Process Manufacturing Software: A Primer
Joseph J. Strub - September 3, 2005

Introduction

Process manufacturing has unique requirements differentiating it from other types of manufacturing. When selecting software for the process industry, special attention and emphasis should be placed on these requirements to ensure that a company can operate at optimal levels, consistent with how it does business and not with how the software lets the company do business. Be aware of both large software vendors, who try to be all things to all companies, and niche vendors, who lack the deep pockets to continue the product line and meet future needs. This article defines process manufacturing; discusses its formulation, packaging, and pricing issues; talks about interfaces; and provides cautions and caveats. Furthermore, these characteristics should be at the top of any software evaluation list...