The Agile Software Revolution – Information Technology in US Manufacturing Today

A global market economy – what is means for U.S. manufacturers and IT providersGlobal competition is making it more difficult for American manufacturing companies to make a profit. Manufacturers need to become more agile to compete globally with economies where the cost of labor is an almost insignificant part of the cost of goods and they have access to the same high tech manufacturing equipment. It is time for forward thinking, competitively focused comanies to move to the next generation of IT tools, and strengthen their manufacturing and management information systems. Technology providers need to provide manufacturers with cost effective, highly mobile, highly adaptable, thin-client competitive capabilities. These capabilities will come in the form of software which is web-based (or web-native), object-oriented, model-driven, thin-client, configurable and offered as a service (SaaS).
Old ERP technology – the first generation
The truth is that first generation ERP applications lack the flexibility to add or change functionality and they just aren’t capable of full web funtionality. Because of their age and code foundations, most existing ERP vendors just can’t provide the full range of functionality made possible by the internet-native technologies. The ability of the native browser-based applications to interact with any device that can run a browser i.e. PDAs, cell phones and various data capture devices makes them intrinsically more valuable than the old ERP systems. These old legacy systems are difficult to expand and modify to make use of these wireless devices, or to change and add any new functionality to the system. It is also costly and laborious. Some vendors try to present the old systems in a browser and call the applications “web-enabled”, using a technique known as “screen-scraping”. But don’t be fooled. Web-enabled does not mean web-browser native. These applications lack all of the abilities and advantages of a truly browser-native application. These first generation ERP vendors are racing to convert their aging, first generation offerings to the new, object-oriented, browser- based model of software. This is a difficult task, since the internal source code for these older packages is fundamentally unsuited for the web and cannot make use of the native functionality of the web browser. The total cost of owernship (TCO) for first generation systems is high, due to the legacy code burden, thick-client server setup and heavy support infrastructure. Much more IT workforce is needed to support a first generation ERP application.
A new vision for information technology – next generation software
The ultimate goal for any manufacturing organization is graphic, actionable, timely information when ever and where ever it’s needed to support performance. Next generation software makes that goal attainable. Every manufacturer wants supply side and finished goods inventory reductions, energy use reductions, operational efficiency improvements and increased overall efficiency. Browser-based software applications which are easily configured are allowing manufacturers to become lean. A lean organization is one which can quickly and effectively adapt and make changes which lead to better productivity. The success of any software implementation needs to be measured by the achievement of benefits such as a reduction in manufacturing operational costs, a reduction of administrative costs, improved complete and on-time shipments, improved customer satisfaction and improved manufacturing schedule compliance. Next generation software, which is fundamentally different in design, function and form from legacy applications, is the beginning of the software revolution. Although the first generation systems have had their place and time, business practices of the new millennia, wireless technology, and the need for flexible systems is more than these aging systems were designed to deliver. The time has come to move on to a new generation of browser-based, object-oriented, model-driven toolsets which have the flexibility and functionality needed to carry us to the next level. The ultimate goal, real-time availability of information, is now attainable.How does next generation software technology make an organization better able to adapt?Adding functionality to software systems is a historical problem for first generation ERP vendors. This is because of the legacy code it is built upon. A next generation ERP provider does not have that problem, due to the use of an object-oriented software architecture. Making changes to or even adding functionality to an existing software system already in use is more easily and quickly done. Tuppas has also developed a set of rapid application development tools to which make modifications even faster. An application which might take a man year to develop using traditional methods such as asp.net, would take a matter of weeks with our development tools. Due to the relative ease with which they can be configured and changed, object-oriented software tools have brought drastic price reductions to normally high priced integrated management support software. Now not only can the largest organizations afford these software applications, small and medium sized businesses can too. The ease with which these applications can be reconfigured allows a vendor to collaborate with clients to quickly build customized software. This is extremely beneficial to corporations with a number of diverse plants. Tuppas can even help the customer learn to use their development tools so that they can modify the software themselves at their discretion. New business practices can be readily incorporated into an existing system. Our toolset gives us the kind of flexibility which allows us to create highly configured solutions for the corporate level and the plant level. Having the ability to modify the software that helps run the company as their needs change is a huge advantage in a highly competitive market. The system becomes more that just a software purchase. It is an adaptable tool to help them grow and innovate now and in the future.
