ERP Shop Floor Integration through SAP MII

SAP Manufacturing Integration and Intelligence.

Software Enablers For Lean Processes

Manufacturing software that enables lean processes is still climbing the maturity curve, as supply chain and ERP vendor extend their applications to support these new capabilities. ...

... "The SCM software used for lean manufacturing is only about a half-decade old, says Moore, and some of the applications on the market are merely incrementally enhanced manufacturing resource planning tools that don't actually support true lean processes. " ...

Via Computerworld: Lean

Minitab Recognized For Six Sigma in Manufacturing

Minitab is recognized by Frost and Sullivan with its Award for Customer Value Leadership of the Year in the quality compliance, manufacturing productivity and statistical process control market. ...

... "Using the Minitab packages, customers have been able to achieve a greater degree of standardization in their quality improvement projects, which in turn has made these projects easy to supervise and manage. This has minimized the amount of resources required to complete individual projects and saved companies time and money at the overall project level. In addition to reducing costs, Minitab software has enabled project leaders to easily access more information at various crucial stages of a project, allowing them to make more informed decisions. Minitab's wide set of customer services and allied support activities are other competitive advantages that differentiate it from other participants. The company boasts of a strong technical support suite that provides free assistance to its users and helps identify customers' most recent requirements, thereby obtaining their confidence. Minitab's recently released Minitab(R) 15 Statistical Software includes very useful enhancements, such as probability distribution plots, broader Gage R&R capabilities, the ability to attach formulas to columns in the worksheet and the latest reliability methods for forecasting future warranty claims. " ...

Via Frost & Sullivan: Frost & Sullivan Extols Minitab Inc. for Its Ability in Assisting Customers to Make Optimum Utilization of their Resources

Manufacturing Software Provides Product Geneology

Wonderware's Equipment Operations Module has been upgraded to provide more powerful traceability and product geneology capabilities which can enable improved consistency of manufacturing operations. ...

... "Offering compatibility with the ISA-95 industry standard, version 2.0 includes enhanced genealogy functions for correlating events and information captured across multiple areas and process segments, leading to faster implementations and more comprehensive solutions. In addition, several usability enhancements have been made that enable customers to execute activities consistently and provide accurate visibility into the status of operations. " ...

Via Wonderware: Wonderware's Equipment Operations Module Version 2.0 Enables More Powerful Traceability Solutions

SPC Software Integrated in Manufacturing Services

InfinityQS International names Tegron as a certified reseller. Texas-based Tegron is a professional services firm in the plant automation space. Tegron will integrate ProFicient SPC software as part of their service offerings. ...

... "ProFicient gives Tegron the ability to integrate quality specifications into the manufacturing processes of their customers and provide infrastructure for completely integrated TQM programs within automation and information systems. " ...

Via Infinity QS: InfinityQS Expands Global Partnership Program

Select Continuous Improvement Program to Compete Globally

Embrace continuous improvement to compete effectively in your industry and marketplace. Be prepared to staff a program management office and support the culture change necessary for a lean manufacturing or Six Sigma journey. Business process focus comes first. But, software systems can support change, automation, reduction of manual efforts. ...

... "Six Sigma uses statistical analysis to reduce variation. By reducing variation, the probability of producing a defect is less. " ...

Via IndustryWeek: Which Continuous Improvement Program Is Appropriate For Your Enterprise?

Product-Focused Flows through Lean Six Sigma ...

Invistics creates solution offering that achieves the significant cycle time and inventory reduction in manufacturing using lean flow design, specialized software, and pull scheduling. ...

... "Built on modified Lean and Six Sigma principles, Invistics MachSix uniquely combines flow-based manufacturing methodologies, performance optimization software and variations on demand-based pull scheduling to help today's highly variable production environments gain greater advantage. In fact, Invistics' customers have been able to cut cycle times and inventory in half or more, while achieving on-time delivery rates as high as 99 percent. The MachSix solution alleviates bottlenecks by realigning plants into product-focused flows that leverage the best practices of Lean Manufacturing. Flow paths group products into families or value streams that visit similar pieces of equipment, allowing manufacturers to manage thousands of products with no dedicated machines." ...

Via Invistics: Invistics Has the Skinny on Lean Manufacturing: Why Some Enterprises Fail to Derive Benefits (PDF) ...

ShopFloor Control: Lean Execution

Infor launches manufacturing execution suite that enables lean manufacturing on the shop floor with integration to higher-level ERP systems. ...

... "Infor ERP XA Lean Execution and Planning, a next generation of Manufacturing Execution System (MES) tools specifically designed to support Lean initiatives on the shop floor; Infor ERP XA Manufacturing Data Collection & Communication, a real-time shop floor communications system providing timely and accurate feedback to and from the shop floor; Infor ERP XA Quality Management, a software solution that streamlines quality process procedures and data collection, decreasing the cost of compliance and improving overall product quality. " ...

Via Infor: Infor Launches Integrated Manufacturing Execution System for Lean Manufacturing ...

Manufacturing Software: Integrated Six Sigma Process

Acquisition of manufacturing software vendor: CDC Software acquires MVI Technology, whose solutions enable process manufacturers Six Sigma methods. ...

... "The MVI system is the first RPM solution specifically designed for food & beverage and consumer products industries. This innovative solution enables manufacturers to merge automated shop floor data, quality process control and manufacturing performance dashboards as part of improved visibility and continuous improvement campaigns supported by a Six Sigma process. These applications directly complement CDC Software's Ross ERP (enterprise performance management), Ross SCM (supply chain management) and Ross EPM (enterprise performance management) solutions. " ...

Via CDC Software: CDC Software Acquires MVI Technology, a Leading Provider of Real-Time Performance Management (RPM) Solutions ...

Manufacturing Software Support Lean Methods ...

Latest release of HighJump supply chain software supports lean manufacturing methods on the shop floor through touch-screen interface. ...

... "Manufacturing Execution: HighJump Manufacturing Advantage features a new, Web-based touch-screen user interface which has been optimized for the shop floor. This release also extends HighJump Manufacturing Advantage's material flow management to support lean manufacturing methods. By orchestrating the fluid movement of material through manufacturing processes, HighJump Manufacturing Advantage enables companies to meet tight production schedules without increasing inventory levels or adding labor. Material tracking and genealogy capabilities have also been enhanced to provide a greater level of inventory visibility and control of components and finished goods. " ...

Via HighJump Software: HighJump Software Extends Global Product Reach with Launch of HighJump Supply Chain Advantage Suite 9.0 ...

Six Sigma Opportunity Software ...

Software prioritizes Six Sigma project opportunities by financial benefit by collecting data from plant systems. ...

