Towards a Virtual Organization: The Rapid Prototyping Portuguese National Network

Abstract

The integration of state-of-the-art Information Technology (IT) into the rapid prototyping (RPi) industry has not yet achieved a satisfactory degree of implementation. Most established developments are focused on the Computer-Aided Design (CAD), drafting, and automation of certain pre and post fabrication processes. This paper outlines the architecture, designed under UNINOVA’s co-ordination, for the overall incorporation of information technologies (IT), in the rapid prototyping industry, in order to create the Infrastructures for the RP Portuguese National Network, which can be seen as a virtual organization.RNPR’s virtual organization provides a global service as the outcome of all partners’ composite skills. Such a virtual composite organization can provide a better service, either in terms of quality, diversity, applicability or time constraints. KeywordsRapid PrototypeReverse EngineeringVirtual OrganizationVirtual EnterpriseRapid Prototype TechniqueThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.