component to the supply and demand matching process component, the planning view of inventory reconciliation notification message comprising a notification regarding reconciliation of aggregated inventory quantities;

the customer quote processing process component and the customer requirement processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the customer quote processing process component and the customer requirement processing process component includes the transmission of;

a product availability query message from the customer quote processing process component to the customer requirement processing process component, the product availability query message comprising a non-binding query regarding availability of specified amounts of specified products at specified dates to request product availability information for customer quote items; and

a product availability response message from the customer requirement processing process component to the customer quote processing process component, the product availability response message comprising a response to a product availability query message that includes non-binding information associated with which amounts of products are available at which dates;

the sales order processing process component and the customer requirement processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the sales order processing process component and the customer requirement processing process component includes the transmission of;

a product available to promise check request message from the sales order processing process component to the customer requirement processing process component, the product available to promise check request message comprising a request to check and/or confirm availability of a specific amount of materials;

a product available to promise check confirmation message from the customer requirement processing process component to the sales order processing process component, the product available to promise check confirmation message comprising a set of results associated with a check and/or confirmation of availability of a specific amount of materials;

a provisional customer requirement delete notification message from the sales order processing process component to the customer requirement processing process component, the provisional customer requirement delete notification message comprising a request to delete provisional customer requirements created in response to a product available to promise check request message;

a customer requirement fulfillment request message from the sales order processing process component to the customer requirement processing process component, the customer requirement fulfillment request message comprising a request to create or update a particular customer requirement;

a product available to promise update notification message from the customer requirement processing process component to the sales order processing process component, the product available to promise update notification message comprising a notification for updating a sales order with availability and reservation information based on changes in fulfillment planning; and

a customer requirement fulfillment confirmation message from the customer requirement processing process component to the sales order processing process component, the customer requirement fulfillment confirmation message comprising a confirmation of fulfillment for updating a particular sales order with information from fulfillment confirmation;

the logistics execution control process component and the outbound delivery processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the logistics execution control process component and the outbound delivery processing process component includes the transmission of;

a delivery request fulfillment request message from the logistics execution control process component to the outbound delivery processing process component, the delivery request fulfillment request message comprising a request to create or update an outbound delivery request; and

a delivery request fulfillment confirmation message from the outbound delivery processing process component to the logistics execution control process component, the delivery request fulfillment confirmation message comprising a notification to the logistics execution control process component of fulfillment of a particular outbound delivery request for reconciliation purposes;

the logistics execution control process component and the inbound delivery processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the logistics execution control process component and the inbound delivery processing process component includes the transmission of;

a delivery request fulfillment request message from the logistics execution control process component to the inbound delivery processing process component, the delivery request fulfillment request message comprising a request to create or update an inbound delivery request; and

a delivery request fulfillment confirmation message from the inbound delivery processing process component and the logistics execution control process component, the delivery request fulfillment confirmation message comprising a notification to the logistics execution control process component of fulfillment of a particular inbound delivery request for reconciliation purposes;

the production trigger and response process component and the production process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the production trigger and response process component and the production process component includes the transmission of;

a production request request message from the production trigger and response process component to the production process component, the production request request message comprising a request for production of a certain quantity of a specific material by a requested due date;

a production request confirmation message from the production process component to the production trigger and response process component, the production request confirmation message comprising a confirmation of receipt for a production request; and

a production request confirmation reconciliation notification message from the production process component to the production trigger and response process component, the production request confirmation reconciliation notification message comprising a reconciliation notification of a production request confirmation;

the production process component and the accounting process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the production process component and the accounting process component includes the transmission of;

a production lot accounting notification message from the production process component to the accounting process component, the production lot accounting notification message comprising a notification to accounting regarding a status change of a production lot;

an inventory change and activity confirmation accounting notification message from the production process component to the accounting process component, the inventory change and activity confirmation accounting notification message comprising a notification to accounting of inventory changes and activity confirmations; and