... "Hagen & Co., a leading provider of software and services for manufacturing and process improvement, has introduced True Opportunity software – the world's first dollar-based manufacturing performance reporting system. True Opportunity software is ideal for Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), Six Sigma, and Lean Manufacturing applications and is the only solution that calculates the true profit potential of an organization's manufacturing operations. In addition, the solution also breaks down this total extra profit opportunity by reason, allowing an organization to focus on the problems or opportunities that will realize the greatest results. " ...

Via Hagen: Hagen Introduces True Opportunity Dollar-Based Software For Six Sigma, OEE, & Lean Applications

Manufacturing Software: Lean Integration ...

Factory Logic collaborates with the Automation and Drives Group of Siemens AG to integrate the Factory Logic Lean software into the Siemens SIPLACE manufacturing optimization solution. ...

... "Siemens will integrate the Factory Logic Lean Operations Suite (Factory Logic) into SIPLACE manufacturing optimization solutions for the global electronic assembly market. SIPLACE is the Siemens product family name for integrated hardware, software and services solutions to support the entire SMT (Surface Mount Technology) production facility. Factory Logic is a software solution designed from the ground up to support demand-driven production scheduling and pull-based supply synchronization using proven lean methods originally pioneered in the Toyota Production System (TPS). As part of SIPLACE lean manufacturing solutions, Factory Logic will enable electronics manufacturers to perform advanced production leveling and kanban/supermarket management functions in conjunction with SIPLACE SMT machines and other Siemens solution components. Factory Logic supports an integrated approach that directly links production to actual customer demand, while maintaining the stability required for consistent, reliable, waste-free factory and supply chain operations. Siemens will sell and support the Factory Logic software as an embedded component of SIPLACE solutions globally. " ...

Via Factory Logic: Siemens to Integrate Factory Logic Lean Manufacturing Software Into SIPLACE Electronics Assembly Solutions ...

Manufacturing Shopfloor Productivity Increase ...

KalTire reaches for shopfloor productivity increase through better workflow and lower WIP using manufacturing software. ...

... "Kal Tire was able to improve workflows and reduce work-in-process with better coordination and more accurate measurement of pace and completion times at each independent operation. Accurate monitoring coupled with a clear understanding of the pace of production allowed for greater machine availability for the next stage in the manufacturing process. " ...

Via Shoplogix: Kal Tire Deploys Shoplogix Plantnode on an Enterprise Scale to Increase Plant Floor Productivity ...

Lean Manufacturing Material Flow ...

UGS introduces new version of digital manufacturing software that supports more accurate digital representations of their plants, captures the layouts for future re-use, and optimizes the flow of material. ...

... "FactoryFLOW is the tool of choice for companies engaged in lean manufacturing, six-sigma, or other continuous improvement initiatives. With the release of FactoryFLOW Version 11.0, UGS is adding a variety of enhancements and new functionality to help manufacturers more quickly obtain detailed answers to their material flow questions, thus accelerating the optimization of material handling in their plants.

A new operator walk-path utility helps manufacturers design work cells to minimize operator walking time and distance. Enhancements allow the user to model multiple operators working simultaneously or in sequence in a work-cell or on a moving line where the part might be moving on a conveyor. Sophisticated reports and animations add even greater value to these analyses. " ...

Via UGS: UGS' Tecnomatix Improves Accuracy of Factory Designs and Optimizes Material Flow with New Versions of 3D Digital Plant Design Offerings: Latest Factorycad and Factoryflow Software Solutions Help Manufacturers Define State-of-the-Art Digital Factories for Competitive Advantage ...

Lean Software: Visteon SAIC China JV ...

QAD software enables the lean manufacturing success of the Visteon SAIC joint venture in China. ...

... "QAD Inc., a leading provider of enterprise software solutions for global manufacturers, announced that Yanfeng Visteon Automotive Trim Systems LTD has deployed enterprise software applications from QAD to enable lean manufacturing operations and achieve exceptional inventory and manpower efficiencies. The implementation of QAD's Global Enterprise Edition. QAD GXE has enabled Yanfeng Visteon to gain dramatic reductions in material inventory, substantial reductions in stock space and enhanced data for logistical support and personnel savings. Yanfeng Visteon, a joint venture between SAIC Motor Corporation Limited, one of China's largest automotive manufacturers, and Visteon International Holdings Corporation, one of the world's preeminent automotive component manufacturers, is the leading supplier of spare parts for cars and trucks within China.

Like North American auto and truck manufacturers, the joint-venture company has been faced with the need to change its business processes to reduce inventory costs, enable higher productivity, and meet the requirements associated with sequencing assembly projects. The company's streamlining of operations using QAD provides cost as well as competitive benefits. QAD's software and expertise in lean systems has allowed Yanfeng Visteon to gain a critical advantage over other Chinese companies. Using QAD GXE, Yanfeng Visteon has cut materials inventory, reduced stock area, and cut logistics staff, enabling the company to achieve efficiencies that are unmatched by other enterprise solutions available today, as noted by company executives. Based on Toyota standards for lean manufacturing that are widely accepted by the automotive industry, QAD's Lean Manufacturing solution helps manufacturers effectively use Kanban systems to align inventory with demand for pull-based replenishment. It integrates electronic representation of Kanban processes with core ERP functions to provide comprehensive level loading, tracking and visibility of production, and supports electronic Kanban as well as physical card-based visual systems. " ...

Lean Software: Visteon SAIC China JV: Via QAD: Visteon-Shanghai Joint Venture Turns to QAD to Enable Lean Manufacturing ...

Lean Software: Toolset Fits Manufacturing Needs ...

Winman platform reaches year anniversary and differentiates with lean manufacturing capabilities. ...

... "A few key features of WinMan that made the final selection decision easy were: Lean manufacturing toolsets such as back flushing features, which fit perfectly with our rapid production methods and make-to-order same day shipping service; the .NET platform compatibility with all Microsoft business tools; advanced reporting capabilities that come with Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services; " ...

Lean Software: Toolset Fits Manufacturing Needs: Via WinMan ERP Software: 100% .NET WinMan Platform celebrating first full year of sales and customer implementations ...

Lean Software Replaces Purchase Orders ...

Timken implements Ultriva lean software to eliminate purchase orders and pull materials into the production process. ...

... "The implementation follows the Timken Kunsebeck plant's successful pilot with Ultriva's lean software across three of its suppliers, which began in May 2005. Implementing Ultriva's lean manufacturing software, which replaced traditional purchase order processes, has already resulted in lead-time reductions of more than 30 percent, the elimination of many stock-outs and significant inventory reductions. Based on pilot results, Timken's Kunsebeck plant is targeting a 20 percent reduction in inventory and inventory carrying costs in 2006. The company also anticipates significant reductions in expediting, storage space, lead times, and overtime, as well as increased buyer and planner productivity. " ...

