Autonomous Work Systems in Manufacturing Networks

Manufacturing networks open new possibilities and potentials in design, development and production of complex high-tech products while they combine good characteristics of large companies with advantages of SMEs. In order to manage the structural complexity of a manufacturing network, the paper proposes the business-to-manufacturing network B2MN approach based on the market mechanism. Next, the network nodes in terms of the autonomous work system (AWS) are conceptualized. AWS encapsulates functionalities and competencies related to its management and manufacturing operations, as well as its autonomous information system, which supports autonomous decision-making and cooperation in the network. The case study illustrates the implementation of the AWS concept in industry.