Abstract: After adopting two-dimensional computer-aided design (2D CAD) in the 1990s, Dalian Shipyard discovered that 2D technology didn’t meet the real-world challenges facing ship designers. For example, 2D CAD could not graphically reproduce real ship design challenges, such as collisions. Dalian Shipyard needed better product lifecycle management (PLM) tools. The solution: CADDS 5i—a complete 3D CAD tool for shipbuilding.

Abstract: What would you do if a critical error occurred during production—all because the wrong data was input into your enterprise resource planning (ERP) system? You’d probably be asking “how could this happen?” The ability to communicate information between teams can mean the difference between production success and failure. Avoid these snafus with a system that can integrate the data of both the design and ERP systems.

Abstract: A brief introduction to Lectra, a specialized vendor in the CAD, CAM, and PLM industry, including history, product offerings, and achievements, as well as expectations and recommendations to the vendor’s future growth.

Abstract: By selling CAD and payroll applications, IFS may not only control potential damage but also

Abstract: Is selling-off of its Brazilian subsidiary and of tangential CAD and payroll applications a sign that IFS is grasping the realities of a mature enterprise applications market, which requires, among many other things, finding a perfect balance between cultivating the install base versus the zeal for hitching brand new customers?

Abstract: There are two major genres of PLM solution: CAD-PLM and ERP-PLM. These two types have different integration capabilities, but the gap between them is shrinking thanks to various factors driving the market. Currently, however, the difference still matters in the solution selection process.

Abstract: Key concerns for PLM prospects will be domain knowledge in design and engineering-specific functions and integration, including currently poor connections from Oracle workflow to third-party business applications and CAD/PLM interfaces.

Abstract: Facilities management software systems used to function in separate technology silos. Now, vendors are adopting Web-based services, as well as on-demand and other emerging technologies. As the technology that solves the inefficiencies of working with geographic information systems (GISs) and computer-aided design (CAD) rapidly evolves, new opportunities emerge for facility and property managers. Learn more.

Abstract: A premium aluminum boat builder struggled to fit into a standard enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. But the company found it difficult to schedule and track engineer-to-order (ETO) jobs, and it was wasting a lot of time duplicating efforts. Also, it needed effective communication between computer-aided design (CAD) and ERP systems. Read about the solution that helped the company streamline its processes.

Abstract: Development and problem solving happens too often at the testing stage, once product prototypes have been built. This can be costly, both in terms of the time and the resources expended. Computer-aided design (CAD) and exercises (CAE) can address your concerns about product safety and performance, as well as augment your return on investment (ROI). Shift your product development paradigm with digital engineering tools.

Abstract: Application Service Provision (ASP).There has been a trend in recent years towards the use of remote software services through application service providers. These are companies who make software applications available via the Internet to users who, rather than buying software, pay rental fees for it. The software does not have to be installed locally, the application being available through any web browser, and all support and maintenance is handled by the service provider. CMMS vendors are not the only ones offering these solutions. CAD modelling, engineering design, finance packages, purchasing, ERP and even your company Intranet can now be rented. This is an expanding sector and the signs are that major growth is about to take place. Earlier problems with slow data transfer speeds, communication costs and data security have largely been eliminated and this has made ASP a very attractive proposition. This is clearly illustrated by the proliferation of systems that have become available over the last three or four years with most of the major CMMS vendors now offering an ASP option.

Abstract: SharePoint has been well adopted in manufacturing companies as a backbone for Office applications, mainly for document sharing and management. Windchill ProductPoint can enable SharePoint to understand and store complex computer-aided design (CAD) data, and extend SharePoint’s reach into product development. Learn more about the capabilities of the Windchill ProductPoint product lifecycle management (PLM) system.

Abstract: Product development is a mission-critical process. And it can also be very expensive. But thanks to modern computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided engineering (CAE), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and product lifecycle management (PLM) systems, many manufacturing companies now have the tools that allow better alignment of cost and value-add. This is what’s referred to as “global product development.” Learn more.

Abstract: In PLM, there is no single vendor that can meet all of the requirements, and the market is still immature, so almost every product can be the right solution provided a certain set of requirements. In this part of the article we review 3 vendors who offer products to the PLM market - IDe, Thetis, and PDMware - as a demonstration that selecting the appropriate solution is highly dependant on the prioritized needs of the business.

Abstract: I'm Larry Blitz, editor of Technology Evaluation Centers’ (TEC) Vendor Showdown series. Welcome to our latest: ERP - Distribution Showdown. You’ll notice this one has a broader focus than Showdowns we’ve done in the past. Again we’ll be comparing three vendor solutions head-to-head, but not just on functionality. This time we’ll also look at the industries these solutions support, how well they cover different portions of the mid-market segment, and how their installed bases break out geographically. Of course, functionality is again a key component of this Showdown, broken down into four main distribution areas and 13 subareas. We hope you find today’s Showdown helpful and informative, and invite your comments and questions at showdown@technologyevaluation.com.

Abstract: There are two types of extract transform and load (ETL) vendors. Business intelligence (BI) vendors integrate ETL functionality into their overall BI framework, while best-of-breed data integration vendors, who provide enhanced ETL functionality, have an increased focus on data cleansing and integrity.

Abstract: This part illustrates how selecting the right ERP product depends on each client's requirements. Epicor, QAD, and Ramco Systems' rank can change with different sets of client requirements.

Abstract: Here's a handy checklist to make sure you cover all the bases and ask all the right questions when you go about comparing banks.