Lean Software Replaces Purchase Orders: Via Ultriva: Timken Deploys Ultriva Lean Manufacturing Software In Its European Automotive Division ...

Lean Manufacturing Machine Tool Inspection Process ...

System enables machine tool inspection, contributing to lean manufacturing process. ...

... "Metrolosys allows manufacturers to use any probe-ready CNC milling machine in the same way they would utilize a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM). This powerful CAD-based programming and reporting system for machined parts supports ISO 17025, ASME B5.54, and NIST traceability standards. Metrolosys provides independent volumetric error mapping, advanced high-speed probing methods, and automatically generates Inspection G-code. Metrolosys 9.5 ushered in a new era for Lean Manufacturing by reducing machine-tool downtime up to 75%. A user can program a CNC machine using a touch probe to measure a part, and can drastically reduce the process to less than 10 keystrokes when creating the part inspection G-code probing program. Metrolosys enables the machine tool to perform the inspection without tearing down the job for first article inspection or any other inspection requirement. After machining a part, it is already setup for in-place inspection, thus introducing a major contribution to the Lean Manufacturing process. CMM-type alignments of the machine tool to the machined part and its corresponding 3D CAD model are easily accomplished using Metrolosys. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Machine Tool Inspection Process: Via Creative Products Company: Metrolosys Inspection Software Under New Management of Creative Products Company: Aims-enabled Inspection Software Converts Machine Tools into Coordinate Measuring Machines ...

Lean Manufacturing Software: SAP Integration ...

Ultriva lean manufacturing software integrates with SAP through real-time connector. ...

... "Customers using SAP and Ultriva will be able to use Ultriva as their lean execution system while continuing to use SAP as their system of record for inventory and purchasing data. This approach allows customers to leverage their investments in SAP while substantially improving on-time delivery and reducing inventory through best-in-class lean manufacturing techniques. As material is consumed and Ultriva kanban cards are scanned, SAP will be updated in real-time with new purchase orders or purchase order receipts. This approach eliminates data entry and streamlines processes, allowing shop floor operators to focus on the factory floor while knowing that all of the necessary information is being provided to the SAP system. Ultriva's SAP Connector uses standard SAP BAPI (Business Application Program Interfaces) to ensure secure and reliable data sharing. The SAP Connector is an extension to Ultriva’s Integration Platform, which includes a toolset for rapidly creating or extending integration touch points while guaranteeing zero lost transactions. The Ultriva toolset now has the ability to dynamically import BAPI definitions, including tables, structures and rowsets dramatically reducing the time required to map to new or customized SAP integration touch points. This combination of flexibility and support for SAP BAPIs allows Ultriva to quickly deliver to SAP customers customized integration touch points which match their configuration of SAP. In addition to BAPI support, Ultriva’s Integration Platform ensures rapid, cost-effective integration with almost any IT system through bi-directional communication via SQL databases, XML, flat-file, EDI, terminal emulation and other custom API. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Software: SAP Integration: Via Ultriva: Ultriva Lean Manufacturing Software Announces Real-Time SAP Connector ...

Lean Manufacturing: Software Identifies Production Constraints ...

Manufacturing firm uses software to find production constraints. ...

... "Onbelay Automotive Coatings based in Chatham, Ontario, installed Plantnode on both their E-coating and Power Coatings lines to identify production bottlenecks in their manufacturing process. " ...

Lean Manufacturing: Software Identifies Production Constraints: Via Shoplogix: Onbelay Automotive Coatings Increases Operational Efficiency with Shoplogix Plantnode ...

Plantnode is a hybrid web-based software application designed on an open platform to integrate with existing production equipment, analyze real-time performance, and evaluate machine productivity. Plantnode's built-in intelligence goes beyond raw data collection to provide a fully integrated production and performance management application; differentiated by the ability to compare real-time data against planned estimates. Plantnode is proven to increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and enables machine level visibility on a 24x7 basis with automatic escalations and interactive processes to drive higher levels of operational efficiency, quality, and performance.

Lean Manufacturing Software: Advanced Production Techniques ...

QAD lean manufacturing software enables techniques for advanced production. ...

... "VKI Technologies, based in Quebec, is deploying QAD MFG/PRO eB2 technology from California-based enterprise software provider QAD Inc., to support the company's lean manufacturing initiatives and related advanced production techniques. VKI Technologies produces coffee-brewing equipment for the North American market and licenses its patented technology to equipment manufacturers in Europe and Japan. According to Robert Primeau, director, Business Strategies and Customer Support, VKI is focused on eliminating parallel systems and expanding use of QAD software to ensure a consistent standard for enterprise operations – from finance to the factory floor and supply chain, and in the future, customer self-service. VKI's manufacturing facilities encompass several operational processes and just-in-time (JIT) techniques such as mix model assembly lines, point-of-use storage, cellular manufacturing in its sheet metal department and Kanban card-controlled production, all of which have increased the company's manufacturing flexibility and reduced its response time for specific customer orders. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Software: Advanced Production Techniques: Via QAD: VKI Technologies Brews Potential for Business Expansion with Enterprise Technology from QAD

Lean ERP Software: Boeing Uses SSA ...

Boeing leverages SSA ERP to enable its lean manufacturing in the Commercial Airplanes unit. ...

... "SSA Global, a leading global provider of enterprise business software and services, announced that The Boeing Company has contracted with SSA Global to use products from the SSA ERP application suite as the enterprise resource planning solution for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes business unit. Under the five-year software and services renewal agreement signed in the first quarter of fiscal year 2006, SSA Global will continue to provide Enterprise Resource Planning software that supports Boeing's lean manufacturing and supply chain objectives. " ...

Lean ERP Software: Boeing Uses SSA: Via Boeing: Boeing Signs Multi-year Contract with SSA Global: SSA ERP products continue as core enterprise resource planning solution for Boeing Commercial Airplanes ...

Process Software Supports Lean Manufacturing Program ...

Adonix process software enables seafood company's lean manufacturing efforts. ...

... "Adonix X3 Process combines the features of the company's flagship product, Adonix X3 – a Web-native ERP suite that fully integrates manufacturing, distribution, warehouse management, customer relationship management and finance functionality – with application features that address the unique and specialized needs of the process manufacturer, including formula management, lot traceability, shelf life management, quality control and regulatory compliance. It is ideally suited for companies producing food, beverage and nutritional items, as well as other batch-produced products. In addition to implementing this industry-specific functionality, Blount Seafood will utilize Adonix X3 Process to support lean manufacturing processes, production and capacity scheduling capabilities, as well as automated data collection via radio-frequency technology. " ...

