This article examines both the advantages and the drawbacks of outsourcing key
information technology processes. Are manufacturers really enjoying the cost
savings and productivity gains they've been promised? Are companies still
looking east, particularly to India, for abundant (and low-cost) IT talent? Is
it time for manufacturers to make needed investments in their own home-grown
systems? This feature addresses some of the most pressing questions
manufacturing managers have about IT.
March: The Next Big Thing: Disruptive Technologies
This article looks at how emerging plant-floor technologies are
changing the entire concept of a modern manufacturing facility. IW looks at the
state of the art in machine intelligence, automation and process controls and
other advanced solutions, and illustrates how these technologies are being used
to make parts better, faster and at lower cost.
July: Digital Manufacturing
Digital prototyping is an example of emerging manufacturing technology that
offers increased efficiency and reduced costs as it allows the visualization of
a "finished" product before it is actually made. This article looks at how
several major companies are adopting strategies that enable them to develop
products more quickly by accelerating their information cycle times.
September: Innovations in Machine Tools and Factory
Automation (IMTS 2008 Preview)
By optimizing factory asset performance, smart machine tools are reducing
process variation while increasing equipment utilization and effectiveness. The
new generation of machine tools hold the promise of helping manufacturers make
parts better, faster and at lower cost. Innovations and new directions in
machine tools and equipment offer compelling competitive reasons to invest in
manufacturing technology. IW previews some of the latest tools that will be on
display at the IMTS 2008 exhibition in Chicago.
