Industrial manufacturers have always been different, with different needs when it comes to enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. And IFS Applications has always been different in all of the right ways, with good mixed mode manufacturing support, a natural flow of data between CRM, engineering, purchasing and manufacturing or fabrication.
But today, industrial manufacturing ERP is really evolving into project ERP software. More industrial manufacturers every year are involved in complex, order-driven modes like engineer-to-order. They are managing production contractors and dealing with shorter product lifecycles All of this places a premium on project management software functionality.
Fortunately, IFS Applications is a true project manufacturing software solution, which allows for real time project management and project accounting throughout the enterprise. IFS Applications facilitates manufacturing projects directly in ERP — not just in a project planning tool that is separate from what is used to actually perform the work. True project manufacturing software like this is the only way to ensure real-time visibility and control.
Complex manufacturing environments, to-order manufacturers and job shops need project manufacturing software:
Industrial manufacturing is a major focus area for IFS, and many of our customers are in this sector. These complex businesses require strong integration of major business functions across the enterprise. Many of them have EDI and other supply chain integration with customers and suppliers. They enjoy the benefits of IFS Applications. Support for \product lifecycle management (PLM), customer relationship management (CRM), and enterprise asset management (EAM).
Mixed mode manufactures must tackle a mix of make-to-stock, make-to-order, engineer-to-order, configure-to-order and other types of work. IFS Applications handles engineering requirements found in to-order industries and the planning and detail scheduling requirements of make-to-stock. Multiple production environments can run simultaneously or alternate.
Profits associated with aftermarket service contracts for equipment are more generous than for most product sales. Many project manufacturers involved in capital equipment would like to sell these services, but must compete against nimble third-party providers of parts and services. To succeed in this space, you need enterprise software that persists through design, engineering, manufacture, installation and field service management. IFS Metrix Service Management software offers complete functionality for managing mobile technicians, customers, spare parts and logistics.
Manufacturers are becoming more project-driven, with more adopting engineer-to-order and configure-to-order models every year. IFS Applications allows you to arrange your organization around projects and the revenue and profit they deliver to your organization. Project management coordinates the engineering functions, and engineering with operations and the business.
Real-time management of procurements, inventory and vendors ensures availability of goods and services associated with forecasts of planned and unplanned work. IFS Applications supports the project manufacturing supply chain—from global sourcing to lean manufacturing. Global manufacturers with global, distributed operations benefit from multi-site agreements and common purchasing. Less capital is tied up in inventory. Global spare-parts availability supports customers’ efforts in a meaningful way.
Product lifecycle management (PLM) allows you to master product design, planning, data management and engineering change furnishes stakeholders with consistent, accurate information regarding products and projects. Engineering components make it easier to specify and configure design elements, assemblies and products. CAD drawings, contracts and other essential documents can be attached to any object in IFS Applications, allowing for full PLM.
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Founded in 1961, Stolle Machinery designs, engineers, and assembles complex production machinery. The company is the worldwide market leader in the can machinery industry, offering a complete line of equipment for manufacturing can ends and can bodies. In addition, with its Didde web press product line, Stolle Machinery is a leader in the web offset printing industry, having the largest installed base in North America.
In IFS Applications 7 there is complete integration to finance out of the project module. This lends itself very well to companies that do equipment building. Michael Kalkman, Project Manager
Throughout the Pacific Rim, Todd Pacific Shipyards is known for its ability to take on repair, maintenance and building jobs of all sizes and descriptions, do them right, and get them done fast. The company is located in the deep water port of Puget Sound, Seattle, Wash.
Here at Todd, we are doing new construction work on some ferries and determining how we can use EVM on these projects. Our commercial side is interested in using some of the reports and the same thinking. Scott Arndt, Senior Business Analyst
Management Science Associates, Inc., is a diversified information management company that, for nearly half a century, has given market leaders the competitive edge in data management, analytics, and technology.. Since its incorporation in 1963, MSA has grown to a professional staff of 800 employees, providing computer- based information solutions to more than 300 clients, including some of the largest U.S. and international corporations.
IFS is a very open, supportive, and flexible organization. Jim Doucet, Director of Information Systems
Crete, Ill.-based (U.S.A.) Holland Co. is the world leader in flash-butt welding in railroad applications. In addition to full-service mobile, fixed plant and containerized welding, Holland also builds rail equipment, performs track testing, cleans and repairs railcars and designs and operates transloading pods, manufactures components for railcars, and more.
The general manager of our welding business unit flatly stated that we wouldn’t have stood a chance without IFS. Jim Tieri, Director of Information Technology
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