ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT: Companies are increasingly acting globally, and are integrated in supply chains and production networks. Caused by the very complex structure within production networks, the requirements for the co-operation and co-ordination among the involved partners are increasing continuously. Therefore, easy adoption without great effort to changing markets and customer requirements is only possible with customisable manufacturing resources belonging to different, financially or organisationally independent partners, or both. Although there are various advanced communication and database technologies to support such dynamic re-configuration and customisation, a significant problem remains in the organisational ability of each partner and the network as a whole to link and detach from one another to form efficient networks. The PRODCHAIN toolbox intends to support SMEs in reorganising their customer supplier business processes to the needs of modern production networks.