Manufacturing in networks - Competitive advantages for virtual enterprises

The article describes how to activate performance potentials absolutely necessary in the global competition. Virtual enterprises, such as co-operating networks, enable a close-to-the-customer production with extremely flexible capacities and short shipping times. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) this provides a unique opportunity to participate in the global competition and exploit it to their maximum advantage. This article points out the advantages of virtual enterprises and also shows how to achieve them, namely by a service and management centre offering help throughout all life cycle stages. Copyright (C) 1998 IFAC.