Inter-enterprise collaborative processes in a pure BTO automotive manufacturing system

Today, the auto industry is facing new challenges, finding itself in a critical phase of transition. These challenges include increased international competition, worlwide overcapacity, low margins, increased product complexity, and changing customer behaviour. Both academics and practitioners have been considering Build-to-Order (BTO) as an alternative manufacturing concept to today´s forecast-based production system. However, little research has been done on inter-enterprise planning and execution processes in a pure BTO manufacturing environment. This paper outlines a proposal for new planning and execution processes and the supporting ICT systems in a pure BTO manufacturing environment in the automotive industry.