The Fractal Company: A Practical Approach to Agility in Manufacturing

Volltext: Many branches of European industry have had to recognize that their lead in the world market has been caught up with antiquated business practices, particularly through Asian competition. In many cases a deficit of up to 30% already exists. The reasons are rigid, Tayloristic company structures. The companies are not in a position to react flexibly to constantly changing environmental conditions. This article illustrates the methods of the "fractal company" which are necessary to solve the structure crisis. The fractal company distinguishes itself through its dynamics and its vitality, as well as its independent reaction to the changing circumstances. The developed methods, procedures and framework conditions such as company structuring, human networking, hierarchy formation and models for remuneration and working time are explained. They are based on practical examples from IPA's work with the automobile industry, their suppliers and the engineering industry.