Manufacturing Business Technology

• EAI advisory: Winshuttle data-entry solution simplifies changes in SAP without straining IT
  
  Jim Fulcher, contributing editor (jimfulcher@comcast.net), February 20, 2009
  You’ve heard the call, but it’s time for manufacturers to “do more with less.” Research out of Boston-based Aberdeen Group shows some companies doing just that. How? In a survey of more than 150 companies, the key strategy of the best-in-class is integrating desktop tools with enterprise applications to improve productivity.
  
  
• Sky’s the limit: Cloud technology heightens affordability, reduces deployment of supply chain execution software
  
  By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff, February 20, 2009
  Regardless of size, distribution centers can more readily implement supply chain execution software at any number of locations with increased speed, low capital outlay, and without making additional investments in IT hardware by choosing to operate their systems via Internet cloud technology.
  
  
• Important first: Simulation software integrates with Google 3D Warehouse; offers free 3D objects
  
  , February 18, 2009
  
  
• Fortify says: U.S. government needs software-security assurance processes for open source
  
  By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff, February 18, 2009
  
  
• Siemens PLM partners with Capgemini for integrated supplier relationship management
  
  By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff, February 18, 2009
  
  
• Lead-time alert: When the economy gets bad, project-based companies create more cash
  
  Sanjeev Gupta, CEO & president, Realization Technologies, February 18, 2009
  By staying away from the traditional “cut back on all expenses and lay people off” approach, successful project execution management-oriented companies can generate more money more quickly. Not only will the project approach keep companies vibrant now, but it will increase market share and enlarge profits in the near future when the economy returns.
  
• World-class in high-tech: Digital River enhances global e-commerce platform
  
  By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff, February 18, 2009
  A new regulatory fee management tool enable consumer electronics companies to meet complicated recycling and copyright regulations when selling online.
  
  
• Sickening staples: Peanut butter recall highlights our need for a culture of responsibility
  
  Frank O Smith, senior contributing editor (fosmith@thewritinggroup.com), February 18, 2009
    The story behind salmonella-tainted products from Peanut Corp. of America has resulted in consumer wariness for all peanut-based products. Could some of the losses resulting from this tragedy have been prevented via enhanced traceability? The answer is a resounding “yes,” as the retail industry has developed a set of standards for the traceability of various food products that rely upon EDI, data synchronization, bar-code labels, and RFID.
  
  
• Easy data access: IQMS releases “smart” user interfaces
  
  By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff, February 13, 2009
  
  
• My American Jobs: New organization set to offer manufacturing certification for American companies using U.S.-based materials, components
  
  By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff, February 13, 2009
  Tiered certification now is offered for American-produced goods that contain 50 percent to 100 percent U.S.-made materials.
  
  
• Recycling rewards: Coca-Cola earns Gold Medal for sustainable development
  
  By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff, February 13, 2009
  The World Environment Center's Gold Medal for International Corporate Achievement in Sustainable Development went to The Coca-Cola Company for strategic business initiatives in the high impact areas of water stewardship, sustainable packaging, energy management, and climate protection.
  
• Brave faces: Communication strategies for uncertain times
  
  Liz Bywater, PhD (News Release Wire), February 13, 2009
  According to communications specialist Dr. Liz Bywater, "Leadership in uncertain times calls for superior communication characterized by unwavering honesty, clarity, and a healthy dose of inspiration." In the February issue of Bywater Journal, Dr. Bywater offers tips for outstanding communication in today's challenging times.
  
  
• Managed services: TCO model captures the cost benefit of B2B outsourcing
  
  Frank O Smith, senior contributing editor (fosmith@thewritinggroup.com), February 13, 2009
  The slow economy and rapid growth in technical areas means companies will have to invest capital at a time when it’s in short supply. That’s where managed services can be viewed as an attractive alternative. But some companies are still skeptical of the perceived risks and costs associated with a managed services provider. A new total cost of ownership (TCO) model offered by B2B e-commerce provider GXS helps companies answer the question: In-house, or outsourced?
  
  
• Merger fallout: ILOG supply chain customers welcomed into the "IBM family"
  
  Sidney Hill, Jr., Executive Editor (shill@reedbusiness.com), February 13, 2009
  Even though its new parent company is known more for supplying IT infrastructure products—rather than business applications—ILOG says it will not abandon users of its packaged supply chain management solutions. In fact, company executives say being part of IBM will allow ILOG to deliver more product enhancements—and offer a higher level of service—than it could as an independent company.
  
  
• Apply Lean to supply chains
  
  By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff, February 12, 2009
  The nonprofit Lean Enterprise Institute (LEI) now offers an expanded training schedule for how to apply lean principles in supply chain, logistics, warehouse, and material handling operations.
  View the list of upcoming workshops.
  
• Double-play project: Rawlings to hit batting cages early using AtTask PPM solutions
  
  By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff, February 11, 2009
  Rawlings, a name synonymous with baseball since 1877, has chosen AtTask project and portfolio management (PPM) solutions to establish transparency, reduce costs, and drive new product introduction.
  
  
• Green supply: PowerGenix sets up SigmaQuest quality management platform for battery manufacturing processes
  
  By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff, February 11, 2009
  The green battery industry’s acceptable failure rates are said to be some of the most stringent of any industry. To that end, SigmaQuest’s suite of on-demand solutions will enable real-time insight to PowerGenix’ manufacturing operations.
  
• Beyond the tactical: Five strategies for using S&OP to drive maximum benefit
  
  David Johnston, senior VP, JDA Software Group, February 11, 2009
  Everyone’s talking about next-generation-S&OP solutions and the value they can bring to an organization. But how do companies actually drive the maximum value out of these solutions and turn S&OP implementation into tangible ROI? Here are five strategies for maximizing the benefits of next-gen S&OP.
  
• No coding required: Cross-platform ERP vendor taps open source community dialogue to continually deliver system enhancements
  
  Frank O Smith, senior contributing editor (fosmith@thewritinggroup.com), February 11, 2009
  Open source ERP vendor xTuple wants you to be clear about what’s meant when talking about open source software—and be clear about the benefits. First: It’s not necessarily free.
  
• CDC Software to acquire business activity monitoring specialist WKD Solutions
  
  By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff, February 11, 2009