Virtual Enterprise Broker: Processes, Methods and Tools

The role of the broker in nowadays e-business is getting special attention. This paper presents a description of an e-broker, named Virtual Enterprise Broker (VEB). The core processes, methods and tools used by the VEB in order to fulfill the customer’s requirements are described. The four core processes of the VEB are: Analysis of Market Requirements, Project Planning, Project execution and Customer Service. All of these core processes requires the use of different methods and tools. Three proposed information systems to support the VEB activities are presented: Enterprise Core Competence Database, Enterprise Capability Broker Matrix and Broker Capacity Planning Tool. Finally, experiences in creating Integrated Supply Chains between SME, members of Virtual Industry Clusters, to OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) in the Mexican Industry will be presented as case studies to demonstrate the use of the methods and tools presented in this paper.