an inventory change and activity confirmation cancellation accounting notification message from the production process component to the accounting process component, the inventory change and activity confirmation cancellation notification message comprising a notification to accounting of cancellation of previously sent inventory changes and activity confirmations;

the site logistics processing process component and the accounting process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the site logistics processing process component and the accounting process component includes the transmission of;

an inventory change and activity confirmation accounting notification message from the site logistics processing process component to the accounting process component, the inventory change and activity confirmation accounting notification message comprising a notification to accounting regarding inventory changes for physical goods and activity confirmations;

an inventory change and activity confirmation cancellation accounting notification message from the site logistics processing process component and the accounting process component, the inventory change and activity confirmation cancellation accounting notification message comprising a notification to accounting regarding cancellation of previously sent inventory changes and activity confirmations;

the outbound delivery processing process component and the customer invoice processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the outbound delivery processing process component and the customer invoice processing process component includes the transmission of;

a customer invoice request request message from the outbound delivery processing process component to the customer invoice processing process component, the customer invoice request request message comprising a request from outbound delivery processing to customer invoice processing for a customer invoice request;

the inventory processing process component and the accounting process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the inventory processing process component and the accounting process component includes the transmission of;

a planning view of inventory reconciliation notification message from the inventory processing process component to the accounting process component, the planning view of inventory reconciliation notification message comprising a notification regarding reconciliation of aggregated inventory quantities;

the customer quote processing process component and the due item processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the customer quote processing process component and the due item processing process component includes the transmission of;

a credit worthiness query message from the customer quote processing process component to the due item processing process component, the credit worthiness query message comprising a request to verify a set of data or values of a current document against an actual credit standing of a customer; and

a credit worthiness response message from the due item processing process component to the customer quote processing process component, the credit worthiness response message comprising a response to the credit worthiness query message representing results associated with the verification of the set of data or values of the current document; and

the sales order processing process component and the accounting process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the sales order processing process component and the accounting process component includes the transmission of;

a sales and purchasing accounting notification message from sales order processing process component to the accounting process component, the sales and purchasing accounting notification message comprising a notification to accounting when a particular sales order is created, updated, or changed.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein:

the plurality of process components further includes;

request for quote (RFQ) processing process component that requests for quotes and supplier quotes for strategic as well as operational negotiation purposes;

a purchase contract processing process component that creates and maintains purchasing contracts;

a production and site logistic auxiliaries processing process component that supports functionality valid for multiple process components in a deployment unit production and site logistics execution;

a freight documents processing process component that processes freight-related documents for shipping purposes;

a balance of foreign payment management process component that collects processes, and reports receivables and payables according to foreign trade regulations that are required by a financial authority of a country; and

a financial accounting master data management process component that manages financial accounting master data that is used both for accounting and costing purposes; and

the pair-wise interactions between pairs of the process components further include interactions between;

the outbound delivery processing process component and an inbound delivery processing a customer process component;

the customer invoice processing process component and the balance of foreign payment management process component;

the customer quote processing process component and the financial accounting master data management process component;

the purchase request processing process component and the RFQ processing process component;

the sales order processing process component and the financial accounting master data management process component;

the supplier invoice processing process component and the balance of foreign payment management process component;

a bank statement creation at bank process component and the payment processing process component;

the supplier invoice processing process component and the customer invoice processing at supplier process component;

the freight documents processing process component and a transportation management at freight forwarder process component;

the supplier invoice processing process component and a supplier invoice verification exception resolution at processor process component;

the RFQ processing process component and an opportunity/customer quote processing at supplier process component;

an outbound delivery processing at supplier process component and the inbound delivery processing process component;

the customer invoice processing process component and the supplier invoice processing process component;

the RFQ processing process component and the purchase order processing process component;

the customer quote processing process component and a RFQ processing at customer process component;

the payment processing process component and a payment order processing at house bank process component;

the customer invoice processing process component and a supplier invoice processing at customer process component;

the payment processing process component and a payment processing at business partner process component;

the sales order processing process component and the due item processing process component;

the sales order processing process component and the customer invoice processing process component;

the payment processing process component and the due item processing process component;

the customer invoice processing process component and the accounting process component; and

the site logistics processing process component and the supply and demand matching process component.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein:

each of the process components includes one or more business objects.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein none of the business objects included in any one of the process components is included in any of the other process components.

