MBT Whitepapers
By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff -- Manufacturing Business Technology, 7/18/2007 1:45:00 PM
Early and often: The case for Enterprise PLM
Today the product-development process must reach far beyond the engineering function to achieve cost-effectiveness, quality, and timeliness. That means getting input from across the enterprise. Problem is global business models can constrain that kind of collaboration. Enterprise PLM is a methodology to simplify it all, putting product-related data into a clear, visual format that anyone can understand and use.
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Digital rights management solutions secure sensitive information wherever it goes
A collaborative business model delivers enormous benefits, but also presents a real threat to intellectual property (IP). One breach can destroy a company’s competitive position.
The best way of thwarting IP threats is using technology to embed automatic digital rights management (DRM) capabilities in business processes. Advanced DRM solutions will policy-protect your documents while facilitating customized access control. This white paper is your primer for DRM technology.
Global Engineering: It’s your recipe for “More with Less”
While almost all organizations are reducing direct costs of engineering using global engineering centers or partner organizations in low-cost countries, they still could be achieving higher value through increased innovation, access to best-in-class global talent, and robust practices found in a lean global engineering model.
This white paper takes you through such a model via a “structured transformation” process, including a sound and structured road map for lean global engineering.
Effective Performance Management: How to Integrate Methods and Move to Proactive Decisions
There is real promise in performance management. Companies that approach it broadly while linking its methods can avoid the usual pitfalls. Learn how to use predictive modeling and analytics to test outcomes and make decisions that actually move performance measures in the right direction. Download this white paper to start up your own action plan now.
Five questions counterfeiters and competitors don't want you to ask
The worldwide impact of counterfeiting reaches hundreds of billions of dollars in lost revenue annually. And the fact is, high-tech and traditional manufacturing industries suffer some of the heaviest losses. Weathering today's economic challenges requires more than cutting costs. This white paper lists five questions that, when answered, will help you develop an effective strategy to protect your profits and restore your brand advantage.
Misplaced priorities: It's time to fix the reverse-logistics process
A recent MBT survey finds widespread ambivalence among manufacturing management about the returns-management process. It's underscored by the fact that 81 percent of survey respondents list phone, fax, email -even regular mail- as the primary means of interacting with customers on returns. There's a better way, and it's found in online mechanisms that allow customers to initiate requests for returns. Automating the returns process will lead to cost reductions, enhanced customer service, process efficiency gains, and employee empowerment for better decision-making. It's time to think about automating your returns-management processes. This white paper tells you how.
The Evolution of data collection: New software upgrades networks without replacing existing terminals
Open standards make it easy for manufacturers and others to make best use of data-gathering resources.
Dispelling APS Myths
In this latest white paper, the 10 most prevalent myths around advanced planning & scheduling (APS) systems are exposed for what they really are. And in their place, 10 real-life examples of manufacturers using APS to gain real-world benefits that are even more appealing in the current economic climate.
APS and Lean - Allies not Adversaries
In this latest white paper, the historical reasons why APS and Lean have been seen as mutually exclusive are exposed and shown to be increasingly out-of-date. Research from Boston-based Aberdeen Group demonstrates how APS, Lean, and ERP working together is the forward in achieving world-class manufacturing.
Sky High Reliability
Rugged, flexible data-tracking solution brings efficiency to harsh working environments. When AMESOL Peru, S. A., a systems integrator specializing in workforce management solutions, was asked to install an application to monitor employee time and attendance and other activities at several gold and copper mines, system reliability was the top priority. Learn how the system AMESOL selected - a flexible application linked to rugged and versatile fixed data terminals - has made it easy to keep accurate records on workers' activities even in the harsh environments of gold and copper mines.
Respond to change: It’s time to transfer the six attributes of a Lean supply chain over to operations
One manufacturing concept stands out as most successful: the methodologies of lean. This white paper offers a comprehensive look at lean manufacturing and how it can be applied to supply chain management as set forth by six basic attributes: demand management; process, product, and industry standardization; collaboration; and cultural change.
