Global supply chain control - A conceptual framework for the Global Control Center (GCC)

Abstract: The operation of global manufacturing network is challenging due to the complexity in product and information flow, diversity in sites, localization and processes and the information processing needed for control. Thus information technology has to be developed to cope with this complexity and to develop decision support for controlling the network. In this paper the concept of the Global Control Centre for manufacturing activity is developed based on research on a Norwegian supplier of fish hooks. The. main elements of the GCC is found to be the global control model, performance measurement system, ICT solutions and the organization and the physical environment. In order to realize the GCC the main challenges are ICT investments and standardization, and the management of change and organizational resistance. The findings presented in this paper are not yet collectively implemented and tested and must therefore only be viewed as conceptual proposals.