Jim Fulcher, contributing editor (jimfulcher@comcast.net)
Articles
沟通:以知识为基础的解决方案解决IT helpdesk incidents “in one call”
The RightAnswers Unified Knowledge Suite offers users a “personalized,” knowledge-driven, self-service environment by capturing, combining, and enhancing an organization’s diverse knowledge, and then delivering it in a consistent and accessible format.
Alarming developments: Manufacturers rethink quality management to keep risk out of new product intros
To combat global competition during the U.S. economic downturn, some manufacturers have been reevaluating their quality management strategies. The belief is consistently high product quality will be the key differentiator in achieving competitive advantage.
Eco-friendly design: Software ensures all materials meet environmental standards
Doing business in other countries means understanding everything there is to know about environmental regulations. Product development specialist PTC helped the APC division of Schneider Electric do just that by leveraging InSight, a solution that supports product compliance tracking at the substance, material, part, and product levels.
Query this: Advanced search brings blue-sky simplicity to an enterprise PLM environment
It’s getting easier to conduct such searches within enterprise systems as vendors add in more refined functionality. For one, Aras, a Microsoft enterprise open-source software solution provider, says new options allow access to cloud-based search services in Microsoft Live Search and GlobalSpec’s Web-based engineering part, product, and specification database.
EAI advisory: Winshuttle data-entry solution simplifies changes in SAP without straining IT
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.
Small business advisory: Launching and managing EDI doesn’t call for undue IT burden
Starting up an EDI initiative can be a costly and time-consuming project for small and midsize businesses with limited IT resources when it comes to managing the software, network services, and support necessary for EDI. Read here about options that can facilitate an EDI launch.
Tight as a drum: RFID-enabled e-pedigree simplifies product tracking, traceability
There are plenty of valid applications for RFID, but sometimes the technology just doesn’t seem practical. Now that doesn’t have to be the case. Case-in-point involves Dow Corning, a global supplier of silicon-based technology, which recently implemented an RFID application to tag and track 55-gallon metal drums filled with liquids—materials that usually prevent reliable reads.
Chasing the rabbit: Expert resource reveals what makes a market leader
Executives and managers at industry-leading companies often focus on operations to continuously improve enterprise performance. But Steven Spear, a senior lecturer at Cambridge, Mass.-based MIT—in his book, Chasing the Rabbit—offers up a whole new look at innovative strategies used by notable companies that have established themselves as market leaders.
Voice-directed warehousing & distribution report speaks to new heights in accuracy
While much has been done to improve operations in distribution centers and warehouses, there's always room for improvement. In fact, results of a recent study conducted by Boston-based Aberdeen Group find best-in-class companies want to maximize organizational value across their supply chain operations.
Kepware partnerships solidify hardware/software connectivity
Manufacturers need information from equipment and lines on the plant floor, but the prevalent issue that remains connectivity between hardware and software. That's where Kepware Technologies, a leader in embedded device communications for automation, has made a name for itself. Roy Kok, a Kepware VP, says two new programs in particular allow hardware vendors to leverage Kepware's OPC and device...