Abstract: Primarily due to rapid development of technology in the past thirty years, the market structure throughout the world has changed considerably. Local markets have become accessible to foreign manufacturers, who are able to perform well in their newly established territories in part due to their superior application of technology. In this light, most companies, including small and medium size, have embedded globalization in their expansion strategies, consistently seeking for new markets abroad. Consequently, local manufacturing companies are facing global competition, forcing them to adopt new concepts with respect to people, process and technologies. This document describes these approaches to production planning in detail as well outlines a software solution. The software solution (Production/3) combines both pull and push techniques and enables small to medium size organizations to fully automate their production system while retaining their investment in their legacy enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

Abstract: With a turnover of CHF 85 billion and 470 sites, Nestle is the world's largest food group. Learn how Nestle is able to plan its production and to accommodate finite capacity calculations in terms of manpower and material resources, strategic material availability, and through the significant production constraints of Nestle's different production environments.

Abstract: In searching for tools to implement an effective application-security strategy, managers have a choice between two technological approaches: dynamic analysis and static analysis. Available in a variety of freeware and commercial automated tools, both approaches promise comprehensive detection of security vulnerabilities. But a truly effective strategy may require a mix of both.

Abstract: Enterprises understand the value of integration. One area that has been ignored is the plant. Plant systems and corporate systems must be complementary and leverage each other to provide their maximum value. Production intelligence provides both integration and valuable information which is not available in either type of system.

Abstract: WebTrends will begin offering an Application Service Provider (ASP) solution for web traffic analysis. The offering has options both for traditional traffic analysis and for commerce analysis. The product is also free to personal web sites.

Abstract: Iwate Toshiba, a semiconductor fabricator, sought a supply chain solution to resolve recurring production issues. The solution had to be capable of quickly planning and scheduling lots during peak production, providing accurate order commitments, reducing planning cycles for production, optimize use of production resources, and achieving a more accurate supply chain model by integrating business planning with factory-level scheduling.

Abstract: The textile industry is famous for its very different characteristics when compared to industries in either process or discrete manufacturing. Developing production planning and scheduling software for any textile mill is a real challenge even for seasoned industry experts. This article focuses on some of the unique challenges posed to master requirement planning and master production scheduling (MRP / MPS) software vendors by the textile industry.

Abstract: Invensys has created a new group within its Production Management Division called Invensys Production Solutions. The group includes the PRISM and Protean process ERP products plus the resources of Invensys Validation Services group. While the unit should have much strength, it also has certain liabilities that must be addressed.

Abstract: Manufacturers know that production scrap can come from just about anywhere: from the ordered parts that don’t fit into a finished assembly, or from a physical prototype you’ve used and discarded. Whatever the case, the scrap—and any rework needed to fix the problem—costs you time or money, or both. Learn how you can overcome the most serious causes of production scrap with a product lifecycle management (PLM) solution.

Abstract: Learn how Welch's found a solution that would give it the ability to optimize and coordinate its short-term production schedules while building long-term master production schedule (MPS) based on the capacity constraints, inventory targets, and manpower.

Abstract: The bid/no-bid analysis is the assessment, whether quantitative, qualitative, or usually both, of risks inherent to the choice of whether submitting or not submitting an offer upon receipt of an invitation to do so. If you decide to submit a bid, you will send a letter of intent to express you intention to bid. At the contrary, if you find the opportunity not so appealing that you decided not to bid, you are highly encouraged to send the requesting organization a no-bid letter. Learn tips on how to run a professional, effective bid/no-bid analysis

Abstract: While network complexity and bandwidth demands continue to increase, applications such as voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) increase performance requirements. Today’s network administrators need versatile monitoring and analysis tools to quickly troubleshoot and monitor security and compliance. Retrospective network analysis (RNA) tools let you go “back in time” to reconstruct failure or attack. Discover the benefits.

Abstract: Designed to be agile and dependable, financial analysis solutions can bring clarity to the reasons behind your company’s growth, and help steer you toward future growth. Learn how financial analysis solutions enhance the value of your existing business support systems, and distill enterprise-wide information to answer the question: How can we increase revenue, maximize profits, and increase our competitive advantage?

Abstract: Having realized the savings that can be generated by managing corporate spending, many organizations are now aiming to employ and leverage spend analysis to implement sourcing and procurement strategies. Is quality data the cornerstone of successful spend analysis? Most of us would say yes, without hesitation. However, if you dig deeper, you might be in for a surprise.

Abstract: Cold Jet is a pioneer in the research and development of dry ice blasting and production technology. But in 2003, the Ohio (US)-based company uncovered serious disconnects between inventory and production, sales, and finance. Worse, its California (US) plant still used the systems implemented under previous ownership. Weekly updates between production and accounting were fraught with errors. Something had to be done.

Abstract: The complexity of the metal manufacturing process often poses problems when it comes to planning and scheduling production. The sector’s many different processes often cause bottlenecks that slow down production—not only within plants, but throughout entire supply chains. With an industry-specific production planning and scheduling system, manufacturers can improve productivity, reduce lead times, and increase revenues.

Abstract: Enterprise impact analysis is the heart of the incident management process. Unlike threat-based risk assessments, this analysis focuses on the business impacts, regardless of the cause. Delving into the functions of enterprise elements, the analysis evaluates how any interruption will affect normal functioning. It also provides a framework for determining what’s relevant—and what isn’t relevant—to managing the incident.

Abstract: Webcom Limited is a Canadian book manufacturer specializing in custom book production. Its heterogeneous IT infrastructure was resulting in discontinuous information flow, which impeded staffers’ abilities to collaborate throughout the steps of a book’s production. But when Webcom Limited migrated to an integrated Microsoft business management system, it saw a 33 percent improvement in the automation of job production workflow.