MCAD Tech News #154

Lean Manufacturing, Part 2

Pelion Systems offers software tools that get to the root of process improvement

In the previous installment of MCAD Tech News (click here for archives), we discussed the fact that the full benefits of lean manufacturing are realized when their principles are applied enterprisewide. Just a few months ago I became aware of a related concept, known as MPO (manufacturing process optimization), put forth in a comprehensive suite of software modules by Pelion Systems. Although not exactly a new principle, MPO obviously focuses on improving the most basic, most important aspect of any lean principle: process. Pelion Systems has been around for nearly ten years and has developed a unique model-based system for optimizing manufacturing processes that synchronize the supply chain with the factory floor.

It?s no secret that global competition is forcing many manufacturers to deliver more custom products faster and at lower prices. These intense competitive pressures, coupled with today?s economic conditions, are forcing manufacturers to look for ways to improve customer-service levels while lowering operating costs and inventory levels. All in all, a tall order. Meeting these competitive and economic challenges requires the transformation of manufacturing processes from forecast-driven (push) to demand-driven (pull).

Pelion Systems' Solution
In attempting to meet these challenges, many companies are implementing, or have implemented, manufacturing improvement strategies such as lean, six sigma or TPS (Toyota Production System) to improve customer service and response while simultaneously reducing operating costs and freeing up working capital. However, the successes are difficult to sustain, and many efforts end in failure. What causes these manufacturing improvement initiatives to fail? Pelion Systems says it has found several common reasons. Read more >>

Cadalyst Labs Review: VX CAD/CAM v11

by Don LaCourse

VX CAD/CAM is one of the best lesser-known applications on the market today. It's a hybrid modeler built on third-generation proprietary kernel technology. VX CAD/CAM supports advanced surface and solid modeling with optional integrated mold and die and CAM modules. Being a hybrid application means that users can model using surfaces or solids and combine the two data types in assemblies, layouts and CAM plans.

I've reviewed VX CAD/CAM before, starting when the product had been on the market only a year. It has certainly come a long way since then, and virtually all of my complaints in earlier reviews have been addressed. Let's take a closer look and see how v11 measures up. Read more >>

Mark Your Calendar: MCAD Events
Tech Expo
October 21, 2005
North Stonington, Connecticut
Presented by the Datamat Group, an Autodesk reseller. Speakers include Cadalyst columnist Lynn Allen, whose keynote address will be titled, "Getting the Most Out of AutoCAD 2006." Admission is free with advance registration.

COE 2006 Annual PLM Conference
March 19-22, 2006
Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
Call for papers is now under way. Conference offers education, networking and product exhibition for users of Dassault Systemes and IBM-related technologies.

SPAR 2006
March 27-28, 2006
Marriott Sugar Land Town Square, Sugar Land, Texas
Sponsored by Spar Point Research. Call for papers is now under way. Conference focuses on the business and technology of advanced 3D laser scanning. Case studies on the use of laser scanning and other dimensional control technologies will be presented by leading owner and contractor organizations.

For Cadalyst's full calendar of events, click here>>