Streamline Systems and AX 2012 Recognize Engineer-to-Order Lean Best Practices

March 15, 2012 - PRLog -- To survive, ETO manufacturers required new strategies and found that by developing custom, one-of-a-kind products, the margins and differentiation was possible.
Streamline Systems has worked to develop competitive strategies for ETO manufacturers.  There is a need to focus on niche markets.  Competing based on price with a "commodity" machine builder is futile; creating a niche focus of expertise creates product and industry sector distinction. Typically, the larger, more expensive machines need more services and support and generate an alternative revenue stream.
Streamline Systems recognizes that many ETO companies are reluctant to invest in new technology.  These same ETO companies do not think twice about spending $500,000 on new equipment to make the plant more efficient, yet may balk at spending the same amount on ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software that will have a much more dramatic bottom-line impact than a single machine tool.  
ETO manufacturers are increasingly lean best-practice operations throughout the whole organization. Lean manufacturing cuts costs and rapidly frees cash and resources, which is critical in a competitive advantage.  Streamline Systems through AX 2012 has help ETO manufacturers use lean techniques which supports profitable growth by improving productivity and quality, reducing lead times, and scheduling effectiveness. ETO manufacturers that implement lean initiatives take advantage of renewed economic growth by increasing sales while controlling costs.
MDC Vacuum Products LLC is a global leader of High & Ultra-High Vacuum, Gas Delivery and Ceramic Seal Solutions.  They have three manufacturing sites in the US and European operations based in Uckfield, UK.  To support their growth objectives, MDC needed to replace their existing ERP system and technology that was limiting their productivity.  MDC Vacuum offers unique engineer-to-order products as well as off the shelf products for their variety of industries.  They needed the ability to handle somewhat complex technical quoting processes as well as handling orders directly from their online ordering system.  




The solution selected was MS Dynamics AX ERP for Industrial Equipment Manufacturing delivered by Streamline Systems.  Some of the key benefits realized included:
•   Reduce Cost of Ownership
•   Empower employees to succeed
•   Support growth without additional overhead costs
•   Optimize business process and automate mundane, repetitive transactions
Streamline Systems is the AX 2012 expert that best understands the ETO sector and can help to ensure profitability in the way jobs are bid and scheduled.
The Streamline Systems’ ETO blog has quickly become the leading source of information about how              AX 2012 serves engineer-to-order manufacturers.  This content rich conversation is found at  http://www.streamlinesys.com/blog/.
Additionally Streamline Systems just published a vital tool for Engineer-to-Order manufacturers; the white paper is objective and looks at the history, trends, and future of ETO manufacturing.  The Streamline Systems ETO ERP white paper may be requested at:  http://www.streamlinesys.com/engineer-to-order.php.
The most important interactive resource being offered currently is the engaging daily conversation about the unique characteristics and challenges of ETO manufacturers via Twitter.  Tweets reveal how Dynamics AX 2012 is the most powerful, agile and simple ERP available.  Followers of ETO Tweets go to Twitter @StreamlineSysAX.

Streamline Systems, LLC
www.streamlinesys.com
Larry Cohn
PRinfo@streamlinesys.com
720-200-0142