Web technology enables engineering information to be exploited for maximum profit

Citation

(2000), "Web technology enables engineering information to be exploited for maximum profit", Facilities, Vol. 18 No. 5/6. https://doi.org/10.1108/f.2000.06918eab.015

Web technology enables engineering information to be exploited for maximum profit

Keywords Computer systems, Competitiveness, Information systems

A free management guide is available from the Computing Suppliers Federation's (CSF's) "Engineering Data across the Enterprise" initiative.

The DTI-supported project aims to highlight the crucial benefits of faster time-to-market, cost-saving, product quality and increased competitiveness which can be delivered by ensuring instant availability of current engineering information throughout manufacturing companies and supply chains.

The initiative is targeted at directors of manufacturing, engineering, process and utility industry organisations - particularly those classified as small or medium enterprises.

Like previous CSF business awareness publications, the new management guide is written in a simple-to-understand, non-technical style. It not only enables users to appreciate the substantial business benefits available, but also provides examples of systems in use, as well as practical advice on how to investigate, select and implement these technologies for maximum return.

The booklet will be supported by a series of case studies citing companies within the manufacturing sector that have dramatically improved their operations - and profitability - through effective sharing and management of engineering data. Copies of these, and the management guide, are available free, on request from the CSF. In addition, electronic versions of the publications - along with further information on the seminar series - can be obtained by accessing the CSF Web site: www.csf.org/EDAE.htm

According to CSF project co-ordinator, Geoff Hall: "Most engineering and manufacturing organisations have already invested heavily in Computer Aided Design (CAD), Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) and similar systems. They are achieving substantial productivity improvements as a result of these investments, but often fail to realise the dramatic benefits available from sharing information and data across business functions and along the supply chain."

"The Government has confirmed its determination to see British industry tackle this issue, in order that UK companies can compete effectively in global markets," Mr Hall added. "Our top businesses are representative of the best of the world, but the UK has a 'long tail' of organisations that are risking being left behind. Our 'Engineering Data across the Enterprise' initiative aims to tackle this area of concern."

"Engineering Data across the Enterprise" is a market education project sponsored by the following companies: Altris Software, Aspect Development, CAD Capture, Cadtek, CoCreate, Definitive Applications, Gedas, Informative Graphics, KIP UK, MatrixOne, Microcadam, Motiva/Autodesk and Radan Computational.

Comprising almost 200 member companies, The Computing Suppliers Federation is a not-for-profit industry body which promotes the benefits of information technology throughout industry.

For further information or to request copies of the management guide booklets, case studies, video tape and details of the nation-wide seminar series, please contact Claire Garbitt at the Computing Suppliers Federation on: 01905 727610; E-mail: info@csf.org.uk or visit the EDAE Web site: www.csf.org/EDAE.htm