In the backdrop of rapid changing of product features and varieties, on-time data and information exchange between the departments of a manufacturing company has become inevitable. In case of large or multi-national companies (MNCs), information exchange between the geographically dispersed units might be time consuming, less effective, and in turns more costly than expected. Such environments need to use the modern offers. Electronic collaboration (E-collaboration) offers quick and less costly approach. E-collaboration is a means for sharing knowledge data, and information between different departments within a company or ease reaching out to other companies as well. E-collaboration can create a suitable environment for communication and reduces time and cost in the product pre- production manufacturing phases. Manufacturing of each product is now considered as a project activity. This article presents a theoretical framework on electronic integration of the major departments of a manufacturing company. Implementation of this framework requires abilities and according to these abilities, different products featuring E-collaboration are discussed and one software, namely InfoWorkSpace, is chosen.
- E-collaboration; Research framework; knowledge sharing; Time and cost reduction Template
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/hadi_zayandehroodi/32/