How would one model a correctly normalized supply chain relationship.
We buy different equipment from various manufacturers and how we purchase the equipment varies widely. We have a “part” table that identifies the different part numbers that we purchase. There will be a manufacturer associated with each part.
Some manufacturers deal directly with us and would, therefore, be our supplier, and some manufacturers require that we purchase through a distributor. In this case, the distributor also usually varies by region.
I am trying to determine the appropriate way to model these entities in a meaningful way. Should there be a single table for all of the distributors and manufacturers with their function captured elsewhere? If not, when the manufacturer is also the supplier, how would I prevent having to maintain the manufacturer in both the manufacturer AND the supplier tables?