16. The system of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of process agents, each process agent being either an inbound process agent or an outbound process agent, each inbound process agent being operable to receive a message from a corresponding inbound operation, each outbound process agent being operable to cause a corresponding outbound operation to send a message, each process agent being associated with exactly one process component.

17. The system of claim 12, the system comprising multiple hardware platforms, wherein:

an RFQ processing process component is deployed on a first hardware platform;

the purchase request processing process component, the purchase order processing process component, and a purchase contract processing process component are deployed on a second hardware platform;

the supplier invoice processing process component is deployed on a third hardware platform;

the supply and demand matching process component, the customer requirement processing process component, the logistics execution control process component, the external procurement trigger and response process component, and the production trigger and response process component are deployed on a fourth hardware platform;

the production process component, the site logistics processing process component, the outbound delivery processing process component, the inventory processing process component, the inbound delivery process component, a production and site logistics auxiliaries processing process component, and a freight document processing process component are deployed on a fifth hardware platform;

a balance of foreign payment management process component, the due item processing process component, the accounting process component, a financials accounting master data management process component, and the payment processing process component are deployed on a sixth hardware platform;

the customer invoice processing process component is deployed on a seventh hardware platform; and

the customer quote processing process component and the sales order processing process component are deployed on an eighth hardware platform.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein each of the first through the eighth hardware platforms are distinct and separate from each other.

19. A computer-implemented method for developing a computer software application, the method comprising the following steps performed by at least one processor:

obtaining, in a programmable computer system having at least one processor, a storage medium, and an interface, digital data representing an architectural design for a set of processes implementing an end-to-end application process, the design specifying a process component for each process in the set of processes, each of the process components comprising a modular and application-independent package of reusable granular software implementing a respective and distinct business process, the business process comprising functionality exposed by the process component, and the design further specifying a set of process component interactions based on messages transmitted between two or more of the process components, wherein;

the specified process components include;

a purchase request processing process component that creates, changes, and processes purchase requests to locate appropriate external sources of supply;

a purchase order processing process component that creates and maintains purchase orders and purchase order confirmations;

a supplier invoice processing process component that manages and volume processes of supplier invoices, including exception handling and approval;

a supply and demand matching process component that manages all the tasks necessary to ensure that sufficient material receipt elements exist to cover material demand while taking available capacity into account;

a customer requirement processing process component that controls customer requirements in the supply chain;

a logistics execution control process component that creates, controls, and monitors the supply chain execution activities that are necessary for the fulfillment of an order on a macro-logistics level;

an external procurement trigger and response process component that manages all the tasks necessary for processing procurement planning and procurement release orders, and the interface to purchasing, accounting, supplier invoicing, outbound delivery, and the supplier from a supply planning and control perspective;

a production process component that executes production on the shop floor and comprises the preparation, execution, confirmation, and completion as well as the more general functions such as scheduling, and monitoring;

a site logistics processing process component that prepares, physically executes, and confirms logistics processes within a site;

an outbound delivery processing process component that manages and processes the outbound delivery requirements for shipping goods to a product recipient;

an inventory processing process component that manages inventory and records inventory changes;

an inbound delivery processing process component that manages and processes the inbound delivery requirements for received goods from a vendor;

a due item processing process component that collects, manages, and monitors trade receivables or payables and corresponding sales tax or withholding tax;

a payment processing process component that processes and manages all payments;

an accounting process component that represents business transactions for valuation and profitability analysis;

a customer quote processing process component that processes quotes to customers offering the delivery of goods according to specific terms;

a customer invoice processing process component that invoices customers for the delivery of goods or the provision of services;

a productions trigger and response process component that interfaces between planning and production; and

