Abstract
This paper analyses distinct methods to represent a polygon through circle covering, which satisfy specific requirements, that impact primarily the feasibility and the quality of the layout of final solution. The trade-off between the quality of the polygonal representation and its derived number of circles is also discussed, showing the impact on the resolution of the problem, in terms of computational efficiency. The approach used to tackle the Nesting problem in strip packing uses a Non-Linear Programming model. Addressing these problems allows to tackle real world problems with continuous rotations. © IFAC.

Abstract
The concept of combining the power of several independent factories to achieve complex manufacturing processes as so-called virtual manufacturing enterprises is not new and has been addressed by several research projects in recent years. However, there is still a need for adequate methodological support and tools for modelling, structuring and controlling of the next generation of manufacturing systems, such as the virtual factory. In this research, a conceptual virtual factory reference model is presented with the goal to provide companies with general guidelines to manage and monitor the business processes that are needed to create, execute, and dissolve a virtual factory. The virtual factory reference model was built taking into account industrial's requirements and by reviewing the literature in several relevant fields of research such as collaborative networks, supply networks, manufacturing networks, supply chain management, and business processes. Afterwards, it has been validated through its application to future virtual factories of three different industrial sectors: machinery, energy, and semiconductor.

Abstract
This paper proposes a framework to support the full virtual manufacturing enterprise lifecycle from the creation to the operation and dissolution. The paper will show how the framework supports the activities involved in the setup of virtual manufacturing enterprise, how to run it and which tools are needed. Three main perspectives are considered: knowledge and information, methodology and Technology. A business case analysis is then presented in order to understand the framework applicability to the development of collaborative business opportunities in an engineer-to-order and one-of-a-kind production environments, which is common to a large number of SMEs.

Abstract
The paper firstly reviews the relevant concepts on virtual enterprise operations as well as industrial maintenance processes. Then a virtual enterprise enabling platform is presented. The architecture of the platform and its main modules are briefly introduced. Within this platform, a smart object extension is highlighted. This smart object is used to collect data from remote equipment and pass it to the Virtual Enterprise Management Platform (VEMP) through a gateway. The data collected by the smart object will be aggregated and monitored, using the business intelligence tools of the platform, enabling the implementation of maintenance strategies, rising fault conditions that will trigger a repair business process. In the final part of the paper, it is discussed a business case for a SME with worldwide operations.

Abstract
This paper focuses on process visualization that is applicable to managing a Virtual Factory (VF) business environment. It briefly provides all aspects of implementing the dashboard user interface that is to be used by the VF partners. The dashboard features state-of-The art business intelligence and provides data visualization, user interfaces and menus to support VF partners to execute collaborative processes. With advanced visualizations that produce quality graphics it offers a variety of information visualizations that brings the process data to life with clarity. This data visualization provides critical operational matrices (e.g. KPIs) required to manage virtual factories. Various technical aspects of this dashboard user interface portal are elaborated within the scope of this research such as installation instructions, technical requirements for the users and developers, execution and usage aspects, limitations and future works. The dashboard user interface portal presents different widgets according to the VF requirements that are to be needed to support the visualization and monitoring of various business processes within a VF. The research work highlighted in this paper is conceptualized, developed and validated within the scope of the European Commission NMP priority of the Seventh RTD Framework Programme for the ADVENTURE (ADaptive Virtual ENterprise ManufacTURing Environment) project. Copyright © 2014 SCITEPRESS - Science and Technology Publications.

Abstract
In the recent years, it has been confirmed both by theory and by practice that organisational models need to include networking strategies to cope with the current competitive environment. Different collaboration levels can characterise supply chains, virtual organisations (VO) and business communities; however, managing different networking scenarios is extremely important to allow SMEs to respond to market opportunities, ensuring a quick response, unique products with competitive prices and high product quality. This paper proposes an innovative methodological approach to support collaboration amongst SMEs for customised product design and manufacturing based on the VO concept. The work is based on mapping the methodology with the most important processes characterising the life of a VO and defining the operative practices to be performed within this type of network. This paper presents two case studies in the fashion industry, where the proposed approach for network management was tested and analysed.