Standard based ICT-service development in discrete make-to-order and engineer-to-order industry

This paper describes a case where standard based and networked ICT service development was tested. Emphasis is on the technical and conceptual aspects of standard utilisation and how it enables new kinds of development approaches. A virtual organisation developed and utilised ISA 95 standard based reference architecture in creating solutions to practical and general problems in discrete manufacturing. These problems include ERP dominance in production related ICT investments and a lack of complete system suppliers. Results showed that the use of standard benefited both the product development and the formation of the new virtual organisation.