Manufacturing locations for big orders."He recommends beginning the eManufacturing journey by recognizing the need for creating a seamless flow of information from the factory floor. He suggests an opening question: "What are the number of interfaces that exist between your business systems-such as planning and inventory systems? If the answer is one, the enterprise is well on its way to the kind of integration that's needed. If there are five different systems with five different interfaces, then you're just beginning. Each interface represents potential for data corruption mistakes to occur." Metcalf suggests emulating the cost-cutting justification used when purchasing departments adopted electronic procurement. "Plants have an equally strong cost-saving story to tell, particularly in terms of predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics, and utility cost savings." He explains that many devices with an embedded Web server are able to communicate proactively. That means that if it breaks-or reaches certain preset parameters that indicate it is about to break-it can ask for help." His examples: LVDO circuit breakers from Schneider Electric's Square D brand include a contact-wear indicator that alerts operators before the breaker fails; and the company's motor starters keep track of bearing wear, temperature fluctuations, and vibration levels. 2.3.1.2 Valuable Capabilities What's possible today, says Metcalf, goes beyond sounding an alarm or an indicator light. The possibilities include initiating e-mail or signaling a pager at the OEM, the maintenance department, or contractor to describe the specific problem and request service and parts. Still, manufacturers either are not aware of these capabilities or they haven't been sold on their value. For example, consider the experience of Cincinnati Machine, Cincinnati, a unit of UNOVA Inc. The company, a manufacturer of CNC machine tools, has had a remote access feature on its Cincron ce...
