Abstract
Capacity analysis and planning plays a key role in the operational performance and levels of customer services of a company. Traditional capacity analysis and planning systems have become inadequate in the face of several emerging manufacturing paradigms. One such paradigm is the production in distributed enterprise networks, consisting of subsets of autonomous production units within supply chains working in a collaborative and coordinated way. In these distributed networks, capacity analysis and planning becomes a complex task, especially because it is performed in a heterogeneous environment where the performance of individual manufacturing sites and of the network as a whole should be simultaneously considered. Therefore, the use of information system solutions is desirable in order to support effective and efficient planning decisions. Nevertheless, it seems that there is a lack of a clear definition of the most important requirements that must be met by supporting solutions. This paper attempts to identify some general requirements of a decision support system to be used for capacity analysis and planning in enterprise networks. Adaptability of capacity models, computational efficiency, monitoring mechanisms, support for distributed order promising, and integration with other systems, are some important requirements identified.

Abstract
The rapid evolution of information and communication technologies, the changing client's demands, and market conditions impelled enterprises to adapt their way of undertaking business, from traditional practices to e-business, and to participate in new forms of collaboration, such as networked organizations. In this context, standards, frameworks, technologies, and infrastructures supporting collaborative business, in a networked environment, become key factors in achieving environments with a desired high level of collaboration and inter- and intra-organization business processes alignment. The aim of this chapter is to underline the main issues, trends, and opportunities related to business integration from a technological perspective, analyzing and discussing the most relevant (existing and still under development) business integration reference models, frameworks, standards, technologies, and supporting infrastructures, and to briefly present relevant research projects in the area of business networking. A special emphasis is made on frameworks such as ebXML and RosettaNet, and the importance of papiNet, BPLE4WS, and freebXML is underlined. Challenges regarding self-forming networked organizations are also advanced. © 2007, Idea Group Inc.

Abstract
The rapid evolution of information and communication technologies, the changing client's demands, and market conditions impelled enterprises to adapt their way of undertaking business, from traditional practices to e-business, and to participate in new forms of collaboration, such as networked organizations. In this context, standards, frameworks, technologies, and infrastructures supporting collaborative business, in a networked environment, become key factors in achieving environments with a desired high level of collaboration and inter- and intra-organization business processes alignment. The aim of this chapter is to underline the main issues, trends, and opportunities related to business integration from a technological perspective, analyzing and discussing the most relevant (existing and still under development) business integration reference models, frameworks, standards, technologies, and supporting infrastructures, and to briefly present relevant research projects in the area of business networking. A special emphasis is made on frameworks such as ebXML and RosettaNet, and the importance of papiNet, BPLE4WS, and freebXML is underlined. Challenges regarding self-forming networked organizations are also advanced. © 2009, IGI Global.

Abstract
In general, the aim of selling up collaborative networks is the reduction of uncertainty and the increase of competitiveness. One of the main goals is the exploitation of this collaboration networks guaranteeing the legal independence of partners on the basis of common and aligned strategic aims. Nevertheless, its practical implementation is not straight forward because of all the several dimensions it involves. This paper addresses some relevant issues in the domain of collaborative networks, in the scope of a research project based on a case study centered on a large industrial pole in Brazil and mainly established by SME.

Abstract
An important goal in schedule production orders through a manufacturing facility is to assure that the work is completed as close as possible to its due date. Work that is late creates downstream delays, while early completion can be detrimental if storage space is limited. Production planning and control manufacturing is becoming more difficult as family products increase and quantity decreases. This paper presents an ongoing information system development that aims the production planning of special test tables equipment for automobile components manufacturers. The simulated based information system will be used to support planning and schedule activities; to compare and analyze the impact of planning rescheduling; to forecast the production completion date; to detect bottlenecks and to evaluate machines performance.

Abstract
In order to develop the new industrial paradigm, it is necessary to explore a framework supported by planning and operational tools. Indeed, it becomes clear that more and more the next factories need to be increasingly more flexible, agile and knowledge-based in order to be able to adapt in real time to the continuously changing market demands, technology options and regulations, as well as accelerate the design process and optimise production. Therefore, in this paper a framework capable of supporting the factory planning will be presented based on predefined templates and product requirements. Furthermore, the Factory Templates will allow for process deployment, control and evaluation in real-time. © 2011 AISTI.