Multinational business optimization: A systems approach

Current developments in technology together with the global village concept have contributed to large international corporates becoming a reality. Growth and centralization, results in the agglomeration of cultures, geographical locations, business units and specialized divisions into a "perceived" single unit. Total business optimization requires the enablement of all business process from the smallest operational unit to corporate, from inbound, in process to outbound functions inclusive of total business management. On a global optimization view the two dimensions of delivery include "shop floor to top floor" and "global, end to end" perspectives. The current operations of individual production units, independent of global subsidiaries are a distinct challenge as independent operations divert the potential of global assets/supply optimisation. Crucially is the fact that research, technology development, asset optimisations, planning, corporate (strategy, investment planning, and finance), supply chain and other function of large multinationals are usually centralised. These central functions operate independently with crucial dependencies on operational, site to global, information. The current practice of manual/paper base information is limited specifically to human dependencies such as, obtainability, accuracy, time, and interpretation. These key issues result in a multidimensional and multilayer challenge of total business optimization. Total business optimization must include, but not be limited to, production, supply chain, human resources, finance, Information management, plant control, research, technology development, together with sales and distribution. The additional complexity of multisite operations must also be included in order to achieve true global, end to end, optimization. There has been development in deployment of limited solutions but replication and accelerated delivery can only be addressed via a standardized approach. This research proposes a standardization, global system approach to this challenge from Enterprise Resource Planning through manufacturing systems down to instrumentation.