Managing the supply chain through managing the information flow: Capturing "moments of information"

Companies have recognized the benefits of coordinating the various entities in the supply chain. Coordination can be achieved by managing the information flows between the supply chain nodes (suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, carriers, retailers and consumers). Companies along the supply chain can share information which will benefit all members of the chain. Using information from a consumer products manufacturer, this paper suggests the importance of capturing these "moments of information" and begins the process of defining the information required at each node.