Leading ERP Vendor for ETO Environment
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. 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."
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.
Stewart asserts in the February issue of Automation.com, "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. "
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 cased 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.
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