A strategic framework for networked manufacturing

This paper introduces a strategic framework for designing and operating agile manufacturing networks, enabling to collaboratively plan, control and manage day-to-day contingencies in a dynamic environment. It is based on a distributed collaborative vision of manufacturing systems. We first introduce a network-oriented organizational strategy according to which a manufacturing business dynamically organizes its operations through the configuration and activation of a distributed network of interdependent responsible manufacturing centers. Then, we present a collaborative relationships strategy as a contractual approach to implement operational networks. Finally, we introduce an operational strategy, showing how this networked collaborative approach can be used to manage day-to-day activities and contingencies in a close-to-reality manner. The concepts underlying the strategic framework are illustrated using a simplified case inspired by our manufacturing partner, a world-class motorcoach manufacturer. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.