Your plant is not making as much money as it once did, and the bean counters are all over you. There is a constant threat of jobs moving offshore. Think it’s just a North American phenomenon? Think again. Every manufacturing plant today in some way competes against the entire world for business.
This month’s Automation World focus is manufacturing competitiveness. In the following pages, we take a look at the issue from a number of perspectives. Kevin Kohls, Director of Throughput Analysis and Simulation at General Motors, took a journey from control engineer to his present position by discovering that focus on financial performance is an ideal way to get competitive. Kohls’ story starts on page 34.
For a thoughtful discussion on global competitiveness issues, check out the interview with ABB Executive Vice President Dick McAllister, which begins on page 38. McAllister describes how the judicious use of automation may level the playing field for any plant, including yours.
Can a new software platform improve your competitive stance? “ArchestrA,” from Invensys, is a new platform built on the foundation of Microsoft’s “.Net.” On page 42, we look at benefits to users struggling to upgrade automation without tearing out legacy systems.
Delivering consistently high quality in software products is a difficult task. On page 46, learn how manufacturing software provider Citect uses a method called “eXtreme Programming” to meet customer expectations.
What’s another way to remain competitive? Have users and technology suppliers team to develop standards. In the interview with user Bob Martell, page 50, we examine the benefits driving the OMAC packaging industry workgroup.
Competitiveness often also involves cutting costs. In the piece starting on page 52, read how remote networking technology helped engineers at truck-trailer manufacturer Great Dane Trailers save a bundle on travel costs.
As all of these stories show, automation plays a key role in improving global competitiveness. As you read through this issue, we hope you find ideas that can help you improve the competitiveness of your own manufacturing operation.
