The development of a virtual factory in wood processing and furniture manufacturing

Non-flexible production structure can no longer survive on a turbulent market, since it can react to changes only with a major lag. In order to satisfy specific customer needs related to performance, quality, quantity, cost and terms, it is necessary to restructure the existing factories that are still organized according to Taylor principle. One of reconstruction possibilites is the implementation of new co-operation forms that lead to virtual factories. For a virtual factory to be efficient, it needs to utilize modern communication-information technology. This paper presents and analizes basic communication-information technologies that can be used to connect principants within the virtual factory. The factory of the future will permanently develop. Its contours and structures will not be clearly recognized as it would be those of traditional factory, but will have virtual reality characteristics. New business relationships will be even stronger and longer, just like connection with suppliers and customers. This requires permanent, detailed restructuring and reorganization for enterprises network and new-sophisticated communication-information technologies. That is the future of many Croatian furniture manufacutring and wood products. With that conception, the real virtual factory will the influence market and costs of furniture and wood products. Our firms will be more competitive and profitable.