Cloud Manufacturing Towards Sustainable Management

Abstract

Nowadays, most manufacturing companies have realized the importance of collaboration between dispersed factories, different suppliers, and distributed stakeholders. Cloud computing is an evolution of the Internet; it does not just change the technology, but also enables collaborative innovation. Cloud manufacturing (CM) is another form of networked manufacturing. It provides common and standard manufacturing services by cloud logic and principle. In this chapter, a new concept is suggested based on the fundamental theory and key technologies of CM. Cloud Future Factory, which is intended to manage a matrix-type organizational structure, focuses on improving communication in lean manufacturing. This case company has dispersed production lines and business departments. Therefore, it's very necessary to introduce an efficient and dynamic information integration platform. This chapter leads to a different way of thinking for using the cloud manufacturing concept in different formations. CM is not just suitable for small and medium sized enterprises, but also fits large size companies.