Process Software Supports Lean Manufacturing Program: Via Adonix: Blount Seafood Selects Adonix X3 Process Software ...

Adonix delivers sophisticated ERP solutions to the underserved Fortune 50,000 of mid-market companies. Adonix X3, the first Web-native ERP solution for mid-sized companies, fully integrates manufacturing, distribution, warehousing, CRM and finance functionality. Founded more than 25 years ago, the Company is part of The Sage Group, LLC, a $1.4 billion software supplier with 4.7 million customers and 10,000 employees. Adonix X3, already the system of choice for mid-sized domestic manufacturers and distributors, is also Sage's mid-market ERP solution for international companies. Adonix sells both directly and through a network of resellers, system integrators and consultants and supports more than 5,000 customer installations. Adonix X3 is available in 18 countries with North American operations headquartered near Pittsburgh, Pa.

Lean Manufacturing: SPC Statistical Process Control Software ...

InfinityQS launches eSPC, hosted SPC application that uses a shared, secure database to enable supply chain quality control in a lean manufacturing program. ...

... "Companies can now collect and analyze data across the enterprise—not only at separate locations, said Ralph Rio, Research Director, ARC Advisory Group. When supply chain elements are analyzed and the results shared in real time, business performance increases with a positive impact on the balance sheet, P&L statement and shareholder value. Ralph continued, Many company's continuous improvement programs, like Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma, are stalled. They need software solutions, like hosted SPC, to take their program to the next level. eSPC is fully customizable for even the most complex manufacturing environments, similar to InfinityQS' other products. Its extensive reporting capabilities allow for hundreds of customized charts and graphs, both at the plant level and the enterprise level. Its Web-based platform is always-on, allowing users to re-configure the system as often as required without interrupting performance. eSPC allows for robust system performance levels—large graphic components are downloaded to each on-site desktop client, eliminating the need for data to reload each time the displays are updated. " ...

Lean Manufacturing: SPC Statistical Process Control Software: Via InfinityQS: InfinityQS Launches eSPC: Industry Leading Statistical Process Control (SPC) Software Delivered Via the Web For Enterprise-Wide Visibility and Supply Chain Quality Management ...

Lean Solution: Pull Scheduling Techniques ...

Infor delivers lean solution that leverages pull scheduling techniques ...

... "J&E/Earll has implemented Infor's Easy Lean solution, which has brought pull-oriented scheduling techniques to its production, which includes the manufacture and delivery of make-to order custom metal components and fabricated, finished and assembled final products for industries in some 30 states, Canada and Ireland.

Prior to incorporating Easy Lean into its Infor ERP VISUAL Enterprise software suite, J&E/Earll lacked the tools it needed to meet its delivery performance objectives. Without a formal scheduling or load/capacity capability, work did not flow efficiently. Production was consistently subject to expedited shipments and constantly shifting priorities. After Infor's Throughput Improvement PSO Group provided J&E/Earll with an approach to lean manufacturing, the company was able to use Easy Lean to reduce lead times dramatically, while making it considerably easier to maintain a 95-percent on-time performance level. " ...

Lean Solution: Pull Scheduling Techniques: Fast-Growing Manufacturer Solves Scheduling Challenges with Solution from Infor: Infor solutions enable J&E/Earll Manufacturing to slash lead times and gain 95-percent on-time delivery ...

Kanban: Software Enables Lean Flow ...

Glovia International, Fujitsu subsidiary, introduces additional Electronic Kanban (eKanban) functionality, that enable manufacturers to have greater control and flexibility over managing inventory levels as well as the ability to establish triggers to automatically replenish inventory when predefined minimums for each inventory level have been reached. ...

... "eKanban controls the flow of parts and inventory levels so that material is delivered to a location only when it is needed so that no excess inventory is created. This is an important step in lean manufacturing as it provides two of the greatest financial impacts, reducing inventory and shortages. eKanban takes this process one step further by extending the system beyond the four walls of a factory and allowing electronic communication with suppliers, customers and trading partners. By enabling the same auto triggers for additional material from outside sources as it would internally, inventory and shortages can be further reduced providing even greater financial savings. This means the trigger of a sales shipment or notification of customer consumption could generate a series of material pulls throughout the multi-levels of an items bill of materials. These series of material pulls end up with not only material moves being generated but also demands to manufacture and buy without the need to run MRP. This process is capable of reducing the lead time required to react to change and the amount of stock holding required in high volume responsive industries such as automotive. " ...

Kanban: Software Enables Lean Flow: Via Glovia : FUJITSU: Glovia Expands Electronic Kanban Functionality: Product Enhancements Provide Greater Control of Automatic Materials and Inventory Replenishment ...

Lean Manufacturing ERP Solution: Infor ...

Curt implements Infor's ERP solution to drive lean manufacturing transformation. ...

... "Infor, the largest global enterprise software provider exclusively focused on developing solutions for the manufacturing and distribution industries, announced that Curt Manufacturing, a Wisconsin-based manufacturer of towing-system products, has chosen Infor to provide an enterprise resource planning solution integrating its two plants and seven North American distribution sites. Curt has twice been named Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, deriving in part from its innovative product line, including color-matched hitches for the SUV and light-truck market. This rapidly growing company has chosen to ensure its future growth through investment in advanced software solutions. As a result, the company elected to work with Infor channel partner Information Systems Engineering, Inc. (ISE) to implement Infor's XA enterprise resource planning solution to standardize processes across all its locations, increase visibility of its processes to improve decision making, and provide a stable platform that can be scaled upward easily. XA is a major element of Infor's Manufacturing Essentials suite of solutions.

The company anticipates that its new Infor technology will be up and running in all nine sites within ten months. By improving visibility of inventory and shipments, the Infor ERP solution reduces lead times. Infor's solution promotes lean manufacturing by providing real-time visibility of order status and reducing the need for safety stock. Its tracking systems also enable companies to improve dramatically both the predictability of materials shipments and on-time deliveries. " ...

Lean Manufacturing ERP Solution: Infor: Via Infor: Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Selects Infor ERP Solution to Handle Company's Rapid Growth ...

Lean Manufacturing: Software Enables Waste Reduction ...

Oracle software enables lean manufacturing transformation at Asia automotive parts manufacturer. ...

