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1999
Conference Paper
Titel
Manufacturing in Networks - Competitive Advantages for Virtual Enterprises
Alternative
Netzwerkproduktion - Wettbewerbsvorteile für Virtuelle Unternehmen
Abstract
Global competition is characterised by different regional production factors and varying demands on the product function, quality and performance. Success is no longer solely determined by consistent market orientation but is becoming increasingly dependent on regional contributions to production and employment. Crucial success factors are co-operation, the availability of components, the use of existing infrastructure, etc. Thus, many companies are intensifying international production capacities or shifting their existing capacity to foreign markets to sell their products both at home and in international markets. With this strategy, global market-oriented networks are formed in which independent partners each contribute their core competencies. The article describes certain approaches to activate the performance potentials necessary for global competition. Virtual enterprises, such as co-operating networks, enable a close-to-the customer production system which is characterised not only by proximity to the market but also by extremely flexible capacities and short shipping times. For SMEs, this provides the unique opportunity to participate in global competition and use this opportunity to their maximum advantage. This article aims not only to identify the advantages associated with the creation of a virtual enterprise, but to present ways to create a succesful virtual enterprise, namely by supporting virtual enterprises through a service and management centre which offers help throughout all stages of the life cycle.