About A-NET project

Background

Company networks are competing against each other and network management skills are required to gain competitiveness. However, building competitiveness into a complex network through supply chain management is even more challenging than into a single company. Often, this challenge leads to sub-optimisation, and therefore, the benefits can’t be seen by the end customer. Volatility in world’s economy and globalisation has lead into a situation, in which the variation of demand is significant. This challenge relates especially to Finnish machine building industry. In addition, end customers demand customised products and the amount of product variations has expanded increasing the challenges laid upon the networks.

Objective

The objective of the project is to build a concept with which the delivery capability of a network can be illustrated in different market situations. This illustration is based on a model describing the true agility of companies and networks. In addition, the model evaluates the competitiveness and business coreness of the companies’ processes. The model offers a platform for allocation of development resources. The gained benefits can be measured in the customer interface. The description of delivery ability can be used as a basis of development work for locating bottlenecks of agility and it clarifies the overall picture of the network promoting trust and mutual goal setting.
 

Partners:

TUT, Department of Production Engineering
Paakkola Conveyors Oy
Konecranes Abp.
Ab. A. Häggblom Oy
Polar-Automaatio Oy
Ylä-Savon Kehitys Oy