The ability to enable collaboration between organizations presents significant opportunities to improve business processes. However, there are several challenges that organizations must resolve. This session will present the results of the InfoTEST-sponsored Enhanced Product Realization (EPR) project. Determining the ability of the technical environment to address these key business issues is the primary reason InfoTEST is pursuing this activity.

Who Should Attend:

Industry manufacturing process development leaders; industry business process development leaders; engineering department directors, corporate information systems leaders; applied information technology experts.

Session Agenda:

11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Panel Discussion
Dr. Bill Estrem, Moderator

Objectives:

The EPR project team has identified six business drivers that warrant the adoption of collaborative approaches:

1. Enhanced Supply Chain Relationships,
2. Effective Product Lifecycle Management,
3. Customer Focus and Responsiveness,
4. Flexibility and Agility,
5. Return on Investment,
6. Risk Management.

The project measured several business and technical metrics to determine how well the environment can address these issues.

Background:

The EPR project is based on a product realization scenario originally proposed by Caterpillar. The scenario’s objective is to determine if collaborative engineering between Caterpillar staff and its suppliers could significantly reduce the time that is required to deliver the finished product to the customer.

Technique:

Dr. Bill Estrem will provide a brief overview. He will be followed by industry participants who will present a summary of the outcomes, benefits and barriers encountered in the project. An open panel discussion will complete the session to enhance dialog with the audience.

Session Contact: John Sheridan - 734-995-4963, johns@ncms.org