Partners selection in a shared-CIM system

A shared-CIM system is an approach in implementing CIM aimed at helping small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) to overcome the difficulties of high investment and the risks of CIM implementation. In a shared-CIM system, CIM is implemented through cooperation where companies collaborate in forming a CIM company and production facilities are shared. In general there are two types of shared-CIM system, namely a vertical shared-CIM system and a horizontal shared-CIM system. Since the shared-CIM system is a collaborative organization, partners selection is an essential step in its implementation. In general the process of partners selection is divided into three phases, the scanning of potential partners, the matching of partners compatibility, and the logistic considerations. A method for matching of partners compatibility for each category of shared system is developed. The concept of group technology and clustering analysis are used in the development of the methods. In addition, the effects of production environment type in which the system is established are also discussed in the process of partners selection.