Engineering the virtual enterprise

This paper describes early results of research at the Agile Aerospace Manufacturing Research Center (AAMRC) to develop, validate, and deploy a comprehensive set of tools and templates to support the virtual enterprise vision. The tools and templates derive from an integrated enterprise management model and enable the transition of a manufacturing firm from a stand-alone state through the formation, operation, and dissolution of a virtual enterprise. Key characteristics of an engineering methodology are embodied within the tools and templates, with structured analysis techniques and enterprise design criteria focused on the accomplishment of high level business objectives. The methodology specifically