How application performance can drive ROI on your PLM investment
Companies spend millions of dollars on PLM applications -often only to see the benefits go largely unrealized. If you're considering a PLM solution -or trying to maximize the ROI of your existing implementation- learn how Akamai can enhance application performance and make your investment more effective and profitable.
Content management vs. knowledge management
This e-book, offered by customer experience management specialist InQuira, identifies the key differences between a CMS and a knowledge management system (KMS), and makes the case for why a KMS platform is essential for managing knowledge-driven Web sites.
See How a Growing Business Can Stay Lean
Download this whitepaper to read how BAT chose -and successfully implemented- a warehouse management system that continues to accommodate its growing production volume without abandoning its lean manufacturing principles.
Asset Visibility
Through a recent survey, SAP found that few companies are collecting data needed to measure asset performance in real-time. Register for this white paper, Asset Visibility, to learn about the importance of real-time asset management—and how to put it work in your business.
A new approach to tracking time and saving money
With corporate budgets getting tighter everyday, the ability to track employees’ time and attendance is more important than ever. Not only does it help keep spending under control, but an accurate accounting of how much time employees spend on individual tasks makes it easier to set appropriate prices for products or services. That’s extremely important in highly competitive sectors like manufacturing. Learn about a cutting-edge solution to support this critical function.
Wireless applications promote better business decisions
Wireless devices prove their value when they provide real-time access to critical business information. That’s why a growing number of successful manufacturing companies are implementing end-to-end wireless data solutions by AT&T. Learn how manufacturers are boosting productivity through the use of AT&T real-time information and location-based services.
IT's role in the M&A process
Growth through acquisition has become a standard business strategy, largely because it provides quick access to new pools of customers. But many companies are finding their efforts at retaining those newly acquired customers are hindered by IT infrastructures that don’t support customer-friendly business processes. Manufacturing Business Technology recently surveyed more 260 executives at manufacturing companies about the challenges of managing merger and acquisition activity, and specifically the role IT plays in a merger’s eventual success or failure.
To SaaS or not to SaaS: A guide for choosing between on-premise and on-demand solutions
Conventional wisdom says the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model—with its faster, lower-cost implementations—is tailored for mid size companies. But the truth is deciding whether a SaaS or on-premise model is best for an organization requires an honest assessment of how well either model would help a company achieve its business goals. This whitepaper can aid in that assessment by dispelling the numerous myth associated with the SaaS model. Download the paper today to learn the truth about on-demand vs. on-premise software.
Regaining the competitive edge: How to boost operational excellence across the Americas
Mid-sized companies in the Americas are inclined to make bold statements about their commitments to operational excellence. But many executives admit that they have failed to back up these commitments with consistent action. A recent survey conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit revealed that mid-sized Americas companies lag their Asia-Pacific counterparts in acting on 11 key strategies for driving growth. It’s now wonder mid size companies in the Americas are at a competitive disadvantage. Read this whitepaper to discover which strategies can help your company maintain a competitive edge.
SaaS Realties: The benefits of SaaS-based ERP for small and mid size businesses
One of the many myths surrounding the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model is that it’s only suited for specialty applications like salesforce automation. In reality, there are many sound business reasons for adopting SaaS-based enterprise business applications, especially for small and medium size companies. Download this paper to discover the numerous ways in which a SaaS-based ERP system can help mid size manufacturers improve business operations, and better cope with the challenges like maintaining growth, staving off competition, and regulatory compliance.
Emcien Captures More Customers with Fewer Moving Parts
Customers demand more choices than ever, but manufacturers can't see details of buying patterns to determine what to offer. This leads to exploding configurations, growing inventory, inaccurate forecasts, longer lead times and lower profits.
In this case study, Emcien's on-demand software solution, EmcienMix™, helps a manufacturer create a lean product mix that aligns with customer demand in order to reduce costs and increase profits. EmcienMix analyzes sales data by market segment and model, and then bundles features to (1) reduce total configurations, (2) align with customer demand and (3) reduce inventory while increasing turns -- and it all translates into a 1.5% margin improvement.
