Abstract: The challenges that face the manufacturing industry today are also opportunities. Manufacturing is being revolutionized in its processes, routines, and ways of doing business through the growing emergence of order driven production methods. This shift towards demand driven manufacturing is emerging in tandem with the larger currents caused by globalization. This cross industry brief focuses on the manufacturing industry from the standpoint of a demand driven IT solution and is aimed at manufacturing and distribution businesses. It describes some major market trends and issues, provides an overview of IBS supply chain solution, and offers details on how the IBS solution for demand driven manufacturing can address current needs of the industry.

Abstract: An integrated steel plant’s manufacturing processes typically encompass three distinct types of manufacturing—flow manufacturing, process manufacturing, and mill manufacturing—making such a plant a mixed-mode manufacturer. Software systems that address the diverse needs these manufacturers have cannot be emphasized more.

Abstract: Defining a systematic and repeatable COTS acquisition process (CAP). COTS Acquisition Process Method and References. Siemens COTS Acquisition Process Case Study. This paper introduces and describes a well-defined, systematic, and repeatable COTS acquisition process (CAP) and experience of using a tailored version of the process in a Siemens Business Unit.

Abstract: Business process management notation (BPMN) is an initiative to increase standardization within process modeling. What are the principles of BPMN, and what is the value of BPMN to vendors and organizations using business process modeling?

Abstract: Hiring the former APICS president to head its manufacturing industry efforts a year ago, the high profile acquisition of renowned manufacturing ERP provider J.D. Edwards this summer, and most recently, the acquisition of demand flow and lean manufacturing software solutions from JCIT, might indicate that PeopleSoft has finally gotten its manufacturing creed. Will these moves finally and lastingly establish it as a serious contender in the manufacturing enterprise resource planning (ERP) and supply chain management (SCM) space?

Abstract: North American process manufacturers face increasing challenges related to heightened security, pricing pressures, global competition, and rising costs. Thus, continuous improvement of processes is imperative to remaining competitive. How close is your company to world-class? And how focused are you on process improvement? Find out how get started on a process improvement strategy that will have long-term benefits.

Abstract: As apparel and textile companies move to outsourcing production—relinquishing direct control in favor of a more cost-effective manufacturing model—a lean supply chain may appear to be the next logical step for further implementing cost and operational improvement. Not so, however. You can’t have a lean supply chain without lean manufacturing. Regardless of whether you or your partners engage in production, lean manufacturing is the lean engine that drives lean supply chain efficiencies. Accordingly, the business requirement for stability in a constantly changing demand environment motivates the fashion industry’s search for lean supply chain management principles and practices. Intentia, in cooperation with industry experts, have written a series of thought leadership white papers on the concept of implementing lean supply chain in the fashion industry. The second of this series, From Lean Manufacturing to Lean Supply Chain explains how lean manufacturing relates to lean supply chain management and where it differs and sometimes conflicts.

Abstract: Process industry companies could benefit from many of the PLM concepts that have accrued to discrete industries. But PLM has had minimum penetration into the process industries. Why?

Abstract: Business process analysis (BPA) vendors are trying to enter the business process management (BPM) market by marketing themselves as BPM solutions. This article discusses the differences between BPA and BPM vendors, and examines the benefits of each.

Abstract: Even before the mega merger, PeopleSoft had already set it sights on a bigger manufacturing presence. PeopleSoft’s acquisition of mid-to-large ERP system developer J.D. Edwards this summer, and most recently demand flow and lean manufacturing software solution from JCIT, might indicate some deep though process rather than a number of impulse initiatives from the past.

Abstract: A superior lead-to-order (LTO) process is essential in today's environment of mass customization. Companies striving to build and maintain market share require an LTO process supported by robust IT and product configuration capabilities. Learn how optimizing your LTO process can help you implement a successful mass customization strategy, and how the benefits of an optimized LTO process relate to lean manufacturing.

Abstract: Life cycle development can be a complicated and intimidating process for many organizations. Are you struggling to adapt the development process successfully to your own projects? Do you want to use various formal life cycle processes such as Agile, Incremental, Spiral, and Waterfall, or various informal processes, such as extreme programming (XP) and others? Are you burdened by the development process? This paper will explain how you can simply and easily adopt any life cycle process.

Abstract: In today’s hyper-competitive markets, the process manufacturer/distributor faces extremely challenging opportunities that require re-visiting the once-thought basics in their industry. Global competition, with information technology riding on a backbone of totally new communications infrastructure can return great rewards for the early adoptors, users, and masters. We will explore the set of economic drivers specific to process manufacturing/distribution and how important that they be satisfied for an appropriately fitting ERP solution. We are not discussing common process/discrete ERP features or functionalities, only the major ones needed for process manufacturer and distributors.

Abstract: Vantage 8.0 is the next generation manufacturing solution developed by Epicor Software Corporation. It builds on the successes of the Vista, Vantage, Avanté and other associated discrete manufacturing product lines by introducing a total manufacturing solution for the midmarket. It is built to leverage the Microsoft® .NET Framework™ and Progressreg® OpenEdge™ Business Platform in order to provide a leading-edge technological solution that offers Epicor’s manufacturing customers a framework that will support their business needs now and in the future.

Abstract: When researching the right manufacturing software for your business, it is important to realize there is a difference between process and discrete software. A discrete software solution for a process manufacturing company will inevitably fall short, but after you identify your manufacturing operation and requirements, what is the next step? Learn about what guidelines to follow when viewing manufacturing software to ensure your company needs are addressed.

Abstract: The focus on process improvement continues to grow, and adoption of business process management (BPM) technology continues to rise despite slow-downs in other areas of business information technology. Discover how process improvement addresses common business issues that negatively impact operations at all levels of an organization, and learn about the increasing imperative to accelerate process improvement initiatives.

Abstract: As a process manufacturer, if you’re actively searching for the right enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, you should focus on those ERP solutions that have a strong process manufacturing foundation. These ERP applications support many industry best practices to which you can align your business processes. Discover how a process-oriented ERP system can help you successfully manage your process manufacturing needs.

Abstract: Performance reviews are an essential and productive use of employee and manager time. A well-defined competency model can discover insights into individual, workgroup, and even entire workforce performance, helping enterprises gain true business advantage in their industries and marketplaces. Employee consultations and reviews, appraisals, and developmental decisions no longer need to exist as isolated business functions.