News


PLM grows as manufacturers cut spending

November 2009 News

Industry analysts expect the drive for increased efficiency in the manufacturing sector to drive growth in the product lifecycle management (PLM) market by nearly 10% over the next five years, providing good opportunities for PLM suppliers in EMEA and emerging markets. One company which has been at the forefront of the PLM boom in the discrete manufacturing sector is Softworx, an EOH company and reseller of Infor in sub-Saharan Africa.

Infor PLM is a web-enabled PLM system that is capable of integrating with leading CAD/CAM software and ERP systems in multicompany and multisite environments. It includes the following key components:

* Integrated PLM – a set of integrated project, portfolio, and research and development (R&D) applications that speeds development of new products by managing all aspects of the project, and minimising time-to-market though information transparency and analytics.

* Product data management (PDM) – tools that facilitate secure access to a single source for accurate product information including drawings, formulae, bills of material and engineering change orders.

* Collaboration – seamless integration of customers, suppliers and partners to shorten time-to-market, reduce costs, improve quality, ensure compliance and increase innovation.

MD Jane Thomson explains that discrete manufacturing is often characterised by individual or separate unit production: “Units can be produced in low volume with very high complexity or high volumes of low complexity. Low volume/high complexity production results in the need for an extremely flexible manufacturing system that can improve quality and time-to-market while cutting costs. High volume/low complexity production puts high premiums on inventory controls, lead times and reducing or limiting materials costs and waste.

Jane Thomson
Jane Thomson

“Manufacturers face constant pressure to innovate and take products to market faster than their competitors – challenges that mandate comprehensive, up-to-the-minute information during product development. We have done a lot of work in this regard in South Africa’s discrete manufacturing industries like automotive, industrial equipment, aerospace, and hi-tech electronics. What we have found is that the Infor PLM product has enabled manufacturers to optimise portfolio management, through realtime flow of information, at every stage of a product’s lifecycle: from product development through maintenance to retirement.

“PLM integrates product information from R&D with sourcing, compliance, and the supply chains to speed development, ensure quality, and mitigate regulatory risks. This enables companies to improve collaboration and drive visibility throughout the organisation. Then they realise the net benefit of such an information system when these efficiencies translate into reduced time-to-market, decreased costs and increased operating efficiencies,” Thomson concludes.

For more information contact Samantha Koegelenberg, Softworx, +27 (0)11 607 8299, [email protected], www.esoftworx.co.za





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

BMG’s machine tools on show at Machine Tools Africa
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG News
BMG will be participating at the Machine Tools Africa exhibition. Its stand will showcase the company’s comprehensive range of quality branded tools and equipment, which has been carefully selected by specialists, to meet the exact requirements of customers in diverse sectors.

Read more...
Enlit Africa reimagines energy security in Africa
News
The prestigious Enlit Africa 2024 exhibition has the goal of addressing the very real energy security concerns felt by companies across Africa.

Read more...
From the editor's desk: The digital deluge
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control) News
One of the issues arising out of our newfound ability to generate our own electricity is the ability to store it. BESS systems are the order of the day, and we regularly run stories on this new development. ...

Read more...
Turck Banner welcomes Ivan De Waal as new managing director
Turck Banner Southern Africa News
Turck Banner Southern Africa is pleased to announce the appointment of Ivan De Waal as its new managing director.

Read more...
University of Pretoria unveils immersive technology laboratory
News
The University of Pretoria’s faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology is proud to announce the launch of its new Immersive Technology Lab at the Department of Information Science. This cutting-edge facility marks a significant milestone in the university’s journey towards integrating advanced immersive technologies into its curriculum and research initiatives.

Read more...
IS3 X-Change 2024 conference
News
X-Change is an annual gathering of tech enthusiasts, industry leaders and visionaries pushing the boundaries of innovation. Join IS3 for an immersive experience that celebrates the latest in technology and fosters networking opportunities, and discover how your organisation can benefit from AVEVA software and the IS3 industry solution partner ecosystem.

Read more...
Exploring the role of AI in recruitment
News
In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, the integration of AI is proving to be transformative across various industries. Thankfully, and in contradiction to what many people believe, AI enhances many functions, rather than replacing real people.

Read more...
Celebrating three decades of innovation in Africa's premier industrial software conference
News
With a rich 29-year history, the X-Change User Conference stands as Africa's largest and most prestigious annual gathering dedicated to industrial software and related technology. Hosted by Industry Software Solutions & Support (IS3), this year, X-Change 2024 promises to be even more impactful as it celebrates three decades of innovation and collaboration.

Read more...
4Sight OT Automation achieves prestigious AVEVA Endorsed Partner status
News
4Sight OT Automation, a leading industrial software solutions provider, has achieved Endorsed Partner status within the AVEVA Partner Network.

Read more...
Schneider Electric announces 2023 Global Alliance Partner Programme award winners
Schneider Electric South Africa News
Schneider Electric has announced the winners of the 2023 Global Alliance Excellence Awards. Throughout 2023, Schneider Electric’s Alliance Partners supported customers in the digitalisation of industrial automation, delivering value with innovative initiatives, solutions and services.

Read more...