A virtual production line indicating an object (e.g., a vehicle) sequence
for an actual production line and objects (e.g., vehicles) planned in the
future is updated based on a long-term production plan, a fixed
production plan, and actual production results. Then, the ordering
timings for the parts necessary for the respective objects in the virtual
production line are calculated based on the timing for using the parts
and the delivery lead time, and the orders are placed according to those
timings.