Title: Structure dynamics control-based framework for adaptive reconfiguration of collaborative enterprise networks

Authors: Dmitry A Ivanov, Boris V Sokolov, Joachim Kaeschel

Addresses: Department of Economics and Business Administration, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz D-09107, Germany. ' Russian Academy of Science, Saint Petersburg Institute of Informatics and Automation, 39, 14 Linia, VO, St.Petersburg 199178, Russia. ' Department of Economics and Business Administration, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz D-09107, Germany

Abstract: Subject of this contribution is to elaborate a methodological basis of reconfiguration for the collaborative networks (CN), which are characterised by high structure dynamics due to flexible customer-oriented networking of core competencies. Typical examples of such CN are networks of small and medium enterprises, supply chains with not-fixed supplier structures, and virtual enterprises. In such CN, reconfiguration challenges are caused by structure dynamics of both CN itself and of the supporting infrastructures like information processes. To answer these challenges, we introduce specific description of the CN reconfiguration under the terms of theory of structures dynamics control based on multiple-structural macrostates. It allows comprehensive simultaneous consideration of various structures and functions for the CN execution. We start this paper with the state-of-the-art research analysis to the problem of the CN reconfiguration. Section 3 presents conceptual model algorithms of CN reconfiguration based on the theory of structure dynamics control. We conclude this paper with mathematical models and algorithms of CN parametrical and structural adaptation, which implement the described conceptual models of the CN reconfiguration. These models and algorithms make it possible to embed the reconfiguration in the CN control loop and to interlink planning and execution phases to increase the whole CN efficiency. Reconfiguration embedding in the CN control loop akes it possible to reveal both CN structural-technological reserves and new CN potentialities.

Keywords: collaborative manufacturing; collaborative networks; adaptive reconfiguration; structure dynamics control; collaborative enterprise; enterprise networks; small and medium-sized enterprises; supply chains; virtual enterprises.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2009.023777

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2009 Vol.17 No.1/2, pp.23 - 41

Published online: 11 Mar 2009 *

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