Wireless adaptability accelerates decision making with real-time or just-in-time information
The faster that mission critical information can be recognized and made available, the faster the reaction time can be. The wireless capabilities of next generation software are providing unprecedented opportunities to accelerate the decision making process due to the decrease in time to acquire critical information. Wireless technology can be used to connect corporate entities, mobilize a sales force, track warehouse inventory, trace products and jobs, empower field personnel and more. The applications are really limitless. Having the ability to collect and organize timely information in a global environment, whether it be a field service technician, a sales person or a CXO, extends the power of any organization.
SaaS-Software-as-a-Service
The idea of software delivered over the web and hosted by a vendor has been around for a while, but it is just now beginning to come into it’s own as a viable option for software buyers. The benefits are numerous. Making monthly or quarterly payments for a system allows many more buyers into the market for high end software applications than traditional licensing purchases. Other benefits include lwer cost of entry, quicker start up, faster return on investment, decreased internal support costs, reduced risk (initial investment is small), and better service and support since customers must be happy to be retained. Typically, the vendor or a third party host provide the maintenance, upgrades and security for the system relieving the customer of these burdens too. The absence of on-site servers, software, security and IT professionals means significantly lower total cost of ownership (TCO) for buyers.
The advantages of the thin-client system
A thin client strategy allows for the use of inexpensive work stations along with various other devices, such as palm computers, cell phones and more. It means anywhere, anytime access to information within the system from any browser capable device. It has made complete connectivity very cost effective. Thin-client software is browser-based software which resides on a dedicated server. The server may belong to the client, the vendor or a host. Users have full access the system via “thin client terminals”, which really only require access through a browser to the dedicated server. This differs from traditional software installations, which require that a copy of the application be installed locally on each computer where it is to be used. This makes software upgrades infinitely easier, since only the program on the dedicated server needs to be upgraded, and not numerous client computers. This also saves time and disruption of work flow. Another advantage is the reduction in hardware needed at individual work stations to operate the software.
Model-driven design makes integration and upgrades easierIn conclusion
When you combine all of the features of the next generation software applications, what you end up with is a new class of software. Together, model driven development tools, object-oriented design, browser-based development, rapid development tools and wireless possibilities have created a revolution in software design and development. These applications mean greater flexibility at a significantly lower cost than first generation systems offered. U.S. manufacturers need to become more able to quickly react, move and respond to changing markets, regulations, finances and the competition in order to survive. This adaptability will soon become a necessary trait for any manufacturer who wants to survive in our new global marketplace.Model-driven software applications allow users to focus on functionality and core business processes without having to worry about technology platforms, technology upgrades and integration issues. Model-driven applications separate the business, or application logic from the underlying platform. It means that the software is created with two layers, so that one can change and upgrade the user side independently of the technical under-layer, and vice-versa. Software based on model-driven development eases platform integration issues and is a wise IT investment in the uncertain world of changing platform technology. It means reduced cost of ownership, reduced development time for new applications, rapid inclusion of emerging technology into systems and an increased return on technology investments. Model-driven design provides the framework which frees users to evolve their software and practices independently of the underlying technology or platform. It enables better, faster and less expensive system integration.

