Proposal of a reference model for fashionable and healthy goods production in SME networks

In order to stay competitive, European manufacturing companies need to enter new market segments implementing innovative production methodologies to strengthen their collaborative networks. Consumer needs and expectations of specific target groups - such as elderly, obese, disabled, or diabetic persons - are arising as challenging opportunities for European consumer goods companies which are asked to supply small series of functional and fashionable products of high quality, affordable price and eco-compatible. This paper aims at proposing an innovative collaborative Reference Model that supports in Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) supply networks in meeting the needs of specific consumer target groups. © 2012 IEEE.