a sales order processing process component that processes customers'"'"' requests to the seller for the delivery of goods, on a specific date, for a specific quantity, and for a specific price; and

the process component interactions include interactions between;

the external procurement trigger and response process component and the purchase request processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the external procurement trigger and response process component and the purchase request processing process component includes the transmission of;

a purchase request request message from the external procurement trigger and response process component to the purchase request processing process component, the purchase request request message message comprising a request to create or update a purchase request for the procurement of products or services; and

a purchase request confirmation message from the purchase request processing process component to the external procurement trigger and response process component, the purchase request confirmation message comprising a confirmation regarding creation, change, or cancellation of a purchase request to the requestor;

the purchase order processing process component and the accounting process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the purchase order processing process component and the accounting process component includes the transmission of;

a sales and purchasing accounting notification message from the purchase order processing process component to the accounting process component, the sales and purchasing accounting notification message comprising a notification to accounting that a purchase order is created, changed, or cancelled;

the purchase order processing process component and the supplier invoice processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the purchase order processing process component and the supplier invoice processing process component includes the transmission of;

an invoicing due notification message from the purchase order processing process component to the supplier invoice processing process component, the invoicing due notification message comprising a notification to the supplier invoice processing process component of a new, changed, or cancelled purchase order; and

a purchase order invoice values notification message from the supplier invoice processing process component to the purchase order processing process component, the purchase order invoice values notification message comprising a notification regarding actual values and quantities of a supplier invoice that is saved and contains a reference to a particular purchase order;

the purchase order processing process component and the sales order processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the purchase order processing process component and the sales order processing process component includes the transmission of;

a purchase order request message from the purchase order processing process component and the sales order processing process component, the purchase order request message comprising a request to process a purchase order sent to the sales order processing process component;

a purchase order change request message from the purchase order processing process component and the sales order processing process component, the purchase order change request message comprising a request to change a previously sent purchase order;

a purchase order cancellation request message from the purchase order processing process component and the sales order processing process component, the purchase order cancellation request message comprising a request to cancel a previously sent purchase order; and

a purchase order confirmation message from the sales order processing process component to the purchase order processing process component, the purchase order confirmation message comprising a confirmation of a change in a particular sales order to a customer;

the purchase order processing process component and the external procurement trigger and response process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the purchase order processing process component and the external procurement trigger and response process component includes the transmission of;

a purchase order notification message from the purchase order processing process component to the external procurement trigger and response process component, the purchase order notification message comprising a notification to the external procurement trigger and response process component that a particular purchase order is created, changed, or cancelled;

the supplier invoice processing process component and the accounting process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the supplier invoice processing process component and the accounting process component includes the transmission of;

an invoice accounting notification message from the supplier invoice processing process component to the accounting process component, the invoice accounting notification message comprising a notification about accounting-relevant data from a posted supplier invoice; and

an invoice cancellation accounting notification message from supplier invoice processing process component to the accounting process component, the invoice cancellation accounting notification message comprising a notification about accounting-relevant data from a previously posted supplier invoice that is cancelled;

the inbound delivery processing process component and the supplier invoice processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the inbound delivery processing process component and the supplier invoice processing process component includes the transmission of;

an invoicing due notification message from the inbound delivery processing process component to the supplier invoice processing process component, the invoicing due notification message comprising a request to create, update, or cancel a particular supplier invoice;

the inventory processing process component and the supply and demand matching process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the inventory processing process component and the supply and demand matching process component includes the transmission of;

a planning view of inventory reconciliation notification message from the inventory processing process component to the supply and demand matching process component, the planning view of inventory reconciliation notification message comprising a notification regarding reconciliation of aggregated inventory quantities;

the customer quote processing process component and the customer requirement processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the customer quote processing process component and the customer requirement processing process component includes the transmission of;

a product availability query message from the customer quote processing process component to the customer requirement processing process component, the product availability query message comprising a non-binding query regarding availability of specified amounts of specified products at specified dates to request product availability information for customer quote items; and

