Sharing knowledge in a supply chain using the semantic web

Interoperability among multi-entities (companies) with heterogeneous knowledge sources becomes a research focus in the field of Supply chain management (SCM). Specifically, sharing knowledge among multiple entities in a supply chain is crucial. However, only a few studies have addressed the problem of interoperability and knowledge sharing in supply chains. Current technologies, such as EDI, RosettaNet or the current Web, are useful for sharing data/information, rather than knowledge. This paper proposes a solution for sharing knowledge with the semantic web. The solution involves (i) a semi-structured knowledge model to represent knowledge in not only an explicit and sharable, but also a meaningful format, (ii) an agent-based annotation process to resolve issues associated with the heterogeneity of knowledge documents, and (iii) an articulation mechanism to improve the effectiveness of interoperability between two heterogeneous ontologies. Based on the proposed solution, entities in a supply chain can represent, seek, and share knowledge effectively. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.