Title: Inter-operability framework towards virtual integration of SMEs in the manufacturing industry

Authors: Matthew Chiu, Hao Wen Lin, Sev V. Nagalingam, Grier C.I. Lin

Addresses: Centre for Advanced Manufacturing Research, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, Mawson Lakes Boulevard, Mawson Lakes SA 5095, Australia. ' Centre for Advanced Manufacturing Research, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, Mawson Lakes Boulevard, Mawson Lakes SA 5095, Australia. ' Centre for Advanced Manufacturing Research, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, Mawson Lakes Boulevard, Mawson Lakes SA 5095, Australia. ' Centre for Advanced Manufacturing Research, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, Mawson Lakes Boulevard, Mawson Lakes SA 5095, Australia

Abstract: A Virtual Enterprise (VE), which is a dynamic and temporal network of independent companies, relies on an inter-operability framework to realise collaborative relationships with trading partners and to facilitate the virtual manufacturing processes. Investing in inter-operability in order to enhance information-sharing applications is a challenge to many Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) that are planning to participate effectively in the VE. This paper reviews the major industry standards for the implementation of inter-operable systems and examines the decision factors for selecting the appropriate inter-operability specifications, with a focus on business connectivity, system scalability and information security. Based on the analysis, we outline a virtual integration infrastructure for SMEs that enables collaborative demand forecasting and production planning processes within the VE environment. This suggestion is further justified by a business case study.

Keywords: virtual enterprise; system inter-operability; web services; decision support systems; SMEs; virtual integration; manufacturing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2006.010061

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2006 Vol.9 No.3/4, pp.328 - 349

Published online: 14 Jun 2006 *

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