Configuration and Coordination issues in a Virtual Enterprise Environment L. M. Camarinha-Matos, C. Lima New University of Lisbon - Faculty of Seiences and Technology Quinta da Torre - 2825 Monte Caparica- Portugal Phone +351-1-2948517 Fax +351-1-2941253 E-mail {cam,cplj@uninova.pt Abstract An architecture to support the implementation of a computer-based infrastructure to allow the participation of Small and Medium size Enterprises (SMEs) in a Virtual Enterprise (VE) environment is presented emphasizing the configuration and coordination aspects. The architecture is employing the new ernerging standards and advanced technologies in communication, cooperative information management and distributed decision making. The multi-level coordination approach adopted in the PRODNET architecture 1 is briefly presented, focusing the hierarchical workflow management aspects. The proposed approach provides the flexibility, privacy and customization support for a company within a VE Environment as weH as the intemal coordination of all events/messages arriving at the company. Keywords Virtual Enterprise, Workflow systems, Cooperative Systems 1 This work is based on the ongoing activities of the European Union funded project called PRODNET ll, the ESPRIT project 22647. lt involves partners from Europe and Latin America, including Research Institutes, engineering companies and end users. (Horne page http://www.uninova.pt/-PRODNET.) G. Jacucci et al. (eds.), Globalization of Manufacturing in the Digital Communications Era of the 21 st Century © Springer Science+Business Media New York 1998