A method for translating a stock keeping unit (SKU) hierarchy in a customer order to a type-model-feature (TMF) structure in a vendor's order fulfillment system. A translation table relating the SKU hierarchy and TMF structure is defined. The SKU hierarchy includes SKU numbers that identify a configurable part and configurable options that specify a product. An initial order for the product includes the SKU hierarchy. Using the translation table, the SKU numbers are translated into an instance of the TMF structure. A multi-value characteristic is populated with values that include the SKU numbers and subline identifiers. A second order for the product is created that includes the instance of the TMF structure and subline values associated with the SKU number that identifies the configurable part.