Solutions for document-based communication

To date, says Mike Morel, director of manufacturing solutions for Adobe Systems, the company's game plan in the industry has revolved around its PostScript printer language and Acrobat PDF file format, supplemented by technologies like its LiveCycle Policy Server document control and security capability.

The result is an "intelligent document" that to a greater or lesser degree can transform a document-based business process such as for product development or sourcing. Disparate information—e.g., Microsoft Word files, Excel spreadsheets, and 3D drawings—circulate amongst interested parties in secure bundled packages, but need only the free Acrobat Reader to be opened.

Now, says Morel, the intention is to go further by exploiting synergies based on Adobe's recent acquisitions—most obviously Macromedia, but also other smaller purchases.

"We can deliver information just about anywhere because the Macromedia Flash and Adobe PDF formats are on a huge number of desktops," says Morel.

"Information within the supply chain is very, very complex—quality, RoHS, WEEE, other compliance information," explains Morel. "It's no longer just data on order quantities and shipment dates." Adobe pulls required data from systems of record, packages it, and delivers it securely as required.

Adobe's new Work Instruction solution extracts information from manufacturing and engineering systems, packages it, and makes it available on the factory floor 24/7 without having to access the originating enterprise applications.