... "AAPICO Hitech Plc, an automotive parts company based in Thailand, implemented Oracle applications and technology to enable lean manufacturing operations, Oracle announced. AAPICO will soon be ready for fulfilling complex customer requests while reducing waste in its supply chain. AAPICO wanted to move towards a demand-driven supply chain to accommodate the just-in-time manufacturing schedules of its customers to reduce inventory and fulfillment times. The company, a progressive jig, die and automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts vendor with facilities in Thailand, Malaysia and China, supplies parts to all major car manufacturers in Thailand including Toyota, Honda, Isuzu, Ford, Mazda and Nissan. AAPICO began its migration to lean manufacturing through a pilot program with the support of Auto Alliance Thailand and Toyota. The program brought about quick success, as AAPICO received Toyota's coveted TPS (Toyota Production System) Championship Award in 2004 and again in 2005. After the conclusion of the program, the company decided to implement an enterprise software system to provide the platform for lean manufacturing and integrate the network of facilities.

After a careful evaluation of several vendors' offerings, AAPICO chose Oracle to support lean manufacturing using Oracle Database and the Oracle E-Business Suite, specifically the Oracle Supply Chain Management (SCM) suite, which includes Oracle Discrete Manufacturing, Oracle Flow Manufacturing and Oracle Order Management applications. AAPICO also selected Deloitte Consulting LLP to lead consulting services and additional software from A-Host, a Certified Partner in the Oracle PartnerNetwork. " ...

Lean Manufacturing: Software Enables Waste Reduction: Fastest-Growing Automotive Parts Company in Thailand Implements Oracle E-Business Suite to Enable Lean Manufacturing: Company Moves to Lean Manufacturing To Eliminate Waste and Reduce Risk in the Supply Chain for Thai, Malaysian and Chinese Facilities ...

Lean Manufacturing Supplier Replenishment

Lean manufacturing software improves supply replenishment. The solution unifies visibility for the provider and consumer in a digital portal. ...

... "Ultriva Inc., the world leader in lean manufacturing software, introduced a new product, Ultriva Supplier Replenishment, designed to help manufacturers digitally manage all forms of material replenishment with suppliers. The new product combines Ultriva’s market leading Electronic Kanban capabilities with new features that allow manufacturers to replenish material with purchase orders based on forecasts or production schedules.

Ultriva Supplier Replenishment provides both manufacturers and suppliers a single internet portal where they can view forecasts and kanban signals, release purchase orders, track orders and manage receipts. Ultriva Supplier Replenishment is designed to eliminate stock-outs and resulting expedited deliveries while reducing inventory levels by up to 75 percent – while streamlining processes and dramatically increasing buyer and planner productivity. Ultriva Supplier Replenishment addresses the critical need for manufacturers to manage both kanban and traditional forecast-based material replenishment within a single application environment. The product includes the ability to manage a wide variety of inventory replenishment methods, including: schedule-based replenishment, discrete POs, min/max, consignment and VMI (vendor-managed inventory) replenishment methods. With Ultriva Supplier Replenishment, manufacturers can drive replenishment from production schedules, publish forecasts to suppliers, and automate purchase order releases and receipts through a collaborative Internet portal. Ultriva Supplier Replenishment ensures a clear system of record for real orders for manufacturers faced with long lead-time materials and fluctuating production schedules. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Supplier Replenishment: Via Ultriva: Ultriva Releases New Supplier Replenishment Software for Lean Manufacturing ...

Manufacturing Integration: Apriso Achieves Netweaver Interoperability ...

Apriso achieves SAP Netweaver interoperability and demonstrates plant-to-business integration using S95 standards. ...

... "In addition, FlexNet has also attained Powered by SAP NetWeaver, Interoperability Certification. The designation is awarded to partners certified for using SAP NetWeaver XI to build content packages based on industry standards that properly connect to the mySAP ERP solution and other SAP software applications. Apriso used the ISA-S95 standard to build a manufacturing scenario for production scheduling and performance monitoring. Apriso was invited by SAP to join the new industry standards initiative, comprised of pilot partners that are near completion for the Powered by SAP NetWeaver, Interoperability Certification. A long-standing SAP Software Partner, Apriso also holds Certified for SAP NetWeaver status by achieving the CA-XML interface certification. Apriso has been working with SAP for many years and previously achieved interface certifications in the areas of production, warehouse management, plant maintenance, and human resources. Apriso customers run their businesses on enterprise software from a range of vendors. The FlexNet platform has been built from the ground up to be ERP-centric, ensuring efficient operations within a distributed enterprise and the extended supply network. Users have always been able to deploy FlexNet with confidence, knowing that it fully leverages the advantages of the mySAP Business Suite family of business solutions and other SAP solutions. " ...

Manufacturing Integration: Apriso Achieves Netweaver Interoperability: Via Apriso Corporation: Apriso Among Small Group of Pilot Partners Comprising SAP’s Industry Standards Certification Initiative ...

Manufacturing Yield Management: Software Ranks High ...

Syntricity software ranks high for semicon manufacturing yield management according to study. ...

... "Syntricity's enterprise yield management system allows global companies to quickly and accurately analyze yield information, which enables faster time to market and enhanced supply chain visibility. FSA's study found that Syntricity's software is used by 51 percent of those using commercial yield management systems. Syntricity is also used by the broadest range of companies, with revenues ranging from $6 million to $1 billion. The next closest supplier reflected a share of 14 percent. Syntricity's satisfaction rating was the highest of all yield management system vendors, with a ranking four on a five point scale. FSA's report was compiled from the responses of 28 fabless semiconductor companies, highlighting the MIS systems used by these companies. " ...

Manufacturing Yield Management: Software Ranks High: Via Syntricity: SYNTRICITY YIELD MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE LEADS IN FSA MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM SURVEY: Rates high in customer satisfaction and adoption by fabless semiconductor companies ...

Manufacturing Excellence: Plant Integration

Phil Aponte and Greg Richards explore the levels of manufacturing excellence that could be aciheved through higher levels of business process integration. ...

... "Consistent systems that reach from the production or process level (controls) to the MES/ERP system remain rare. It's not a lack of IT-supported processes that prevents consistency because all the most important IT software components are available in principle. The real issue is using them effectively." ...

Manufacturing Excellence: Plant Integration: Via ISA | Integration Fuels Plant SMARTS

Six Sigma Test Process: Lower Failure Rate ...

Six Sigma process is used in test process to lower failure rate at disk drive maker. Chris Mellor explores disk drive companies and the successes and failures in the marketplace. ...

... "There have been design improvements, an extended test process to reduce infant mortality and improve the product (so as) to lower the failure rate. Some Raptor mechanisms are re-used. The extended test process is all part of a Six Sigma process, a manufacturing quality discipline which Seagate also uses. " ...