Dynamic documents enhance product development
Manufacturers clearly recognize the strategic value of using product life-cycle management (PLM) solutions to support the collaborative creation and sharing of product-related information across the value chain. They also understand the value of having reliable documentation that can travel with a product throughout its lifecycle.
But few manufacturers have learned to successfully merge product content creation, management and publishing into their PLM processes. That requires dynamic documents that can aggregate data from multiple sources, and have the ability to be easily updated as products go through revision cycles. Such documents are, in essence, applications that ensure everyone involved in the product development process is also working with the latest, most accurate data and content available. Sponsored by Just Systems
There was a time when companies needed a distinct e-commerce strategy. Today, however, e-commerce should be ingrained into every company’s organizational fabric. Making e-commerce a normal business function requires comprehensive IT solutions that enable the constant creation of new processes that deliver real business value. Download this white paper to learn how the right IT solution can help your company turn e-commerce into a normal, every day business function. Sponsored by VAI
Benefits of lean front office explained
The fundamental goals of Lean manufacturing include reducing waste, increasing productivity, and improving quality. Shouldn’t those be goals for front-office operations as well?
Few companies put the same kind of focus on improving office workflows as they do for production. Access this white paper, “Extending lean initiatives across the organization,” to learn more about how Lean can be applied in the front office, and how you can be a champion for Lean in your company. You’ll learn about the role of information technology in effecting Lean in an age of computerized collaboration. Sponsored by Exact Software
Creating a more productive global workforce
Globalization has changed the nature of manufacturing workforces. Companies are no longer just multi-national; they are now multi-lingual and multi-cultural as well. This presents special challenges for executives charged with managing workforces that are spread across the globe. Among the biggest challenges is simply communicating information about company policies to the entire workforce and getting an accurate reading of how workers in various locations are performing.
Check out this free guide to see how the right IT solution can ease the transfer of workforce data across an entire global enterprise. You will see a short case study of how one company conquered both geographic and language barriers to boost worker productivity.
The front office as a lean machine
Few companies focus on improving office work flows as vigorously as they do manufacturing processes. But lean does address business process inefficiencies, and how the front office can be one lean machine. Read this white paper to learn more.
Access the white paper, “The front office as a lean machine”
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SaaS white paper series on business excellence
Learn how SMB manufacturers can flourish amidst globally seismic changes with a new generation of business applications—called on-demand or Software as a Service (SaaS)—that offers a new paradigm for gaining needed adaptability.
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Manufacturing execs: Be a champion for midmarket technology use
For midsize manufacturers you will want to know where your company fits today in the context of global change and increasing complexity. Access this white paper now to learn about emerging trends that include new planning and performance scenarios, and deeper integration with product, enterprise, and plant operations systems.
Access the white paper, “Manufacturing execs: Be a champion for midmarket technology use ”
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A growing number of companies are finding a new type of multi-channel selling and fulfillment system streamlines coordination, overcomes complexity, and presents a “single face” to the customer.
Access the white paper, “Sterling: A unified response”
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Overall labor effectiveness: Achieving a highly effective workforce
Many see OEE as an effective tool for operations management. However, OLE has the ability to measure cause and effect. Learn now how OLE shows how assets and employees come together to drive performance.
Access the white paper, “Overall labor effectiveness: Achieving a highly effective workforce”
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Optimizing performance across your supply chain
Learn more detail about the balanced scorecard methodology and the business intelligence framework needed to support it in this white paper, sponsored by Information Builders.
Access the white paper, “Optimizing performance across your supply chain?”
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Upgrading ERP isn’t your only option
Understand the opportunities for information-based productivity gain before committing the time, effort, and money.
Access the white paper, “What is your ERP solution NOT doing for your organization?”
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A comprehensive approach to information management to unify your business
How can a midsize manufacturer use a comprehensive approach to information management? Learn how by accessing this series of white papers covering subjects including multi-dimensional project, intellectual property, customer, engineering, and business-process management.
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Understand the emerging requirements and opportunities for your business.
Current topics in information management for midsize companies. Access a series of whitepapers on lean enterprise, business process management, ERP, value-cycle management, and more.
