Abstract
The development of information and communication technologies and turbulent market conditions have forced enterprises to adapt their way of undertaking business, from traditional practices to e-business. in this context, achieving seamless interoperability among heterogeneous organizations becomes a critical issue. This article has two main objectives: (1) to present a review of the most relevant approaches aiming at achieving seamless interoperability in a collaborative networked environment. In this sense, major interoperability issues (e.g., interoperability requirements, technologies) are discussed, and the most significant independent (e.g., ebXML) and industry-specific initiatives (e.g., RosettaNet, papiNet, TexWeave) are analyzed; (2) to introduce a recently developed two-layered operational infrastructure aiming at attaining seamless interoperability in the footwear industry (the up-stream segment), based on the requirements identified for this sector in a recent industry survey conducted at European level. Other relevant initiatives targeting this sector are also analyzed, emphasizing the innovative aspects and advantages of this approach.

Abstract
The goal of achieving full interoperability is still not achieved, despite the high number of tools and infrastructures developed. The objective of this article is to present a framework aiming at supporting seamless interoperability in a business collaborative networked environment. An implementation example from the footwear sector validating the framework proposed is also described.

Abstract
Several collaborative business frameworks have been developed in order to support organizations to attain interoperability in today's networked business arena. However, the diversity of frameworks generates selection problems. The goal of this article is to present an analytical method supporting the comparison of collaborative business frameworks, which may also be used by decision makers in the framework selection process. The results obtained by comparing four collaborative business frameworks are discussed.

Abstract
This paper presents an innovative approach in supporting the operation of complex equipment. The concept was developed in the context of the KoBaS project (Knowledge Based Customized Services for Traditional Manufacturing Sectors Provided by a Network of High Tech SMEs) whose main objectives are the development of new knowledge based tools for an intelligent use and management of more sophisticated manufacturing machines; and the creation of an innovative extended network of high-tech SMEs for use, customize, support and make business out of the new development tools. As a concrete example the paper presents a KoBaS solution based on the machine Maintenance. This solution allows one to know the machine condition, to detect and diagnose machine failures, to manage ordinary and extraordinary maintenance plans and maintenance work orders and to provide training support for maintenance interventions.

Abstract
Make-to-order (MTO) supply chains (SC), common in aerospace industries, are very complex compared to mass production chains. Moreover, one of the significant long-term challenges is sustainability performance across its entire supply chain. However, this is not an easy task given the complexity involved, so decision support tools are fundamental instruments in understanding the entire supply chain from a sustainability performance perspective. Using simulation as a research method, this article proposes a hybrid and hierarchical performance assessment model, considering key sustainability indicators. The model is hybrid due to the use of different simulation methods- System Dynamics (SD), Discrete Event Simulation (DES), and Agent-based simulation (ABS). The model is applied to an aerospace manufacturer's real case to assess the sustainability performance of alternative SC. Unlike existing contributions, this work addresses the make-to-order supply chain from a sustainability performance perspective and does not compromise the representation of the diverse manufacturing functions and resources.

Abstract
The successful adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies by firms requires them to formulate a digital strategy and implementation roadmap. An established approach to assess firms' needs towards digitalization is through maturity models. While there is a large number of maturity models in the literature, they present several limi-tations related to their generalizability and theoretical foundations. Our study aims to build and empirically validate an Industry 4.0 digital maturity model, based on the Technology-Organization-Environment framework. We conducted a systematic literature review of 55 digital maturity models, which we synthesized to create an integrated digital maturity assessment model. We tested our model through a focus group with industry experts and 24 companies from various manufacturing sectors. Our review suggests that existing digital maturity models have underestimated the relevance of the Environment dimension. Our empirical data suggests that companies often invest in digital technologies without considering critical organizational and environmental constraints.