-- Three times more likely to have implemented open architecture
automation systems.
-- Two times more likely to have manufacturing execution systems (MES) or
enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution implementations that are
readily configurable to changes in the production process.
-- Thirty-five percent more likely to have advanced planning and
scheduling (APS) implementations, which are utilized in dynamic decision-
making and have supply chain visibility, bottleneck constraint modeling,
and lean manufacturing optimization functionality.
According to Matthew Littlefield, Manufacturing Research Analyst with
Aberdeen Group, "Manufacturers are indicating to us that they are being
pressured to reduce the use of demand uncertainty buffers, such as finished
goods inventory and lead time, while at the same time experiencing
increases in the demand uncertainty they are attempting to buffer against.
The only way for manufacturers to successfully address this conflict is to
improve both their system performance and dynamic decision-making
capabilities."
Littlefield adds, "Our research shows the most effective way to improve
overall manufacturing flexibility is to focus on improving two main aspects
of the manufacturing process: production capabilities and dynamic
decision-making." Recommendations include:
-- On the shop floor, move towards utilizing open architecture automation
systems.
-- MES and ERP implementations that are highly configurable to changes in
the production process should also be utilized to improve production
capabilities.
-- An APS solution, either standalone or as an ERP extension, should be
utilized to improve dynamic decision-making. The APS solution should have
supply chain visibility, production constraint visibility, and lean
manufacturing optimization functionality.
More than 200 manufacturers participated in the study, including Advanced
Micro Devices, The Coca-Cola Co., ConocoPhillips, DuPont, Ford Motor Co.,
and Unilever. This study is made available to the public through the
underwriting of: Factory Physics, Inc., Infor, Lawson, nMetric, and
Synchrono. To obtain a complimentary copy of the report, visit:
http://www.aberdeen.com/link/sponsor.asp?cid=3859
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Contact Information: Media Contact: Matthew Littlefield Aberdeen Harte-Hanks (617) 854-5204 matthew.littlefield@aberdeen.com