This month Automation World looks at some of the pitfalls as well as successes that companies have experienced while navigating the rough seas of global competition.
Outsourcing various components of production have become commonplace for many manufacturers. Sometimes these plants are located overseas. Automation World Managing Editor Wes Iversen explores some of the perils inherent in this strategy, and adds some tips for success, in an article beginning on page 24.
With parts and assemblies sourced from virtually all parts of the world, integrating the global supply chain with real-time information is crucial for success. In an article that starts on page 32, Contributing Editor Rob Spiegel looks at how some companies are succeeding.
One sure way to assure quality and consistency of manufacturing around the globe is by specifying global standards. Contributing Editor James Koelsch surveys some of the important standards and how they are enabling successful manufacturing, in an article beginning on page 36.
Automation World kicks off a series of special reports this month beginning with a survey of automation business in Asia by Editor Gary Mintchell. This article, beginning on page 40, looks at China and India specifically to determine how automation is progressing in that part of the world.
Also new for 2005 in Automation World is a quarterly special report on Collaborative Manufacturing Software. In an article beginning on page 44, Editorial Director Jane Gerold looks at how companies are trying to make their huge investments in enterprise resource planning (ERP) software pay off through integration with manufacturing information. In part two of the report, Contributing Editor Terry Costlow reveals how automotive companies have benefited from manufacturing and ERP data integration, in an article beginning on page 50.
