The HUB as an Enabling IT Strategy to Achieve Smart Organizations

Abstract

This chapter introduces the concept of virtual enterprise broker (VEB) supported by the use of a “HUB” of integrated e-services as an enabling IT strategy to design and create smart organizations. The VEB model is described in terms of core processes, success measures, and supporting ICT (information and communication technologies). The VEB is a business entity that enables the design, configuration, creation, and operation of smart organizations. VEB core processes are supported by e-services integrated in a “HUB” (The concept of HUB refers to a proposed centre of integrated e-services for virtual business) that is supported by Web-based applications and technologies. Six integrated e-services have been defined, based on the concept of on-demand services for value added industrial networks: e-marketing, e-brokerage, e-planning, e-engineering, e-supply, and e-productivity. The conjunction of these e-services improves industrial networks performance. A description of the e-services and HUB architecture is presented in detail.