Use Case Analysis for Standard Manufacturing Service Capability Model.

Manufacturing enterprises are becoming globally distributed production systems. Rigid supply chains are giving way to dynamic supply networks that are cost-efficient and can respond to change quickly. A key factor in the formation of dynamic supply networks is the communication of manufacturing capabilities - both production capabilities and information processing capabilities. These are collectively referred to as manufacturing service capability (MSC) information. Presently, MSC information is provided using many different, proprietary terminologies and representations. The lack of a standard model impedes communications of MSC information. We propose the development of a standard MSC model to enhance the MSC information communications. This paper motives such development by presenting a use case analysis that illustrates the current and a desirable future state of MSC information communication. The future state, which relies on a standard MSC model can advance the current practice and allow precise and computer-interpretable representation of MSC information.