The MSkin co-engineering net

Abstract

The Mastrit Skin project intends to develop two new technologies in two consecutive phases: Stage 1, a device to capture and catalogue in an automatic way defects on worked skins providing leather digital maps with measurable quality parameters and Stage 2, a B2B platform capable of providing new services such as the e-procurement and the nesting of leather. The proposed device to be developed, MSkin Intelligent Quality Control System, is composed of three main elements: 1) the Leather Quality Reference Model, 2) the Modular Acquisition System and 3) the IT system (the database and leather e-configurator). The integration of these components into a unique product and its launch to the market is planned to be accomplished by the MSkin co-engineering network. This collaborative net will merge different SME's competencies in order to design, manufacture and sell in the best efficient way the innovative MSkin Intelligent Quality Control System (iQCS). The current paper will describe: the MSkin Collaborative Net strategy, the market analysis realized, the proposed business model and the core business processes to be carried out to develop and launch the proposed new technology. The prototype of the MSkin Intelligent Quality Control System is planned to be delivered in June 2006, so the formation and integration of the network should be accomplished during the same period of time to deliver the expected results. © 2004 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.