Enterprise Networks and Logistics for Agile Manufacturing presents a focused collection of quality chapters on state-of-the-art research efforts in the areas of enterprise networks and logistics, as well as their practical applications towards agile manufacturing. With the increasing decentralisation of manufacturing systems and outsourcing of processes, more robust and practical approaches and systems are needed to support agile manufacturing operations. Enterprise Networks and Logistics for Agile Manufacturing consists of two major sections: the first presents a broad-based review of the key areas of research in enterprise networks and logistics; the second focuses on an in-depth treatment of a particular methodology or system relevant to the book title. Examples include: • sustainable green supply chain; • value creation and supplier selection; • extended enterprise network management; • reverse logistics; and • innovative supply chain systems. The authors take into account the need to pose intellectual challenges while retaining a balanced approach in terms of scope versus depth and theory versus applications. Enterprise Networks and Logistics for Agile Manufacturing can be beneficial to academic researchers, practicing engineers and managers, and graduate students with an interest in any manufacturing sectors. It can enable them to better understand the present state and future trends of research in this important area, in order to position themselves strategically for future challenges as we enter the era of agile and distributed manufacturing.

Lihui Wang is a professor of virtual manufacturing at the University of Skövde’s Virtual Systems Research Centre in Sweden. He was previously a senior research scientist at the Integrated Manufacturing Technologies Institute, National Research Council of Canada. He is also an adjunct professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at the University of Western Ontario, and a registered professional engineer in Canada. His research interests and responsibilities are in web-based and sensor-driven real-time monitoring and control, distributed machining process planning, adaptive assembly planning, collaborative design, supply chain management, as well as intelligent and adaptive manufacturing systems. S.C. Lenny Koh is Chair in Operations Management, Director of the Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM) Research Centre, Associate Dean of Alumni Relations, and Head of the Operations Management Group at the University of Sheffield’s Management School, UK. She is also a co-founder of the Supply Chain Management and Information Systems (SCMIS) Consortium. Her industrial and research experiences include implementation and operations of MRP/MRPII/ERP systems, batch-manufacturing and high-tech environments, directorships/leaderships in the agricultural sector, directorships and management in the business-to-business and business-to-consumer food supply chains, business ventures and investment, uncertainty management, and low carbon and green supply chain.