WORKFLOW ARCHITECTURE FOR A DISPERSED AUTOMOTIVE DEVELOPMENT NETWORK

Increasingly, stakeholders in the automotive development process are sited in dispersed locations; one of the major challenges has been to find a way for all those involved to participate effectively. We propose a workflow architecture that permits globally dispersed stakeholders to enter the development process, quickly get up to speed, and contribute with meaningful and concise information. The workflow architecture consists of functional units, events, enablers, and rules. A fundamental part of the suggested process is the relocation of responsibility to stakeholders which are directly involved in the process steps. We find that by organizing the workflow in such a way, the possibility to effectively include all stakeholders into the development process is good. Such a high level of participation is beneficial as it lessens the probability of late changes and error, and enhances the likelihood for product success and competitiveness. Furthermore, relocating responsibility enhances innovative, high quality work and promotes participation.