In the future, adaptability of the structure of production will become an important competitiveness factor for companies. However, as company structures change, so also do value-adding structures alter. Future production structures must therefore allow for continuous alterations in planning and configuration. A possible solution is the use of hierarchical system technology for structuring companies. Furthermore, by de-centralizing and self-organizing performance units and by networking production right up to virtual enterprises, a closer proximity to customers can be achieved.
