Abstract
The need of a functional integration in the manufacturing area (Production, Quality, Maintenance), outlooking for a new manufacturing agility, causes the emergence of concerns with reliability, maintenance and security of the manufacturing equipments at the shop-floor. Several models and methodologies, encompassing technical, human, social and organisational aspects such as Total Preventive Maintenance (TPM) or Continuous Improvement (Kaizen), are today available to help in implementing new paradigms in this area. In this paper, we briefly relate our experiences in the development of a maintenance management information system in a shoes manufacturing company, highlighting the socio-organisational context influence on this development. This project was part of the ESPRIT project Real-I-CIM, aimed at providing low cost shop floor advanced management tools, inside an open and distributed architecture.

Abstract

Abstract
This paper presents the requirements for an information system supporting the cooperation in networks of enterprises. First, these networks are characterised, focusing on the variable coupling of the participating enterprises and on the consequent needs of co-operation. Departing from those needs, the concept of an information system based on an architecture of agents is presented. A generic infrastructure to implement the system is outlined, including the main interaction scenarios. The next steps of this research work end the paper.

Abstract
This paper describes the requirements analysis and system specification of an Order Promise module to be used as part of a broader Decision Support System for production and operations planning of a Virtual Enterprise. This work is part of a broader project with a particular focus on the microelectronics industry which is a good example of Virtual Enterprise, and where a quick response to the customers needs and to unpredictable changes in production conditions is considered a major factor for success. First, the analysis and specification are presented within a development framework that involves the study of organizational issues of semiconductor enterprises. The use of ontological engineering for supporting the communication and shared understanding of the system concepts is explained and a virtual enterprise ontology is outlined. Following the clarification of the concept of virtual enterprise, the generic techno-organizational requirements for the information system are derived. Finally, a specification of the global planning module and a more detailed one regarding the order promise module is presented.

Abstract
This paper proposes a first version of a conceptual framework based on Social Actors Networks (SAN) to support the process of creation and configuration of Networked and Virtual Enterprises (N/VE). The concept of SAN is explained and applied in the context of N/VE, highlighting the potential benefits in the analysis and specification of agent based information systems. This approach is partially being tested in a distributed Decision Support System, designed around a flexible and robust agent-based information system architecture.

Abstract
Collaborative Networks (CN) and Virtual Organisations (VO) can partially be modelled by using Graph Theory, as a natural framework for describing relationships, interactions and collaboration. Our work aims at extending and integrating results from that theory and other different fields and scientific disciplines, to enable modelling complex and non tangible factors, dynamics, trade-offs between individual and common objectives, arising in the set-up and management of VO. As a way to handle these issues in a holistic way, we present extensions of Social Actors Networks that are able to encompass various, complementary perspectives in dealing with VO, and coping with the different phases of its life cycle. Current results seem promising in the direction of creating a sound frame work for modelling and supporting holistic process management in Collaborative Networks. For illustration purposes a simple case study is briefly sketched and some findings presented. Finally sortie open issues are surveyed and lines for future research identified.