Digital technologies to coordinate manufacturing networks: A Swiss pioneering perspective

Companies fail to leverage the full potential of their intra-company manufacturing network because many neglect the coordination layer. New technologies enable support of coordination activities for network managers. This contribution shows the status quo of technologies deployed in order to improve coordination. The basis is a national survey of the Swiss manufacturing industry. In addition, our research shows differences between companies that operate globally or locally regarding the use of these technologies. These differences relate to the structure of the manufacturing network, collaboration with third parties, customer criteria and innovation drivers. Finally, recommendations for actions are derived.