Take it from the top to the bottom, and vice versa
15 Jan 2000
At the top of the plant-to-boardroom IT chain generally sits the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. By their very nature, ERP systems can often be large and therefore somewhat inflexible installations. Sanderson's PICS system, however, is said to be a highly flexible and fully integrated manufacturing solution. The latest developments in this Windows-based ERP system will be shown at CIM, complete with the latest in desktop integration and full e-commerce capability. PICS is installed at over 200 manufacturing sites in the UK.
E-commerce is now also a feature of Kewill's ERP systems. Dubbed E-Manufacturing, the latest development brings to manufacturing the advantages of `paperless trading' that are already being enjoyed by the retail sector. Kewill quotes the Institute of Purchasing and Supply's estimate that typically there are seven transactions per purchase order using the traditional paper route, at a cost of £250 per order, while e-commerce over the internet reduces this to a few pounds.
The latest version of the established ERP system from QAD, MFG/PRO, is also said to provide a complete e-commerce solution. The software incorporates Internet, intranet and extranet capabilities, and introduces a sales force automation module which allows remote sales teams direct access to company-wide information.
Pantek's `manufacturing management solutions' are the focus of its stand in the CSI section of the show, where visitors will be shown how they can maximise ERP investments and allow factory floor information to flow into business systems. Pride of place goes to Wonderware's FactorySuite 2000 software, for which Pantek is the UK's sole authorised training centre.
An international implementation partner for Oracle and SAP's ERP applications, Motherwell Information Systems targets key markets including the process industries. The company is now the UK's biggest reseller of Oracle's Process Manufacturing software.
Formerly known as Orsi UK, Cube Technology is unveiling its new colours at CIM. Cube is a suite of application modules for production management and process control that can be co-ordinated with the functions of an ERP system using a dedicated, easy-to-configure graphical module.