Six Sigma Test Process: Lower Failure Rate: Via ARNnet | All is not quiet on the Western Digital front

Additional resources on using Six Sigma in the test process:

Via Westgard QC Lesson: From Method Validation to Six Sigma - Translating Method Performance Claims into Sigma Metrics: "While it is probably disconcerting to find that a single test process has two different Sigma metrics, it's not surprising that a test performs differently at different levels. It would be far more unusual if a test performed the same at all the levels of concentration. For the high level control, a Sigma metric of 4.56 is actually acceptable. But for the low level control, a Sigma metric of less than zero is clearly bad. "

Via Conference Presentation Summary: "Running these tests by hand became cumbersome so the group developed a nightly test harness that runs each of the quality tests and collects all of the data to present a single comprehensive view of measured quality. It was a small move from this point to start a continuous test process that runs a slimmed down set of the quality tests whenever code is checked into the source code repository. The continuous measure of quality then is the final blending of extreme programming with Six Sigma. "

Software Verification and Validation Consulting - Best Practices - Via Wipro Technologies: "This model supports the improvement of test processes, offers insight into maturity of test processes, defines new test strategy and recommends immediate improvement steps. "

Manufacturing Software Extends Channel Partners ...

Incuity extends its reach through new channel partners. ...

... "Incuity EMI connects to a variety of off-the-shelf plant floor historian products – such as Wonderware’s IndustrialSQL Server historian, the GE iHistorian, OSIsoft’s PI database, Rockwell Automation’s RS Bizwire Historian and any other OPC HDAcompatible historian – to access archived production data and allow users to manipulate, view, trend and report on it in the appropriate context. More importantly, it connects to multiple types of data sources across all levels of medium and large companies, from plant floor systems to enterprise business applications. It offers sophisticated capabilities for manipulating, viewing and sharing data throughout larger organizations. Incuity can access information over any network, using standard browsers, and process it as requested so users can analyze it from within the application software they already use to do their jobs – whether it’s automation control systems, word processors, spreadsheets, graphics, data mining or other programs. " ...

Manufacturing Software Extends Channel Partners: Via Incuity: Incuity Software Names Spartan Controls, BridgeWare As Value-Added Resellers for Western Canada & Korea ...

Incuity Software, based in Mission Viejo, California, is a pioneer in the creation of data management systems for reporting, analysis and business intelligence applications in manufacturing and process companies. More than 45,000 seats of the company’s products have been installed since 1998, in 13 languages and in more than 40 countries. In addition to its headquarters operations in California, Incuity has a regional sales office in Nevada and maintains an advanced solutions development group in Burlington, Ontario, Canada.

Manufacturing Intelligence Software Evolution ...

Report explores the evolution of manufacturing intelligence software and the benefits of plant to business integration: visibility. ...

... "The ability to unlock the operational data that would empower plant managers and executives to make informed, timely decisions has eluded many companies until relatively recently. However, a new generation of MES (manufacturing execution systems) and manufacturing intelligence systems is enabling the collection, presentation, and analysis of critical, real-time data to decision makers throughout the enterprise and the supply chain. " ...

Manufacturing Intelligence Software Evolution: Via Aberdeen Group: Manufacturing Transparency: Turning Visibility into Value ...

Software Supports Manufacturing Agility ...

Newest release of manufacturing execution software (MES) supports agile and adaptable manufacturing models where market requirements are in a constant state of change. ...

... "FlexNet is a highly pliable execution software that can be deployed stand-alone or to extend the value of an organization's ERP, CRM, PLM or other business systems. The software is both a broad strategic operations execution platform that ties together the diverse activities of a manufacturer's operations, as well as a modular suite of applications that can be deployed as needed to provide a tightly coordinated manufacturing solution. Built for Adaptability, Agility: FlexNet 9.3 has been built for adaptive manufacturing, an emerging strategy driven by operations execution systems that provide the flexibility, visibility and integration required to support constantly changing business requirements. The results are optimal efficiency, quality and responsiveness, which can translate into higher profitability and customer satisfaction. " ...

Software Supports Manufacturing Agility: Via Apriso Corporation: APRISO CORPORATION ANNOUNCES FLEXNET VERSION 9.3: Newest Version of Widely Used Software Provides Greater Manufacturing Agility, Adaptability ...

Additional resources on manufacturing agility:

Via Control Engineering - Role of Controls in Product Lifecycle Management: "Moreover, as an enabler for working collaboratively in the early stages of product development, digital manufacturing enables design and automation engineers to work together to quickly develop designs that can be manufactured most readily and economically within the available production facilities. Such integrated systems also support greater manufacturing agility, giving companies greater flexibility in changing operations according to shifting demands of competition and customer preference."

OUTLOOK 2005: Integration & Data Master: Via Managing Automation: "The goal for every commercial offering is to simplify the integration effort, lower cost and enable business and manufacturing agility. And everywhere you turn a vendor has an integrated solution sell for you. "

Via NEMI: GenRad Product Commercializes Technologies from NEMI’s Plug And Play Factory Project: "The adoption of NEMI's FIS standards could greatly reduce the amount of time it takes to integrate new equipment and software systems into the manufacturing supply chain. This capability is critical for maintaining manufacturing agility as well as for increasing the efficiency of shop floor operations, stated John Cartwright, co-chair of the NEMI FIS TIG and manager of Factory Information Systems at Intel."

Manufacturing Performance Software: SAP Certified Integration ...

Invistics achieves SAP certified integration for its manufacturing performance software. ...

... "Invistics, developer of manufacturing performance optimization solutions for complex, asset-intensive industries such as consumer packaged goods and pharmaceuticals, announced that it has achieved SAP Certified Integration of its MachSix Integration Server. This product from Invistics provides interoperability between the mySAP ERP solution and Invistics MachSix advanced analytics, optimization and simulation software. Invistics software complements mySAP ERP by providing tools that allow manufacturers to account for demand variability, design and implement flow manufacturing processes that are more flexible, and conduct ongoing analysis of plant floor health based on real-time data while optimizing throughput, cycle time and customer service levels. Invistics uniquely combines MachSix software with a manufacturing performance methodology that leverages the proven principles of Lean Manufacturing and key components of Six Sigma. " ...

Manufacturing Performance Software: SAP Certified Integration: Via Invistics: SAP Certifies Integration of Invistics MachSix with mySAP ERP ...

Lean Manufacturing: Supply Chain Intelligence ...

Software company provides supply chain intelligence for lean manufacturers. ...

... "Open Ratings, the intelligence behind dozens of stable, high performing supply chains, introduces a major upgrade to its flagship solution for supply risk management, SBManager. With this latest version, Open Ratings delivers the most reliable and easy-to-use predictive indicator for ensuring stability in the supply base, critical for today's competitive and often lean manufacturing operations. Available later this month, SBManager 4.5 can significantly improve a company's ability to reduce risk in the supply base. The Web-based solution helps manufacturers escalate action quickly in advance of potential disruptions, with new levels of context for analyzing and understanding alerted changes in a supplier's stability rating. " ...

