ComVantage is envisioned to be an inter-organisational collaboration space turning today’s organisation-centred manufacturing approach into a product-centred one. Manufacturers will benefit from a flexible, efficient platform that helps them to operate as one virtual factory and thus gain competitive advantages in their markets.

Based on best practises of Web 2.0 technologies the collaboration space will be an extension to existing business and engineering software.

The framework of the virtual factory will encompass a secure access control that is founded on dynamic workflow models and flexible user roles accounting for large enterprises, SMEs and for end-customers. It will enable temporary and decentralised access management for ad-hoc collaboration between geographically distributed experts.

To adhere to changing working situations, to efficient communication, and to rich interaction technologies, ComVantage will focus on mobile devices. Intuitive and secure mobile apps will support users in fast decision making and problem solving. Information from different sources across the organisations will be provided and maintained via ‘Linked Data’. The integration of sensor data allows for products to be members of the collaboration space.

A continuous evaluation of the ICT and business model considering use cases throughout the project will verify the added-value of ComVantage for European industry. The utilisation of existing technologies, a close user approach, and an incremental project set-up will provide sound concepts ready for fast production.

Thus implementing ComVantage will increase lean communication, agile and highly efficient production processes, cost control and a low carbon footprint.