Autonomous, elementary units of production, cooperating in temporary networks, are considered as a key organisational form of enterprises in the 21st century. A scientific approach is provided by networks based on customer-oriented, directly linked, smallest autonomous business units called Competence Cells. Models for Competence Cells and their networking were developed. For such networks also an operationalised concept of organisation is needed. With the 'Holistic Integration Method' (HIM) an organisational manual is provided. The general architecture of the Holistic Integration Method consists of the levels 'Portal', 'Process Engine' and 'Methods and Tools'. The concept of Competence-cell-based Networks leads to new requirements for the planning of production systems of such networks. Therefore a framework called 'PlaNet-Planning Concept for Networks' has been developed. PlaNet, which is a component of HIM, provides the means that enable the Competence Cells to solve their planning problems. The framework includes methodical and default components for planning and design logistics structures and production plants. The suitable basis for PlaNet has been found with the Systems Engineering Methodology (SE). Thus the components of the methodical concept of PlaNet are derived from the components of SE. The Net Planning Assistant with its Production Database is a toolset which comprises software implementing the methods of PlaNet including tools for participative planning.
Adaptability is currently one of the most challenging research topics. The Department of Factory Planning and Factory Management of Chemnitz University of Technology developed the Experimental and Digital Factory in which building blocks for adaptable factory systems are integrated. Hence, a powerful model factory is available for research on adaptability. The focus among others is on the continuous interaction between factory planning and factory operation. This includes an extensive interchange and processing of information between the virtual and the real factory. The rapid implementation and verification of planning results in the real environment is enabled by holistic application and integration of different methods and tools of the Digital Factory. The paper explains a concept for adaptable factory systems and the interplay of planning and operation. The approaches are demonstrated on the use case of combined planning of layout and logistics with subsequent realisation.
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