Lean Manufacturing: Supply Chain Intelligence: Via Open Ratings: Open Ratings Launches SBManager 4.5; Advanced Features Speed Time to Action in Mitigating Supplier Risk ...

Design Methodology: Manufacturing Process Model: Delphi ...

Delphi increases its intellectual property in innovative design methodologies, through patents in manufacturing process models. ...

... "DDM are a set of standardized methodologies. Using existing CAD software programs, designers can produce higher quality 3D CAD models that are easier to edit and change in design, engineering and other downstream functions. Like Six Sigma and other popular standardized methodologies, the business benefits of DDM include reduced cycle times, faster change processing, reduced waste, greater efficiency and faster time to market. The two new patents, the horizontal structured manufacturing process model and the vertical to horizontal conversion process, increase the strength of the standardized methodologies developed by Delphi Technologies Inc. (DTI) by allowing more flexibility. " ...

Design Methodology: Manufacturing Process Model: Delphi: Via Delphi: Delphi Technologies Strengthens Its Design Methodologies Portfolio With Two Additional Patents

Tag: Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma Employee Training Investment ...

Six Sigma Employee Training Investment: Via NWAnews: NWACC named training provider for state program ...

... "Kennametal Inc. of Rogers sponsored the initiative, focusing on training existing employees in the Six Sigma quality process and national electrical code requirements. " ...

Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity - News: "The family-owned company has participated in Valley Industrial Association training programs since 2000 as it upgrades the skills of its employees to use state-of-the-art robotic manufacturing equipment. Employees have learned advanced programming, tool handling, and operation of robotics; software programming and use for specialty equipment; and manufacturing concepts such as SPC and Six Sigma."

Xerox - Factbook: "Xerox manufacturing and distribution facilities are managed to the highest quality and environmental standards; all manufacturing factories are ISO 9000 and 14001 certified. Extensive employee training and involvement is practiced, and the use of quality tools, such as Lean Six Sigma, is pervasive. "

Quality Digest Magazine: "One benchmark partner developed an apprenticeship program to develop employee knowledge across skill competencies. The program enabled the company to achieve Six Sigma production quality and a 90-percent retention rate of employees who participated in the program."

Lean Manufacturing Software Vendor Rebrands ...

Lean manufacturing software vendor, with products such as a digital kanban, rebrands itself. ...

Lean Manufacturing Software Vendor Rebrands: Via Ultriva: Lean Manufacturing Software Leader eBots Becomes Ultriva: New Name, Products, Website, Expanded Management Team ...

... "The world leader in lean manufacturing software has a new name – Ultriva – and an expanded mission to take its products, which dramatically reduce manufacturing costs, to a growing market. The company formerly known as eBots, Inc., recently completed a $4 million round of Series A fi nancing and is now launching itself to a broader audience and expanding its product lineup. Ultriva Electronic Kanban, an enabler of consumption driven replenishment processes, eliminates stock-outs while reducing inventory levels. Ultriva Lean Scheduling complements Ultriva’s replenishment capabilities by optimizing production schedules in real-time around the customers want date. These solutions shorten cycle times, increase on-time delivery performance, reduce inventory levels and reduce the overall cost of manufacturing. " ...

Adaptive Flexible Lean Manufacturing Environment ...

Lean manufacturers need software that enables them to adapt and operate a flexible factory. John Tilak explores the insights of the latest IDC survey on the manufacturing IT market in Europe. ...

Adaptive Flexible Lean Manufacturing Environment: Via Digital Media Asia: Heavy ERP spending among Western European manufacturing firms to continue ...

... "In vertical-specific applications, the creation of adaptive and flexible manufacturing environments is a prerequisite, as lean manufacturing strategies demand enhanced operational efficiency. " ...

Lean Heijunka Scheduling ...

Heijunka seeks to level the production work schedule by volume and product mix. Julie Fraser explores the field of production scheduling where the power of software can enable lean heijunka scheduling. ...

Lean Heijunka Scheduling: Via Manufacturing Business Technology: Where planning meets execution: specialized scheduling ...

... "Lean heijunka scheduling is for lean purists following the Toyota Production System. Leaders are replacing spreadsheets with packaged software ... " ...

Heijunka Scheduling for Lean Manufacturers

Factory Logic introduces heijunka scheduling in its latest manufacturing software release. ...

Heijunka Scheduling for Lean Manufacturers: Via Factory Logic: Factory Logic Announces Enhanced Release That Delivers Expanded Lean Production Management Capabilities; Integrated Production Leveling, Supermarket, and Supplier Kanban Tools Provide Powerful Solution for Demand-Driven Manufacturers

... "Factory Logic has taken the discipline and proven methodology of TPS and transformed it into an enabling technology to standardize and automate processes. The newest release provides dynamically enhanced capabilities for heijunka scheduling of pacemaker operations, significantly expanded capabilities for supermarket management, and improved capabilities for supplier kanban. " ...

Lean Software Supports Manufacturing Transformation ...

QAD has delivered new product enhancements and a production scheduling tool, that supports a lean manufacturing transformation. ...

Lean Software Supports Manufacturing Transformation: QAD Enhances Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities, Introduces QAD Production Scheduler for World-Class Operations, Local Performance: Solution Expands GXE Portfolio of Software and Service ...

... "QAD software’s advanced manufacturing capabilities are completely scalable, simple to implement and easy to use in established manufacturing centers, new markets or new ventures. Enhancements reflect world-class production system principles and best practices for transmitting data to achieve lean manufacturing and supply visibility. " ...

QAD is a leading provider of enterprise applications for global manufacturing companies. QAD applications provide critical functionality for managing manufacturing resources and operations within and beyond the enterprise, enabling global manufacturers to collaborate with their customers, suppliers and partners to make and deliver the right product, at the right cost and at the right time. Manufacturers of automotive, consumer products, electronics, food and beverage, industrial and life science products use QAD applications at approximately 5,300 licensed sites in more than 90 countries and in as many as 27 languages.

Six Sigma Control Phase Requires Data Collection Support ...

Minitab plug-in supports factory data-collection during Six Sigma control phase. ...

Six Sigma Control Phase Requires Data Collection Support: Six Sigma Software Plugs MINITAB® into Factory Data inRealTime ...

... "As much as 40% of the gains of Six Sigma projects are often lost due to poor implementation in the control phase. While these are unofficial estimates, most Black Belts will agree that their companies are not able to produce clean consistent process data over time without going through great expense and unbudgeted manual labor. Hertzler has packaged many of those wizards and interfaces into a MINITAB plug in that can relieve the headaches and the hassles of collecting machine process data. inRealTime is the perfect Green Belt tool. " ...