a product availability response message from the customer requirement processing process component to the customer quote processing process component, the product availability response message comprising a response to a product availability query message that includes non-binding information associated with which amounts of products are available at which dates;

the sales order processing process component and the customer requirement processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the sales order processing process component and the customer requirement processing process component includes the transmission of;

a product available to promise check request message from the sales order processing process component to the customer requirement processing process component, the product available to promise check request message comprising a request to check and/or confirm availability of a specific amount of materials;

a product available to promise check confirmation message from the customer requirement processing process component to the sales order processing process component, the product available to promise check confirmation message comprising a set of results associated with a check and/or confirmation of availability of a specific amount of materials;

a provisional customer requirement delete notification message from the sales order processing process component to the customer requirement processing process component, the provisional customer requirement delete notification message comprising a request to delete provisional customer requirements created in response to a product available to promise check request message;

a customer requirement fulfillment request message from the sales order processing process component to the customer requirement processing process component, the customer requirement fulfillment request message comprising a request to create or update a particular customer requirement;

a product available to promise update notification message from the customer requirement processing process component to the sales order processing process component, the product available to promise update notification message comprising a notification for updating a sales order with availability and reservation information based on changes in fulfillment planning; and

a customer requirement fulfillment confirmation message from the customer requirement processing process component to the sales order processing process component, the customer requirement fulfillment confirmation message comprising a confirmation of fulfillment for updating a particular sales order with information from fulfillment confirmation;

the logistics execution control process component and the outbound delivery processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the logistics execution control process component and the outbound delivery processing process component includes the transmission of;

a delivery request fulfillment request message from the logistics execution control process component to the outbound delivery processing process component, the delivery request fulfillment request message comprising a request to create or update an outbound delivery request; and

a delivery request fulfillment confirmation message from the outbound delivery processing process component to the logistics execution control process component, the delivery request fulfillment confirmation message comprising a notification to the logistics execution control process component of fulfillment of a particular outbound delivery request for reconciliation purposes;

the logistics execution control process component and the inbound delivery processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the logistics execution control process component and the inbound delivery processing process component includes the transmission of;

a delivery request fulfillment request message from the logistics execution control process component to the inbound delivery processing process component, the delivery request fulfillment request message comprising a request to create or update an inbound delivery request; and

a delivery request fulfillment confirmation message from the inbound delivery processing process component and the logistics execution control process component, the delivery request fulfillment confirmation message comprising a notification to the logistics execution control process component of fulfillment of a particular inbound delivery request for reconciliation purposes;

the production trigger and response process component and the production process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the production trigger and response process component and the production process component includes the transmission of;

a production request request message from the production trigger and response process component to the production process component, the production request request message comprising a request for production of a certain quantity of a specific material by a requested due date;

a production request confirmation message from the production process component to the production trigger and response process component, the production request confirmation message comprising a confirmation of receipt for a production request; and

a production request confirmation reconciliation notification message from the production process component to the production trigger and response process component, the production request confirmation reconciliation notification message comprising a reconciliation notification of a production request confirmation;

the production process component and the accounting process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the production process component and the accounting process component includes the transmission of;

a production lot accounting notification message from the production process component to the accounting process component, the production lot accounting notification message comprising a notification to accounting regarding a status change of a production lot;

an inventory change and activity confirmation accounting notification message from the production process component to the accounting process component, the inventory change and activity confirmation accounting notification message comprising a notification to accounting of inventory changes and activity confirmations; and

an inventory change and activity confirmation cancellation accounting notification message from the production process component to the accounting process component, the inventory change and activity confirmation cancellation notification message comprising a notification to accounting of cancellation of previously sent inventory changes and activity confirmations;

the site logistics processing process component and the accounting process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the site logistics processing process component and the accounting process component includes the transmission of;

an inventory change and activity confirmation accounting notification message from the site logistics processing process component to the accounting process component, the inventory change and activity confirmation accounting notification message comprising a notification to accounting regarding inventory changes for physical goods and activity confirmations;