Start Making Money Online So You Can Afford The Things You Want

Start Making Money OnlineAre you behind on your bills? Having trouble making rent? Is the rising cost of living making it more difficult to make ends meet? Have you been let down by an uncertain economy?If any of this sounds like you, remember, it doesn’t have to be this way.I, too, had these problems after I lost my last 7 year job. Things got so tight I had to sell the gorgeous home I’d worked so hard to earn and move back to where I grew up. It felt like failure. Then things got better, I found a way to start making money online.If you’ve ever been online, you’ve probably used Google. Everyone has, right? In America alone, there are over 1 billion Google searches every month. These people are looking for products, services, and information. Anyone can offer a product or service online- professionals of every type from contractors to doctors, even high school and college students. To start making money online you don’t need any special credentials or certificates, just a small willingness to learn or a system to follow.As a warning, I’ve spent plenty of time on other schemes and scams. Once you start looking up “how to make money online” you’ll see them everywhere. It’s hard to know what to trust.Most systems claim to be an easy way to make money online, and either they’re easy to use and make you nothing- or they’re honestly complex and frustrating. As someone who’s been in your shoes, I’d like to share an incredibly helpful system I’ve come across: Real Marketing Masters. Currently, this is the easiest way to make money online. They’re a real internet marketing company- not a fly by night operation- and they do all of the work, the marketing, for you. All they need is for you to join, become a Partner, and pay towards the monthly marketing budget. By the end of the month, you get your money back and more. Then the cycle repeats.This means that you can start making money online almost immediately, compared to other systems that require you to do everything yourself and then make you wait for months to see results.You don’t have to write a single blog post or article, appear on camera, cold call people, recruit your friends and family- none of that. It’s simple: you contribute to the system and you and every other Partner gets a payout at the end of the month. Last month, every Partner received $916. This month, that number is going up, and it won’t stop at that number, either.In addition, this system has a guarantee. Real Marketing Masters guarantees you will make $3000 in 60 days or you don’t pay in another dollar until you do. That’s a guaranteed $3000. You won’t find a guarantee like this anywhere else.If this doesn’t already sound like the fastest, easiest way to start making money online- there’s one more bonus that might convince you.Every partner gets free access to the University of Internet Science, giving you all the resources to learn the same strategies the people at RMM use to make their Partners money each month. That means free information, videos, webinars, and training- it’s there for you all day, every day. You get access, but it’s your choice whether you use it to bring in more money- or not. Either way, you still get your money at the end of every month.So what are you waiting for? Visit us at http://pwc2.com/work-done-for-you to start making money online with RMM.

Exploring The Keys To Making Money Online From Home

If you are wanting to start making money from home, you have probably realized that you are not alone in this desire (not by a long shot!), as this is something many people dream of being able to do – and for good reason, of course, as figuring out how to make money online from home would enable you to finally have the sort of freedom of schedule (not to mention financial flexibility!) that most people only ever dream of having; while it would certainly be wonderful to figure out how to make money from home, however, this is something most people struggle with – with many people even, eventually simply reaching a point where they call this whole marketplace something along the lines of a “make money from home scam.” If this is the way you have felt, we have good news for you: firstly, there are actually lots of people who make money from home for a living; and secondly, making money online is easy, as soon as you come to understand the keys to making money online from home!1) Realize that it does require hard work: One of the big mistakes a lot of people make when trying to start their new life of making a living from home is imagining that it is possible to make money online with no work at all; these people end up setting up a website, putting in about five hours of work, then wondering why they are not making any money. If you have a desire to achieve success online, it will be just like what it takes to be successful in any area of life: you have to take the time to learn and understand what you are doing, and then, you have to put in hard work to make it happen!2) Team up with a system that works: Another mistake a lot of people make is that they try to start from scratch in their efforts to start making a living online, failing to realize or acknowledge that there are plenty of systems in place that will help you to achieve success in this area without having to do all the startup work yourself; by finding a great system for succeeding online and teaming up with this system, you will be in great shape to succeed online from the word “go.”3) It takes time: A lot of people give their efforts almost no time at all before they pronounce that “the idea of making money online is a scam.” The fact of the matter is, thousands of people make huge amounts of money online, but almost none of these people were able to start succeeding right away; instead, they had to work hard, have patience, and persevere – realizing that as long as they kept working, they would eventually achieve their breakthrough!If you have a desire to reach a place where you are generating income from home, be sure to stop by and see us at http://kaption.ws to find some of the tools that will put you in the best possible position to succeed!