Abstract: Today's usage of Decision Support Systems (DSS), combined with vetted PLM knowledge bases, allows organizations to save time and money, achieving better and more reliable/fully-documented decisions, a quantum improvement over the widely-used subjective process of selecting complex enterprise software...

Abstract: Promising to transform the way products are developed, product lifecycle management (PLM) is one of the fastest-growing areas of technology investment for retailers and brands alike. But why should your company consider PLM? Find out why successful PLM implementations are initiated to support key strategic objectives, and how PLM can ultimately improve your profitability through enhanced operational efficiency.

Abstract: It may come as a surprise to you, but every organization that brings a product to market already has a product lifecycle management (PLM) system in place. And the choices as to which software tools or system an organization should employ in its initiatives should be entirely based on the review and assessment of its current PLM system.

Abstract: Superior order management can provide you with a competitive edge across the board. To move closer to order perfection and a truly loyal customer base, you must cost-effectively eliminate the issues preventing on-time, accurate order fulfillment. This involves every process, including planning and forecasting, acquiring and creating accurate orders and contracts, handling order changes, and resolving fulfillment and post-delivery problems.

Abstract: When raw materials providers, manufacturers, and retailers work together to calculate future order needs, they can all act on the best information available. Successful order forecast collaboration requires all members to share risks if forecasts vary, and to discuss issues as they arise. Accurate order forecasts drive sales increases, inventory decreases, and better decisions. With so many benefits across the entire demand chain, shouldn’t you look into order forecast collaboration with your partners?

Abstract: Engineer-to-order (ETO) manufacturing needs a high level of integration between ERP and PLM systems. This article points out that ERP and PLM solutions are moving toward each other to achieve more organic data and process connectivity.

Abstract: Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions have to work with many other systems, not just ERP, so integration is not a new issue for PLM vendors. Most PLM vendors recognize the need for integration and have addressed the need in their toolkits. The additional work comes from integrating the concepts and semantics of one system to the next, if this business level integration has not already been provided between the two systems. This can be a big challenge for best of breed vendors, who may need to rely on systems integrators for much of this conceptual and semantic integration.

Abstract: There are two major genres of PLM solution: CAD-PLM and ERP-PLM. These two types have different integration capabilities, but the gap between them is shrinking thanks to various factors driving the market. Currently, however, the difference still matters in the solution selection process.

Abstract: In today's competitive engineer-to-order (ETO) manufacturing environment, procuring components on time and within budget is crucial. With rising fuel costs and increased international trade, supply chain management software can help ETO organizations get—and stay—ahead of the competition.

Abstract: The requirements of the engineer-to-order (ETO) environment create special challenges for capital equipment manufacturers. Traditional material requirements planning (MRP) techniques don’t account for these manufacturers’ needs. Before you invest in manufacturing software, you should carefully consider 10 questions to ensure that software vendors are focused on your business and can deliver the solution you need.

Abstract: Engineer-to-order (ETO) and project-based companies look to information technology (IT) to improve processes and gain a competitive edge. However, building complex products to exact customer specifications requires unique software. But what exactly are the software requirements of ETO and project-based manufacturers? Remember, the wrong software can cost about the same as the right software—until you try to use it!

Abstract: Adaptiveness in the manufacturing sector depends on being able to push decision making to the shop floor. But that’s often easier said than done. However, manufacturing intelligence dashboards aggregate content from the full range of manufacturing systems into a single view of operations. These role-specific dashboards thus enable employees to manage manufacturing performance, and respond quickly to changes.

Abstract: Maintaining a competitive advantage is paramount, no matter what business you operate within. Engineer-to-order (ETO) companies that produce complex products, usually in low volumes, and with project control techniques, are no exception. A lean enterprise involves the reduction or elimination of any activity that does not add value to a customer. In order to effectively utilize lean, lean concepts must be taken from the manufacturing floor and used thorough the ETO enterprise. This paper demonstrates how IFS applications supports the principles of developing a lean enterprise for ETO organizations. It demonstrates how process improvements apply equally to office-based functions, manufacturing, installation, and service activities.

Abstract: Order-driven manufacturers—those who engineer-to-order (ETO), assemble-to-order (ATO), and make-to-order (MTO)—face numerous challenges. To stay competitive, they must contend with increased competition, more demanding customers, and the need to refine business processes. Learn how enterprise resource planning (ERP) software can help your company meet marketplace challenges and create sustainable competitive advantages.

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: Regardless of size or purpose, business processes within a company rely heavily on the dependability of assets for successful operations. Enterprise asset management (EAM) solutions can help companies monitor their assets, including a feature that allows documents to be attached to a work order. But printing the work order and its attachments is not always so simple. Learn how automated work order software can help.

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: The plm user landscape is changing

Abstract: A Process PLM system must accommodate rapid, global deployment of the system. This need drives specific requirements to minimize both the start-up and the long-term cost of ownership of the system. This article, third in a series details those requirements.