Encompix's Chuck Stewart Speaks About
Chuck Stewart is Executive Vice-President of Engineer-to-Order
(ETO) Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software Encompix based
in Cincinnati, Ohio. Stewart said, "If you ask design engineers
what an ERP system means to them, you are likely to hear
something like "nothing" or "more work."
Stewart asserts in the February issue of Automation.com, "In the
Engineer-to-Order (ETO) world the role of the design engineer is
very different. By its nature an ETO company builds a unique
product designed to meet the specification of a single customer.
The two worlds of design and manufacturing are closely linked.
In many cases the design of the product continues through the
product process (design-in-process), incorporating a multitude
of engineering changes. These changes can be driven by the
customer or by the manufacturer. In this environment a seamless
flow of data between engineering and production is critical. An
ETO company must integrate CAD and ERP."
The current issue of Automation.com includes a feature article
by contributing editor, Thomas R. Cutler about ERP and CAD
integration in the ETO (Engineer-to-Order) Environment.
According to Cutler's feature, traditional ERP systems were
developed for the repetitive, make-to-stock manufacturer, where
there is a clear demarcation between design and production. In
that environment the engineer designs the product in a CAD
application. After testing and prototyping, the product is
released to production, which is managed by the ERP system. The
design engineer has little or no interaction with the ERP system
and works quite happily in a CAD environment. Following the work
of the design engineer, a production engineer then creates a
bill of materials (BOM), based on how it will be manufactured,
not on how the product is designed. Automation.com is for
manufacturers and suppliers of industrial, factory and process
automation, motion control, machine control, process control and
instrumentation products and services. Automation.com attracts
engineers, programmers, designers, technicians and other
professionals who specify, purchase and use control systems,
software, robotics, sensors and other supporting products to
automate machines, equipment and factories in both discrete and
continuous manufacturing processes.
Encompix (www.encompix.com) has filled the manufacturing
software requirements of Engineer-to-Order companies since 1992.
The company name reflects the commitment to developing business
application solutions that encompass the complex areas of
project-based and job-based manufacturing. Encompix provides ETO
manufacturers with a competitive advantage by improving bottom
line results.
Encompix www.encompix.com Roger Meloy rmeloy@encompix.com
513-733-0066