Q: What is the state of plant-to-enterprise integration?
A: Plant-to-enterprise is definitely happening in many companies. Companies that have implemented ERP systems now realize that to really use the power of the ERP, they must be connected to the shop floor to get real-time data and accurate production requirements.
Integration is especially important for multi-national companies that are trying to optimize their global supply and delivery systems. These companies now require their manufacturing systems to be as responsive as the rest of the supply chain. Integration requirements are being driven from the top levels of management. Upper management wants accurate real-time production data, not data that is days or weeks old and usually inconsistent.
Q: What do you think the top three business drivers are behind the need to integrate the plant and the enterprise?