Abstract: In today's competitive engineer-to-order (ETO) manufacturing environment, procuring components on time and within budget is crucial. With rising fuel costs and increased international trade, supply chain management software can help ETO organizations get—and stay—ahead of the competition.

Abstract: Engineer-to-order (ETO) manufacturing needs a high level of integration between ERP and PLM systems. This article points out that ERP and PLM solutions are moving toward each other to achieve more organic data and process connectivity.

Abstract: The requirements of the engineer-to-order (ETO) environment create special challenges for capital equipment manufacturers. Traditional material requirements planning (MRP) techniques don’t account for these manufacturers’ needs. Before you invest in manufacturing software, you should carefully consider 10 questions to ensure that software vendors are focused on your business and can deliver the solution you need.

Abstract: Engineer-to-order (ETO) and project-based companies look to information technology (IT) to improve processes and gain a competitive edge. However, building complex products to exact customer specifications requires unique software. But what exactly are the software requirements of ETO and project-based manufacturers? Remember, the wrong software can cost about the same as the right software—until you try to use it!

Abstract: Maintaining a competitive advantage is paramount, no matter what business you operate within. Engineer-to-order (ETO) companies that produce complex products, usually in low volumes, and with project control techniques, are no exception. A lean enterprise involves the reduction or elimination of any activity that does not add value to a customer. In order to effectively utilize lean, lean concepts must be taken from the manufacturing floor and used thorough the ETO enterprise. This paper demonstrates how IFS applications supports the principles of developing a lean enterprise for ETO organizations. It demonstrates how process improvements apply equally to office-based functions, manufacturing, installation, and service activities.

Abstract: To a large extent, software packages do work out of the box. Packages that do not perform perfectly or as users would expect is when dissatisfaction arises. These can be dealt with in a rational manner through the employment of effective project and change management procedures. However, an area that typically creates problems, whether expected or not, is the development of interfaces between proprietary software that cannot be replaced.

Abstract: Keeping track of your key business indicators is the difference between a thriving business concern and a business on life support. But even with this knowledge, one-third of chief executive officers (CEOs) feel they don’t spend enough time reviewing financial and operating numbers. But is spending more time agonizing over piles of data really the best solution?

Abstract: The US EEO-1 report is an annual survey that all affected employers must furnish to the US federal government. The survey is based on employment numbers from any pay period in July through September. It tracks a company’s workforce counts by job category, as well as by ethnicity, race, and gender. But how do the new requirements affect your company?

Abstract: The globalization of discrete manufacturing is forever changing the notion of what a 'small manufacturer' is. Even companies that are considered relatively small in revenue, employment, or client base, must now operate like the largest corporations when structuring and conducting their businesses. Infor examines how today's mid-market manufacturers are transforming themselves—focusing on business processes and employing ERP systems for their own operations.

Abstract: Can you relate to the following software demo situation? Jennifer, the sales engineer, is at the keyboard. She’s on a roll. She’s been setting the stage to show how her price matrix capability will eliminate costly errors. This is all-important to the prospect. She has the audience’s full attention and is steadily moving them toward her objective. Suddenly Robert, the account executive, interrupts from the back of the room. “Jennifer, I think this would be a great time to show how the information you’re working with updates the data warehouse and is immediately available for sales analysis purposes.” Everybody shifts their attention from Jennifer and the all-important price matrix capability to Robert and the equally important data warehouse function. In an instant, the momentum Jennifer has been building dies.

Abstract: Companies that are project manufacturers, engineer-to-order (ETO), build-to-order, jobbing shops or contract manufacturers should think carefully when selecting an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Given the maturity of the ERP market, its ongoing consolidation, and that fact that competitive advantage is hard enough for manufacturers to find, they should not compromise on their requirements.

Abstract: ETO-oriented (engineer-to-order) systems must facilitate the near real time transfer of information and complex product knowledge for collaboration across the extended enterprise. It should especially be suited to organizations that seek to maintain complex selling relationships, such as businesses whose procurement and sales functions rely on subcontractors, channel partnerships or a distributed sales force.

Abstract: If Encompix has for any reason deliberately maintained its ETO-oriented (engineer-to-order) enterprise resource planning system as one of the best-kept secrets in the complex manufacturing mid-market, it has certainly succeeded so far. However, given a certain number of viable solutions from more renowned and visible (even if not that focused) vendors, the company will have to spread the word much more aggressively from now on.

Abstract: Made2Manage specializes in manufacturing management for small and medium-sized discrete, engineer-to-order, and make-to-order manufacturers. This Quick Case for Made2Manage provides concise background information, which is oriented toward organizations considering its Enterprise Business System.

Abstract: Can you relate to the following software demo situation? Jennifer, the sales engineer, is at the keyboard. She's on a roll. She's been setting the stage to show how her price matrix capability will eliminate costly errors. This is all-important to the prospect. She has the audience's full attention and is steadily moving them toward her objective. Suddenly Robert, the account executive, interrupts from the back of the room.

Abstract: When the product alone was the primary basis of competition, the life of a design engineer was a lot simpler. No more. Design engineers are being asked to make an increasingly complex set of trade-offs, requiring a very cross-functional and inter-enterprise approach to the design process.

Abstract: As rumored since last fall, Compaq Computer Corp. has announced its acquisition of Inacom Corp.'s distribution business for approximately $370 million in cash. The deal will let Compaq re-engineer its supply chain, while cutting off indirect rivals Hewlett-Packard and IBM from a major distributor.

Abstract: When all enterprise vendors go for ERP and like solutions to help improve the business of small, midsize, and large aerospace and defense (A&D); engineer-to-order (ETO); contract manufacturing; maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO); and like project-oriented manufacturing companies they may face the need to meet government contract requirements.