While it provides a common medium for communications, it fragments production processes, making then more difficult to model. Traditionally design, development and production were under the manufacturer's direct control. The internet provides a way for them to communicate. Manufacturing traditionally has a lot of friction in information flow. He says this level of communication is essential because of the demands of modern manufacturing.
Products nowadays are so complex that no single company can do everything.
Customers are demanding more customisation and becoming more involved in defining products. So you have to outsource. Manufacturers can, he says, go some way to regaining control by building on internet communications and linking all those involved in the production cycle. Manufacturers have to get their main suppliers into the loop and communicate with them throughout design and development. Otherwise you end up with people not knowing about changes and design decisions until it is too late.