A round-up of the latest news in the IT sector.
Aras lauches smartphone applications for PLM software
Aras, a product lifecycle management software provider, has announced the development of Android and iPhone mobile applications for the Aras Innovator suite of enterprise PLM solutions.
The apps provide global companies with the ability to extend PLM processes and information to mobile users on the go. This firstgeneration of apps for Android and iPhone smartphones enable users to securely access, manage and edit information in Aras from their mobile device. They can be configured and extended to support companyspecific processes across a variety of industries, including high tech electronics, automotive, aerospace, energy, pharmaceutical, healthcare and consumer products such as footwear & apparel and food & beverage.
“The Android and iPhone platforms provide a powerful new way for people across the enterprise to securely participate in PLM processes from anywhere in the world,” said Peter Schroer, president of Aras.
“Porchys’s introduction of these innovative mobile applications on our PLM platform is a great example of the benefits of an open source approach and the power of the corporate community.”
Autodesk Extends Inventor Publisher to mobile devices
Autodesk has introduced the latest release of its Autodesk Inventor Publisher technical communications software.
Autodesk Inventor Publisher 2011 software helps manufacturers explain and differentiate their products with accurate 2D and 3D product documentation.
The software incorporates new enhancements including the ability to publish 3D interactive instructions directly to iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch mobile devices.
“Inventor Publisher enables manufacturers to get the full benefit of their digital design data and explain their products in a modern, interactive way,” said Robert “Buzz” Kross, senior vice president, Autodesk Manufacturing Industry Group. “The ability to publish to a wide variety of formats and mobile devices encourages more effective product communication with broader audiences than ever before.”
Free Preactor scheduling software launched
Preactor, the planning and scheduling software company, has announced the launch of Preactor Express, a free-ofcharge alternative to its Preactor 11 software programme.
Mike Novels, CEO of Preactor International, said: “As a family of solutions used by over 3,000 companies worldwide, Preactor has become widely synonymous with production planning and scheduling excellence at every level.”
Key priorities for companies in transportation supply chain revealed
A new survey has found that increasing sales (cited by 82% of respondents) and improving customer satisfaction (80%) are the two most important business objectives of today’s automotive and aerospace supply chain manufacturers.
The survey, conducted by 3D design, engineering and entertainment software provider Autodesk, polled the views and opinions of 300 decision-makers and influencers working in the UK, Germany and France.
Origin Enterprises choose Columbus IT
Origin, the food and agribusiness specialist, has purchased Microsoft Dynamics AX from Columbus IT to replace a number of disparate systems in use around the group. The solution includes process manufacturing, supply chain management and customer relationship management.
Derek Wilson, CIO at Origin Enterprises, said: “We are continuing to develop the quality and breadth of our services to our customers. As we do so we need a scalable solution that will enable us to develop and replicate our business processes in order to achieve our strategic objectives.”
Eagle launches new field service engineer scheduling programme
Exel Computer Systems, the UK-based author and developer of the Eagle Field Service Management (FSM) system has launched its new ‘Assisted Scheduler’ functionality within Eagle.
The Eagle Assisted Scheduler uses a look and feel similar to an Outlook diary for ease of use and can synchronise in real time with individual engineers’ Outlook/Lotus Notes diaries. It is designed to work in real time at every level and to provide real time visibility of information across the entire organisation.
At the heart of the Eagle Assisted Scheduler lies a user-configurable decision engine to aid the operator to make the correct scheduling choice.
This decision engine takes into consideration pertinent facts including service level agreements, job type, job location, the engineer’s skillset and location, and real time route mapping technologies. The system then makes recommendations for the user based on individual company priorities and allocation rules maximising first fix ratios. Because the system synchronises with engineers in real time, users have visibility of any potential problems or difficulties and can react accordingly.
Rue Dilhe, managing director of Exel Computer Systems, said: “Eagle Assisted Scheduling combines the powerful, flexible functionality required by today’s demanding FSM industry with an ease of use that enables every user to get the best from the system. And when everyone gets the best from the system, efficiency is maximised, costs are minimised and customers are kept happy.”
Shipbuilders choose Siemens
The technology company says that more than half of all the major shipbuilders are now using Siemens’ PLM technology in their projects, including Hyundai Heavy Industries, Fincantieri, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, Lürssen Werft and the Damen Shipyards Group.
Siemens says its software can reduce timeto- market by up to 50% thanks to shortening development, design and engineering times, avoid time-consuming errors and enhance the productivity and flexibility necessary for working with suppliers.
Duvale selects Epicor ERP system
Enterprise business software solutions provider Epicor has announced that Duvale, a specialist manufacturer of precision crafted acoustic movable walls and sliding folding partitions, has selected the Epicor 9 ERP solution.
“Replacing our ERP system is a key part of moving forward,” said Mike Doorly, operations director at Duvale. “What attracted us to Epicor was that it could serve every area of our business out of the box with few changes, both now and in the future.”
