Reengineering through natural structures: the fractal factory

Wilfried Sihn

doi:10.1117/12.217556

28 August 1995 Reengineering through natural structures: the fractal factory

Wilfried Sihn

Proceedings Volume 2620, International Conference on Intelligent Manufacturing; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.217556
Event: International Conference on Intelligent Manufacturing, 1995, Wuhan, China

Abstract

Many branches of European industry have had to recognize that their lead in the world market has been caught up with, particularly through Asian competition. In many cases a deficit of up to 30% in costs and productivity already exists. The reasons are rigid, Tayloristic company structures. The companies are not in a position to react flexibly to constantly changing environmental conditions. This article illustrates the methods of the `fractal company' which are necessary to solve the structure crisis. The fractal company distinguishes itself through its dynamics and its vitality, as well as its independent reaction to the changing circumstances. The developed methods, procedures, and framework conditions such as company structuring, human networking, hierarchy formation, and models for renumeration and working time are explained. They are based on practical examples from IPA's work with the automobile industry, their suppliers, and the engineering industry.

Citation Download Citation

Wilfried Sihn "Reengineering through natural structures: the fractal factory", Proc. SPIE 2620, International Conference on Intelligent Manufacturing, (28 August 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.217556

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