Re-engineering through Natural Structures: the Fractal Factory

Many branches of European industry have had to relinquish their lead in the world market, particularly through Asian competition. The reasons are rigid company structures which prevent flexible reaction to constantly changing environmental conditions. The article illustrates the methods of the "fractal company," necessary to solve the structure crisis. It distinguishes itself through its dynamics and vital, independent ability to react to changing circumstances. The procedures and basic conditions such as company structuring, networking and hierarchy formation, as well remuneration and working time models are explained, based on examples from IPA's work with the automobile industry, their suppliers and the engineering industry.