Producers Face ERP Software Selection Challenges with the ETO Institute

Producers Face ERP Software Selection Challenges with the ETO Institute   A big problem for engineer-to-Order (ETO) companies that have many requirements that traditional ERP - systems inadequate. The engineer-to-order market is relatively small and the companies themselves tend to be small. The result is that large companies have more ERP software focuses on the needs of larger and more numerous repetitive manufacturers. In the production of the software industry the terms are clear. The differences between the make-to-stock, assembly-to-order, make-to-order and engineer-to-order are clearly understood. These distinctions are not so clear for the assessment of the production of software systems for the first time. There is often a discrepancy, as they describe their activities. Companies can describe as work shops or make-to-order, if they are really engineer-to-order. Software vendors do not help the situation. Many providers do not want to get the chance, so that they cast a net as wide as possible. They claim to support a multitude of styles of production, when on closer examination, are more likely to be. The technical term-to-Order (ETO) denotes a style of production, rather than a specific industry segment. Other synonymous terms "project" or "custom" manufacturers. ETO companies typically have different characteristics on how to conduct their activities which are discrete or repetitive manufacturers. According to Thomas R. Cutler, spokesperson for the ETO Institute, "ETO companies build unique products, the customers specifications. Each product provides a unique set of numbers, bills of material and routings. Estimates and quotations are required to win business. Products are complex with long lead times, typically months or even years. Unlike standard products, the customer is strong throughout the design and manufacture. Technical changes are a way of life. The material is not purchased, but also to the inventory for a given project. All actual costs are in favor of a project against the track and the original estimate. Once complete, the product is typically installed at the customer. In most cases, the trade continues throughout the lifetime of the product. "The ETO Institute (an independent organization is committed to helping North American engineer-to-Order (ETO) manufacturers compete better in an increasingly competitive global environment. Our resources section contains a list of articles and white papers on the production and to, in particular, engineer-to-order. The bulletin board provides a forum for organizations to exchange ideas and information and to discuss the challenges and trade issues. Thomas R. Cutler info@etoinstitute.org 954-486-7562