Paivi Iskanius

Agent-Based Architecture for Virtual Enterprises to Support Agility

Global competition forces enterprises to concentrate on their core competencies while transforming themselves to participate in emerging inter-enterprise formations following the virtual enterprise (VE) paradigm. VE is a form that offers high flexibility, agility and resilience for enterprises to survive and prosper in the globalized economy. This paper introduces the real world VE that uses agent-based software to support agility. This research is conducted as a case study in the business network, which consist of several small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) and one focal company operating in the steel manufacturing industry in Northern Finland. The new VE, called Steel Net is aiming towards global markets with the support of effective information sharing.

One step closer towards e-business—the implementation of a supporting ICT system

This paper first reviews the thinking behind information and communication technology (ICT) utilisation in supply chain integration as well as in e-supply design. This constructive research was conducted in a real-life business network consisting of a number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in co-operation with one focal company. The case study presents how ICT has been implemented in order to build up the digital business design in the Finnish steel manufacturing industry. The information visibility of the new ICT system shows great potential for more systematic planning in the network, thus reducing the need to manage ad hoc situations. The case network analysis also indicates that the implementation of a system poses several challenges for SMEs.

Transparent information flow in business networks by using agents

Information technology (IT) is an important enabler of effective supply chain management (SCM). Many information systems have been developed for SCM from EDI and ERP into newly developed SCM systems and e-business solutions. Recently, the use of software agent technology has received a great potential in supporting transparency in information flows of business networks. This paper introduces a business network, where shared information of the network enables an improvement of lead-time, cost efficiency and faculty for customer service in a supply chain. This paper describes the empirical research conducted as a case study in a steel product industry network in Finland and a technical description of an agent-based software solution for a business network. The empirical research is based on qualitative material (interviews, documents and models of order-delivery chains) and it is analysed as an entity. The technical research is based on a prototype of software agent architecture. The prototype is focused on manufacturing of heavy steel component in diverse engineering companies, by following the material and information flow between and within the companies.

Agility in a project-oriented supply chain

This study contributes to the discussion on agility in supply chain management and provides a novel focus on the enterprise development. The object of this study is to develop an agile supply chain for the case business network, which is moving towards project-oriented business, where quick response is a key issue and agile practices more attractive. It is concluded that in project-oriented business, agility is necessary for competitiveness, and comprehensive implementation of information and communication technologies throughout the supply chain is of utmost importance in the development of an agile supply chain.

Requirements for change in a traditional industry to be competitive: transformation towards an agile supply chain

The work reported here reflects on the importance of agility in the supply chain of a traditional manufacturing industry. The call for agility for the purpose of enhancing competitiveness has often been associated with the manufacture and supply of innovative products, such as high-tech industry products characterised by short life cycles, volatile and uncertain levels of demand and irregularity in supply. Nevertheless, traditional industries, such as the steel supply and manufacturing industry, as reported here, face similar challenges. In order to be truly agile, a supply chain must be market sensitive, virtual and network-based in its communication systems and it must demonstrate process integration. Some aspects of agility, such as the formation of a network-based entity and a move towards more market sensitive approach, are clearly already demonstrable in this case study. With other aspects, for example the achievement of process integration to its full potential as well as being completely able to demonstrate real and virtual communication lines within he network, there remains much work for the supplier network yet to do.

The impact of supply effort management, logistics capability, and supply chain management strategies on firm performance

The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship among supply effort management, logistics capabilities, and supply chain management strategies on firm performance. A concept model was developed and subsequently five hypotheses were formulated. In order to empirically investigate the concept model, a nationwide survey of supply chain professionals within manufacturing firms was undertaken in India and data were collected. The concept model was tested using structural equation modeling. From the results of SEM analysis, it is found that SCM strategy is positively influenced by supply effort management and logistics capabilities. The overall firm performance is positively impacted by supply effort management, logistics capabilities, and SCM strategy. This study presents valid and reliable metrics that academicians as well as practitioners can use in measuring the supply effort management, logistics capabilities, SCM strategy, and firm performance. The investigated SEM model provides supply chain managers with a useful tool for evaluating and improving efficiency of their current managerial practices.

A collaborative working tool for information systems integration and continuous improvement

This paper discuses the virtual enterprise (VE) as an intercompany collaborative tool for knowledge management. This concept, based on the internet and state-of-the-art information technologies, can be seen as the foundation for a firms information resources. This paper presents the case VE, called SteelNet, based on an information technology (IT) solution deploying agent technology. The VE integrates dispersed companies and customers to ensure that all the members of the network receive accurate and timely information. The VE reported here provides a new solution for an unpredicted opportunity. Therefore, the VE is more of an action, rather than an institution.

Risk Analysis of ERP Projects in the Manufacturing SMES: Case Study

This chapter introduces two risk management tools targeted for SMEs in their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) adoption projects. The purpose is to identify and assess the main risks in the ERP projects through the case study of two manufacturing SMEs. By using company-specific risk analysis method (RAM), the critical risks of the ERP projects are identified and assessed. Then, by using characteristics analysis method (CAM), the recommendations of how to divide the ERP projects into manageable sub projects are given.

Streamlining information flow in steel product design and manufacturing industry network

This paper focuses on the importance of process integration in the supply chains from the viewpoint of information flow. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is an important enabler of process integration. Many information systems have been developed for Supply Chain Management (SCM), and recently the use of software agent technology has received a great potential in supporting collaboration in SCM. In this paper, two different supply chains between the Finnish steel producer and its local suppliers are modelled in order to find out the critical issues in the move towards an integrated supply chain. Furthermore, the paper presents one development possibility to improve the efficiency of logistics processes by using agent technology.

The business enabling network - a tool for regional development

This paper presents the business enabling network model (BEN), which can be utilised in the regional development activities in order to evaluate the current state of a network, and to plan and select development actions to be taken. The BEN model illustrates the networking concept through five elements, which are: A group of regional actors that should be able to work intentionally must have a common goal that guides the operations and decisions. Working together efficiently insists mutual trust between actors. In order to make business at all in the network there must be competencies that can be utilised to fulfil customer needs. Appropriate infrastructure is prerequisite for the successful business. Finally, continuity, that is, the network must renew itself to sustain its competitiveness.