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Learn the facts about IT-related downtime in manufacturing and supply chain operations
Manufacturing Strategy: An Adaptive Perspective
Explore how SAP integrated solutions can help businesses compete effectively by enabling fast, flexible manufacturing processes that connect supply chains to factory processes, systems, and production equipment in a seamless, customer-centric network.
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A Strategy For Mastering Change And Efficiency In Manufacturing
See how SAP can help you use adaptive business networks as an effective strategy to introduce new products that meet customer needs, respond faster to supply chain signals, and optimize profit during order fulfillment.
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Pricing and Revenue Optimization: A Manufacturing Perspective
Discover how SAP can support you in cost-effectively managing pricing and revenue optimization as an end-to-end, closed-loop process monitored across three time-phased stages – strategic pricing, tactical pricing, and execution pricing.
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Adaptive Manufacturing: Enabling the Lean-Six Sigma Enterprise
Explore how to incorporate adaptive manufacturing processes in conjunction with Six Sigma Lean. The paper identifies the key processes and capabilities required for success and highlights SAP's capability in enabling these processes.
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Lean: the power of a single platform
Given a constant stream of real-time information, manufacturing systems produce masses of data. Synchronizing and reusing this knowledge reduces waste across manufacturing process domains and ensures the right data is available at the right time, contributing significantly to any company’s lean efforts. Here, Rolls-Royce and Alcatel Shanghai Bell discuss their use of digital tools and PLM to enforce lean processes.
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Configure, quote accurately—with speed and ease
Managing the configuration and quoting process for sale of complex products can be a cumbersome task. If nothing else, frequent updates to product features and pricing make it difficult to ensure all interested parties have the most current product specifications and price books. This challenge is compounded by the need for detailed data—typically dispersed among a variety of sources—to augment customer proposals.
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Moving from paper to digital Engineering Change Order management
The rise of global supply chains—which rely heavily on partner contributions to product designs—adds new challenges to the engineering change order process. Ideally, this process should be automated and standardized, with procedures that are easily understood—and easily executed—by everyone required to provide input into an engineering change. Creating an infrastructure that enables this type of seamless workflow is not particularly difficult. In most cases, it can be done by forging the right connections between a company’s existing engineering and business applications.
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Five big improvements in just five months
Enterprise system implementations can be invasive, disruptive, and even counter-productive, causing considerable expense, possibilities of wrenching business-process change, and gnawing uncertainty in the minds of employees. Yet surveys show midsize manufacturers are increasing investment in enterprise resource planning (ERP) to stay competitive. Manufacturers want the benefits of integrated data, streamlined processes, and managed inventory that ERP, as a system of record, brings to bear.
Support collaborative business processes with IT tools
Adobe platform facilitates product innovation through anywhere, anytime collaboration. No one can dispute that manufacturers need to get innovative products to market quickly. Numerous surveys have shown that launching a product late—after customer demand has started to cool—significantly decreases that product’s chances of succeeding. That explains why manufacturers spent nearly $12 billion on product life-cycle management (PLM) software last year, according to Daratech, a Cambridge, Mass.-based technology research firm.
Cognizant methodology puts project on the fast track
Mitsubishi Polyester Film remakes its enterprise-to-production system, for quality, visibility, and real-time decision making. Not long ago, Mitsubishi realized its aging material-flow tracking system needed replacing. Located in Greer, S.C., the business had long relied on Hewlett-Packard hardware to track work in process through its sprawling production facility. Not only was the system increasingly expensive to maintain, but—given today’s dynamic business environment—there were urgent requirements that were difficult to support. Interfacing the system to more modern applications, for example, was a significant challenge.
A vision for the integrated manufacturing enterprise
The complexity of today’s manufacturing operations—in bringing supply and demand into ever-closer alignment—makes coordination and collaboration the central project of the manufacturing enterprise. Unfortunately, the IT and applications solutions that manufacturers use to manage their business, products, customers, and operations artificially set bounds on information sharing. Based on its work with a wide range of manufacturers, EDS has derived a set of best practices pertaining to integrated product development.
