Manufacturing Business Technology - November 1, 2008

Vertellus Specialties, a $450-million-a-year manufacturer of chemicals, could be the subject of two business-school case studies. One would explore the reasons behind the company's history of mergers & acquisitions. The other would document why the company settled on a single ERP system to support the business through those transitions.

• Columnists
• In Perspective
• Alison Smith: Manufacturing operations Q4 wrap-up: Not the perfect storm we expected
• Cindy Jutras: Shifting sands of globalization require a firm applications base
• Viewpoint
• Sidney Hill, Jr.: I've seen the future, and it's SOA-enabled

• Computing Infrastructure
• Voice-directed warehousing & distribution report speaks to new heights in accuracy
• Almost business as usual: Software AG remains upbeat despite global economic crisis
• Trying to pick a winner: Competing industrial wireless standards stir—rather than clarify—issues

• Enterprise/Supply Chain
• ERP-enabled response management fulfills dynamic customer demand
• Change your view: Enterprise vendors want users to embrace ERP as a strategic tool
• Packaging solutions specialist supports end-user versatility with an ETO/CTO business model
• Automotive supplier finds system to support Lean internal processes, customer requirements
• In brief: Epicor fends off takeover
• Executive decision: Know when and how to choose a turnaround consultant

• Plant Operations
• Employee misunderstanding: Use assessment technology to rate confidence and competence
• World view: Manufacturers make the most of the multiplant model

• Product Engineering
• Open secrets: Globalization requires manufacturers to allow controlled access to intellectual property

• Views From the Front
• Cradle to grave: IBM Consulting PLM offering makes for greener products, processes
• Before you sign: Consider the pros and cons of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) adoption
• Six categories, one big prize: WTG honors manufacturers for game-changing business process projects
• Hurricane strength: 3PLs use software to smooth supply chain disruptions
• Managing innovation: Microsoft forum showcases tools, processes for successful product development