Jim Fulcher, Contributing Editor
Articles
Construction equipment firm masters transportation management with Sterling Commerce solution
For manufacturers, managing transportation costs is a constant juggling act. The challenge is identifying and implementing cost-savings techniques without hindering customer service. Given a choice, supply chain managers usually will expedite shipments for a valued customer, says Patrick Connaughton, senior analyst, sourcing and vendor management, at Forrester Research, Cambridge, Mass.
Bluetooth-enabled barcode scanners boost warehouse productivity
蓝牙技术的投入en users a new level of freedom in the way they operate computing and communications devices. Being able to talk on a cell phone—and keep both hands on the steering wheel—while driving is a prime example. Now that same level of freedom is being given to warehouse workers, thanks to the introduction of a Bluetooth-enabled bar code scanner by LXE, a manufac...
New mobile solution gives service engineers accurate, timely customer information
解决当前的经济条件下,越来越多number of manufacturers have adopted two goals: improve customer service and boost the revenue stream from service. The good news is that it is possible to work toward both goals simultaneously by deploying a field service solution that equips service technicians with mobile devices.
Unilever betting on "demand sensing" to weather volatile market conditions
The potential ramifications of errors in a company's forecast are clear: A company may face declining customer satisfaction, loss of revenue, and, sometimes as a consequence, additional cost stemming from carrying increased inventory used as safety stock. The resulting pressure to improve forecasting accuracy is perhaps most keenly felt by companies in the often volatile consumer products market...
Workforce managment software makes lean staffs more efficient
Since adopting workforce management software, Briggs & Stratton has reduced its workforce by 20 percent while also increasing throughput. "We estimate that's saved us about a million dollars," says John Guy, VP, Supply Chain and Distribution, Briggs & Stratton.
Open-source software can close functional gaps
Users like the flexibilty that comes with open-source ERP, but some think vendors should offer more education on the differences between open-source software and traditional applications.
Workforce management solutions offer guidance for making lean staffs more efficient
Since deploying a workforce management solution, Briggs & Stratton has been able to reduce its workforce by 20 percent while also increasing throughput.
Design outsourcing: Symphony Services has grown by harmonizing with client needs
Leaner staffs undoubtedly will cause manufacturers outsource some manufacturing and product design. Companies that operatate as business partners are more useful, especially in product design. Symphony Services explains how this relates to expansion into India and China.
Product development in 3D
Design for manufacturability—the idea of taking the company’s manufacturing capabilities into account during new product design—is not a new concept. What is new is the growing movement among manufacturers to integrate product life-cycle management (PLM) and production management software as the means for delivering product design data to the plant floor.
MAGNET for growth: Invention Machine data platform leads to sustainable, repeatable product innovation
Best-in-class companies tend to rely on IT—especially collaboration-oriented applications—to support their product-development processes. Goldfire Innovator, a software platform from Invention Machine, makes it easy to manage data from both internal and external sources, allowing design teams to share ideas about products as they are being developed.