Jim Fulcher, Contributing Editor

Articles

PLCs, PACs November 1, 2009

Bluetooth-enabled barcode scanners boost warehouse productivity

Bluetooth technology has given users a new level of freedom in the way they operate computing and communications devices. Being able to talk on a cell phone—and keep both hands on the steering wheel—while driving is a prime example. Now that same level of freedom is being given to warehouse workers, thanks to the introduction of a Bluetooth-enabled bar code scanner by LXE, a manufac...

By Jim Fulcher, Contributing Editor
Process Safety November 1, 2009

Construction equipment firm masters transportation management with Sterling Commerce solution

For manufacturers, managing transportation costs is a constant juggling act. The challenge is identifying and implementing cost-savings techniques without hindering customer service. Given a choice, supply chain managers usually will expedite shipments for a valued customer, says Patrick Connaughton, senior analyst, sourcing and vendor management, at Forrester Research, Cambridge, Mass.

By Jim Fulcher, Contributing Editor
Workforce Development September 1, 2009

New mobile solution gives service engineers accurate, timely customer information

To address current economic conditions, a growing number of manufacturers have adopted two goals: improve customer service and boost the revenue stream from service. The good news is that it is possible to work toward both goals simultaneously by deploying a field service solution that equips service technicians with mobile devices.

By Jim Fulcher, Contributing Editor
Diagnostics, Asset Management September 1, 2009

Unilever betting on "demand sensing" to weather volatile market conditions

The potential ramifications of errors in a company's forecast are clear: A company may face declining customer satisfaction, loss of revenue, and, sometimes as a consequence, additional cost stemming from carrying increased inventory used as safety stock. The resulting pressure to improve forecasting accuracy is perhaps most keenly felt by companies in the often volatile consumer products market...

By Jim Fulcher, Contributing Editor
Workforce Development August 19, 2009

Workforce managment software makes lean staffs more efficient

Since adopting workforce management software, Briggs & Stratton has reduced its workforce by 20 percent while also increasing throughput. "We estimate that's saved us about a million dollars," says John Guy, VP, Supply Chain and Distribution, Briggs & Stratton.

By Jim Fulcher, Contributing Editor
Diagnostics, Asset Management August 19, 2009

Open-source software can close functional gaps

Users like the flexibilty that comes with open-source ERP, but some think vendors should offer more education on the differences between open-source software and traditional applications.

By Jim Fulcher, Contributing Editor
Diagnostics, Asset Management August 6, 2009

Workforce management solutions offer guidance for making lean staffs more efficient

Since deploying a workforce management solution, Briggs & Stratton has been able to reduce its workforce by 20 percent while also increasing throughput.

By Jim Fulcher, Contributing Editor
Manufacturing IT, MES May 12, 2009

Design outsourcing: Symphony Services has grown by harmonizing with client needs

Leaner staffs undoubtedly will cause manufacturers outsource some manufacturing and product design. Companies that operatate as business partners are more useful, especially in product design. Symphony Services explains how this relates to expansion into India and China.

By Jim Fulcher, Contributing Editor
Discrete Manufacturing February 1, 2009

Product development in 3D

Design for manufacturability—the idea of taking the company’s manufacturing capabilities into account during new product design—is not a new concept. What is new is the growing movement among manufacturers to integrate product life-cycle management (PLM) and production management software as the means for delivering product design data to the plant floor.

By Jim Fulcher, Contributing Editor
Manufacturing IT, MES January 27, 2009

MAGNET for growth: Invention Machine data platform leads to sustainable, repeatable product innovation

Best-in-class companies tend to rely on IT—especially collaboration-oriented applications—to support their product-development processes. Goldfire Innovator, a software platform from Invention Machine, makes it easy to manage data from both internal and external sources, allowing design teams to share ideas about products as they are being developed.

By Jim Fulcher, Contributing Editor
All Articles