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Contemporary markets require dynamic networks of collaborating organisations. Effective collaboration inside such networks motivates optimisation during planning and flexibility at enactment time, yet these two strands are treated separately at present.
This project focused on SME suppliers within automotive ecosystems, aiming to empower them to collaboratively design and coordinate supply networks. This is made possible by a novel approach which integrates collaborative optimisation and last-minute responsiveness of supply chains in an easy-to-use software prototype. A methodology for automotive supplier profiling and development will be created to support the implementation of the approach.
The SUddEN system is a socio-technical system which combines knowledge-based software functionality with new ways of working supported by collaborative technology such as discussion boards. This socio-technical system achieves the following three innovations:
- Innovation 1. A novel approach to multi-level supply network design and coordination;
- Innovation 2. A novel method for continuous and systematic evaluation of VO partners and their processes;
- Innovation 3. On-the-job learning and development of actors and collaborations.
The system is grounded in real practices and user requirements from the domain of Automotive Manufacturing, using real strategic initiatives and case studies from our SME partners from Upper Austria.
The straightforward design of the initial supply network informs the partner selection procedures, which may lead to partner development and training requirements. Once the team is operational, the performance of partners is evaluated and poor performance may lead to switching of coordination mechanisms or suppliers by triggering team (VO) formation mechanisms. This results in an improved team, which over time leads to both the team “learning” about the best structures and processes of work and coordination, and individual companies learning about their limitations and training needs.
