TUESDAY, 3/16, MORNING:
CTC Parker Automation has combined a PLC and PC-based control software solution. Called MLogic, the control software is a part of CTC's MachineShop suite of software for factory-floor automation. The controller works like a PLC but uses a compact PC platform built around solid-state flash technology.
Indus International, a leading vendor of EAM applications announced the availability of its PassPort 7.0 application. New features in this latest version include a Web-based client, Euro currency compliance, and enhanced language and translation support.
TUESDAY, 3/16, AFTERNOON:
Autodesk Inc. today unveiled two new CAD software packages that it will begin shipping this summer. The packages bundle what were disparate offerings. The first, AutoCAD Mechanical 2000, is an enhanced 2-D design automation/design productivity tool. Mechanical Desktop 4 combines 2-D and 3-D solid modeling capability. Autodesk will also sell Power Packs for each of these products. they include pre-drawn standard parts and do calculations commonly used by mechanical designers.
Smart Team has agreed to develop a Windows-based PDM system for another mid-range CAD software vendor. By year end, Smart Team expects to provide a PDM system for Visionary Design Systems Inc.'s NT-based solid modeling software. Smart Team already offers a similar PDM package for mid-range CAD systems offered by such vendors as Baystate Technologies, Dassault Systemes, and Unigraphics. It also has a pending deal to develop a similar PDM system for Bentley Systems Inc.
NetVendor Systems Inc. an e-commerce startup company focused on mid-size manufacturers of automotive and industrial parts, today announced the pending launch of AutoParts BIN, an Internet-based trading community. The site, which will go live in mid-May, will allow companies to buy and sell automotive excess stock, used parts, and odd lots.
MAPICS Inc. today announced the availability of MAPICS XA Wisdom, its advanced planning and scheduling software. MAPICS acquired the APS technology in July through a partnership with Symix Systems Inc.
Lilly Software Associates Inc. today announced the general availability of VISUAL APS, its advanced planning and scheduling system. Lilly, which obtained a patent for its concurrent scheduling technology late last year, will sell the APS system as a stand-alone product which can be integrated with any ERP system. In addition, Lilly today announced that customers can buy IBM's AS/400e servers pre-loaded with VISUAL MANUFACTURING, Lilly's flagship ERP system.