Need for a framework

Abstract

The high importance attributed to the complexity management of supply chains raises the question of an adequate design. This problem has not yet been fully addressed by scientific efforts. H. J. Warnecke uses his concept of the “fractal factory” to design a system for production logistics. The fractal structure offers a hierarchizing of the manufacturing organization and enables sufficient complexity in this area via decentralized control loops. H. Wildemann offers the “modular factory” in response to the growing complexity of manufacturing. His concept implies complexity-increasing approaches, in particular in connection with the creation of structured networking and self-regulating, partially autonomous subsystems. There is a strong need for a frame of reference of digital supply chain management that supports decisions and resilience in particular. From an IT angle, such a framework has been drafted in terms of Reference Architecture Model Industry 4.0.