it's about people

Individuals require support, the tools to cope with the ever increasing tidal wave of data, electronic files, emails and paper. It is inevitable that every professionally managed business will invest in electronic means to manage their data.

It's not a question of "if", but "when".

Three years ago, the publication, Engineering Data across the Enterprise, sponsored by a group of members of the CSF's Engineering Solutions Forum included the following statement in respect to the threat in companies not investing in modern technologies. "Those companies that fail to use modern technologies are likely to be excluded from future supply chains. For example, exchanging design, engineering systems and process information by paper will soon be a thing of the past."

He concluded, "We know that the manufacturing economy will only prosper through innovation and the skills of its staff. Now is the time to be aware of today's tools to help you succeed."

"Now is the time", was over four years ago..!

The publication pointed to scores of benefits against five strategic areas identified by business experts as key, price, performance, customer satisfaction and emotion.

Four references were listed where electronic data management had created substantial benefits.

A major heavy engineering company cut non-value added time of white collar staff by 50% using electronic information for engineering.

Formula 1 Grand Prix cars contain up to 6,000 discrete components. Each year, 98% of these are re-designed in just a few months in order to stay competitive. This can only be done by sharing electronic information.

A manufacturer of pc boards responds to customer quotes for changes in hours rather than days because they have electronic information.

Ariane rocket

Every company producing mobile phones uses electronic information for engineering to maintain functionality and image.