ABSTRACTS, cont.

Virtual enterprise architectural framework: Collaboration towards small and medium enterprises
MSEC2013-1004
AHM Shamsuzzoha, Petri Helo, University of Vaasa, Vaasa, Finland
This paper presents a methodological approach to support the running of a temporary collaborative network
through the formation and operation of a virtual enterprise (VE), where the participating enterprises, especially
small and medium size enterprises (SMEs), collaborate with each other for mutual benefit. Overall VE architectural
framework which is considered as the baseline to execute VE manufacturing processes is highlighted in this
research. Different components within this architecture such as visualization and configuration, message exchange,
process designer, forecasting and simulation, optimization, cloud-based data storage, etc., are briefly explained
with respect to their corresponding interfaces with each other. Among all the components of VE architecture, the
user interface component termed Dashboard is explicitly highlighted with a case example of a VE network. This
Dashboard component is implemented to visualize the VE operational activities that directly contribute to monitor
and manage the associated collaborative processes successfully. Further research potential along with the general
research outcomes are also highlighted in the conclusion section of this paper.
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