Manufacturing Business Technology - June 1, 2008

Uncovering the benefits of Software-as-a-Service, or SaaS, requires understanding the terms and technologies involved so everyone can ask the right questions. Corporate IT, discrete manufacturing, and continuous process operations all have unique considerations when it comes to deciding when and how to adopt SaaS applications, or move into the service-based world.

• Columnists
• Back Talk
• Sidney Hill, Jr.: The next planning variable may be carbon control
• In Perspective
• Alison Smith: The time has come for the Operations Data Warehouse
• Cindy Jutras: Don't overlook the basic plumbing that is ERP
• Up Front
• Kevin Parker: Says here the end game will be “platform as a service”

• Computing Infrastructure
• As SOA adoption solidifies, good governance is recognized as critical next step
• I/O worth millions: Weak economy signals IT's opportunity to improve data center performance
• Web paradigm arises as alternative to SOA
• IBM investments: Telelogic acquisition finalized; EnterpriseDB gets backing

• Enterprise/Supply Chain
• Beyond spreadsheets: Price management needs dedicated tools; market space still being defined
• Front-end sales tool brings newfound simplicity to complex products manufacture
• SAP SCM enhancements seek to simplify partner ecosystem interactions
• Outsourcing Central: IQMS enterprise module schedules SC movement; monitors work status
• Feel IT: Microsoft wants to earn your love for Dynamics
• Global corporations see advances in applying search to product data

• Plant Operations
• Next-gen DCS doubles as control system and “information hub”
• Turning plant operations over to the supply chain is a risky business
• Qualcomm wireless connectivity services let OEMs build out smarter machines

• Product Engineering
• Lightweight formats unlock 3D design intent
• History-free and feature-based: Siemens PLM Software unfurls its Synchronous Technology banner

• Views From the Front
• Interop/Software 2008 addresses distributed performance challenges inherent to PLM
• Durable goods unshipped orders hits new high; inventory increases raise red flag
• Statutory and custom-designed remedies speed the learning curve
• Ayoka brings American business acumen to apps development, systems integration
• Looming skills shortage prompts innovative workforce retention and recruiting strategies
• It's a pattern: SAS buys text mining specialist Teragram
• BPM for dummies: New book demystifies business process management