an inventory change and activity confirmation cancellation accounting notification message from the site logistics processing process component and the accounting process component, the inventory change and activity confirmation cancellation accounting notification message comprising a notification to accounting regarding cancellation of previously sent inventory changes and activity confirmations;

the outbound delivery processing process component and the customer invoice processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the outbound delivery processing process component and the customer invoice processing process component includes the transmission of;

a customer invoice request request message from the outbound delivery processing process component to the customer invoice processing process component, the customer invoice request request message comprising a request from outbound delivery processing to customer invoice processing for a customer invoice request;

the inventory processing process component and the accounting process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the inventory processing process component and the accounting process component includes the transmission of;

a planning view of inventory reconciliation notification message from the inventory processing process component to the accounting process component, the planning view of inventory reconciliation notification message comprising a notification regarding reconciliation of aggregated inventory quantities;

the customer quote processing process component and the due item processing process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the customer quote processing process component and the due item processing process component includes the transmission of;

a credit worthiness query message from the customer quote processing process component to the due item processing process component, the credit worthiness query message comprising a request to verify a set of data or values of a current document against an actual credit standing of a customer; and

a credit worthiness response message from the due item processing process component to the customer quote processing process component, the credit worthiness response message comprising a response to the credit worthiness query message representing results associated with the verification of the set of data or values of the current document; and

the sales order processing process component and the accounting process component, where the pair-wise interaction between the sales order processing process component and the accounting process component includes the transmission of;

a sales and purchasing accounting notification message from sales order processing process component to the accounting process component, the sales and purchasing accounting notification message comprising a notification to accounting when a particular sales order is created, updated, or changed; and

generating, using the at least one processor on the computer system, a computer software application to perform the set of processes based on the obtained design including the specified process components and the specified process component interactions.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein:

the specified process components further include;

request for quote (RFQ) processing process component that requests for quotes and supplier quotes for strategic as well as operational negotiation purposes;

a purchase contract processing process component that creates and maintains purchasing contracts;

a production and site logistic auxiliaries processing process component that supports functionality valid for multiple process components in a deployment unit production and site logistics execution;

a freight documents processing process component that processes freight-related documents for shipping purposes;

a balance of foreign payment management process component that collects processes, and reports receivables and payables according to foreign trade regulations that are required by a financial authority of a country; and

a financial accounting master data management process component that manages financial accounting master data that is used both for accounting and costing purposes; and

the pair-wise interactions between pairs of the process components further include interactions between;

the outbound delivery processing process component and an inbound delivery processing a customer process component;

the customer invoice processing process component and the balance of foreign payment management process component;

the customer quote processing process component and the financial accounting master data management process component;

the purchase request processing process component and the RFQ processing process component;

the sales order processing process component and the financial accounting master data management process component;

the supplier invoice processing process component and the balance of foreign payment management process component;

a bank statement creation at bank process component and the payment processing process component;

the supplier invoice processing process component and the customer invoice processing at supplier process component;

the freight documents processing process component and a transportation management at freight forwarder process component;

the supplier invoice processing process component and a supplier invoice verification exception resolution at processor process component;

the RFQ processing process component and an opportunity/customer quote processing at supplier process component;

an outbound delivery processing at supplier process component and the inbound delivery processing process component;

the customer invoice processing process component and the supplier invoice processing process component;

the RFQ processing process component and the purchase order processing process component;

the customer quote processing process component and a RFQ processing at customer process component;

the payment processing process component and a payment order processing at house bank process component;

the customer invoice processing process component and a supplier invoice processing at customer process component;

the payment processing process component and a payment processing at business partner process component;

the sales order processing process component and the due item processing process component;

the sales order processing process component and the customer invoice processing process component;

the payment processing process component and the due item processing process component;

the customer invoice processing process component and the accounting process component; and

the site logistics processing process component and the supply and demand matching process component.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein each process in the set of processes is a business process transforming a defined business input into a defined business outcome.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein obtaining digital data representing the architectural design further comprises editing the design before using the design.