Weekly Update 10/02/2008

The 2008 ERP in Manufacturing Benchmark Report Pressures to reduce costs outweigh all other business drivers impacting Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) in 2008. While ERP is generally viewed as a necessary infrastructure, it is also a strategic weapon in streamlining and automating business processes – while providing visibility to those processes throughout the enterprise. This report explores the feedback by over 1200 manufacturers and aims to serve as a roadmap to those in the manufacturing community who desire to reduce costs, improve accuracy of inventory and schedules, and develop customer responsiveness through successful ERP implementations. go.epicor.com

Articles

CAM Makes Parts In Famous Garage

In a private garage in Burbank, Calif., three people repair, restore and maintain a fleet of vehicles for a well-known motoring enthusiast. Read the full story here

The Big Dog And Barking At Young People

Jay Leno, host of the Tonight Show, is on the cover of American Machinist this month holding a new part for a stationary steam engine built in 1831. The engine is the oldest steam engine Leno has in his collection, which famously includes cars, motorcycles, steam engines and other stuff that he houses in his private garage — affectionately known as The Big Dog Garage. Read the full story here

Economic Challenges For The Next President

The next President, whether it is Barack Obama or John McCain, will be faced by daunting challenges. The world has changed rapidly over the past eight years, and the old solutions do not necessarily fit the new problems. Read the full story here

Setting A Price On Multitasking

How do you “cost” a job, especially when your operator is running two or three machines? Do you low-ball it so that you give your customer a break, or do you maintain your shop rate — or more — to put $$$ in the bank? Read the full story here

Technical Resource For Laser Measurement

Ophir-Spiricon has launched a new website to provide technical resources for power and energy measurement, laser beam profiling, and spectrum analysis. Read the full story here

AM Webcasts

Now Available On Demand

5 Key Strategies For Reduced Cost and Increased Profitability Striving to reduce costs and increase profitability while remaining competitive is no easy task. Epicor Manufacturing talks about ways to plan, schedule, execute and monitor your manufacturing operations – from raw materials to final product – to develop your highest level of flexibility and agility, and to make your operations more competitive. Watch Now!Sponsored by: EPICOR