Hertzler Systems provides seamless, accurate data acquisition solutions that drive business transformation. They have been in this business for over 20 years, with a diverse customer base in service, transactional and manufacturing environments. Hertzler Systems enables clients to connect, collect and analyze data; building a robust data infrastructure for making data-driven decisions. These capabilities help clients to reduce costs, cycle time and errors, and increase profitability. Hertzler's clients include Boeing Aerospace, BAE Systems, IDEX Corporation, Kraft Foods, McCormick & Company, Inc., Pactiv Corporation, and Titleist & Footjoy Worldwide, just to name a few.

RFID Plant MES Software: 3M Lean Supply Chain

3M expands its HighJump software, used in RFID applications, for MES applications in its plants. ...

RFID Plant MES Software: 3M Lean Supply Chain: Via 3M: 3M Selects HighJump's Manufacturing Advantage Software to Standardize Plant Systems Worldwide ...

... "3M announced it will implement HighJump Software's manufacturing execution system (MES), Manufacturing Advantage, as part of its ongoing global initiative to standardize manufacturing systems. 3M will use the Manufacturing Advantage software at 70 locations worldwide to improve management of shop floor activities, thereby enabling more efficient production. 3M is continuously striving toward a demand-driven, lean supply chain where its industry-leading products are manufactured based on customer demand. To this aim, the HighJump MES system will help 3M build its products just in time, in the right quantities, and according to the highest standards for quality and turnaround. Since Manufacturing Advantage is part of HighJump's adaptable Advantage suite, 3M will be able to configure its applications quickly and cost-effectively. This will allow the company to carry out its goal of supporting a diverse set of plant-specific requirements without supporting a diverse set of systems. HighJump has already provided supply chain solutions for 3M in the areas of RFID compliance and data collection. The success of these projects influenced the MES selection. " ...

Lean Manufacturing: Supply Chain Innovation ...

ERP software (Glovia) is compatible with lean manufacturing kanban systems for costing and material usage transactions. The ERP software synthesizes digitized business process and lean manufacturing processes with clear lean checkpoints for visibility on the shop floor. This support innovative business models in the supply chain, as the following recognition highlights ...

Lean Manufacturing: Supply Chain Innovation: Via Fujitsu Glovia: Supply Chain Systems Magazine Honors Glovia International With Supply Chain Innovator Award: Annual Award Recognizes Glovia's Success in Supporting OPW Fueling Component's Lean Manufacturing Initiatives ...

... "Glovia International, a subsidiary of Fujitsu and a leading provider of extended ERP solutions for engineer-to-order and high volume manufacturers, announced the company was selected as a recipient of Supply Chain Systems magazine's annual Supply Chain Innovator award. The award was given to Glovia for its success in supporting OPW Fueling Component's supply chain including their lean manufacturing initiatives. OPW has seen a 79 percent reduction in cycle time from when it first started to implement lean manufacturing. " ...

Lean Six Sigma: Extreme Software Development

Shane Schick explores the parallels in agile / extreme software development with the Lean Six Sigma movement ...

Lean Six Sigma: Extreme Software Development: Via Globetechnology: Software programmers taking it to the extreme ...

... "Larger companies have been experimenting with myriad continuous improvement processes for years, including a technique called Lean that's used in the manufacturing sector, and Six Sigma, which was widely touted by companies such as General Electric. Agile software development may be focused on only one aspect of an organization, but the more we automate our businesses, the greater its relevance could become. " ...

Enterprise Lean Six Sigma ELSS

Deloitte contributes enterprise Lean Six Sigma, ELSS, services to the Save Your Factory initiative.

Enterprise Lean Six Sigma ELSS: Via FANUC Robotics: FANUC Robotics America, Inc. Forms New Relationship with Deloitte Consulting LLP to Help North American Companies Improve Factory Efficiency

... "We're enthusiastic that Deloitte Consulting has joined the Save Your Factory consortium as we help companies to more comprehensively evaluate the pros and cons of moving manufacturing off-shore and make a decision that's right for their organization, said Rick Schneider, president and CEO of FANUC Robotics America, Inc. Deloitte Consulting's extensive offerings include enterprise lean and six sigma (ELSS), which are process improvement and change management services that provide solutions to companies facing global competition. " ...

FANUC Robotics America, Inc. designs, engineers and manufactures industrial robots and robotic systems for a wide range of applications including arc and spot welding, material handling (machine tending, picking, packing, palletizing), material removal, assembly, paint finishing and dispensing. The company also provides application-specific software, controls, vision products, and complete aftermarket support. After 23 years of success, FANUC Robotics maintains its position as the leading robotics company in the Americas. A subsidiary of FANUC LTD in Japan, the company has facilities in Chicago; Los Angeles; Charlotte, N.C.; Cincinnati and Toledo, Ohio; Toronto; Montreal; Aguascalientes, Mexico; and Sao Paulo, Brazil. Over 145,000 FANUC robots are installed worldwide.

Six Sigma Error Proofing: Manufacturing Software

Manufacturing software enables Lean Six Sigma performance by accelerating component flow through the supply chain ...

Six Sigma Error Proofing: Manufacturing Software: Via IGear Online: Cosma International Selects I/Gear Manufacturing Software ...

... "In automotive manufacturing, I/Gear software enables a wide range of MES applications by providing a foundation for moving data between dissimilar systems and technologies, and the ability to push and pull data to and from the plant floor. I/Gear's application infrastructure software products enable more efficient deployment and maintenance of a near infinite amount of applications to include lot and part traceability, error-proofing and quarantine, on-demand label printing, dynamic scheduling, sequencing, build-to-broadcast, escalating notification, and manufacturing intelligence. The software suite is a complete package as it provides raw data collection and transport, as well as the graphical user interface to view and manage information. " ...

Louisville, KY based I/Gear, Inc., a leader in integrated manufacturing solutions, enables lean and six-sigma manufacturing by enabling manufacturers to make only what the customer orders, without defects, and compress the time required to pull components through supply chains and down through production lines – giving manufacturers a significant advantage over the competition. In addition to Magna, customers include UPS, Accuride Corporation, Dana Corporation, Cooper Tires, International Paper, and Alcan. I/Gear, Inc. is privately held.

Lean 5S: Technology Success ...

Learn from mistakes, accelerate improvement cycle times, and adopt the 5S principles of lean. Peter Coffee touches on the lean and agile approach to software development, celebrating recent technology success at the DARPA Grand Challenge, which incorporate elements of lean manufacturing 5S principles ...

Lean 5S: Technology Success: Via eWeek: Little Things Mean a Lot

... "The Five S philosophy of removing the unrelated, arranging the useful, discarding the distracting or dangerous, standardizing the proper practice, and systematizing the overall process has much to offer in application development efforts. " ...