Enhancing collaborative decision-making processes using a web-based application: A case study of a UK precision engineering SME

Abstract

The precision engineering sector lies at the heart of the UK's manufacturing capability. Successful precision engineering businesses are required to master process innovation and supply chain solutions. Companies operating in this sector support, amongst others, economy-driving industries such as aerospace, defence, motorsport, nuclear, off-highway equipment, oil and gas and renewable energy. The main companies that constitute this sector are SMEs (or small and medium-sized enterprises). In these types of business environment, the implementation of innovative, collaborative solutions has become a necessary strategy for enhancing SME decision-making processes as well as for improving overall business competitiveness. The aim of the research described in this paper is to present how, by implementing a web and online-based collaborative tool, precision engineering SME's can benefit, and are able to enhance their performance, by improving their production planning processes collaboratively. The research is presented with the help of a description of case study undertaken in a precision engineering SME. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.