Flexware Innovation Survey: Manufacturers Cite Cost of Business and Global Competition as Greatest Challenges

Flexware Innovation, Inc., in conjunction with Purdue Universitys Krannert Executive Education Programs (KEEP), concluded a survey seeking to understand the issues facing manufacturing executives and how they stay current with the latest trends in technology and continuous improvement methodologies.

Fishers, IN (PRWEB) November 12, 2004 -- Flexware Innovation, Inc., in conjunction with Purdue Universitys Krannert Executive Education Programs (KEEP), concluded a survey seeking to understand the issues facing manufacturing executives and how they stay current with the latest trends in technology and continuous improvement methodologies.

One-third of the survey participants cite the increasing cost of doing business as one of their greatest business challenges. Costs of labor, raw material, transportation, and energy are listed as key issues. 20% of those surveyed also state that low-cost, global competition adds to the pressure.

Responding to what IT-related topics are important for executives and their teams to understand, executives insist that manufacturing execution systems (MES) would be on that list. MES systems are commonly defined as a factory floor system enabling resource allocation, detailed scheduling, data collection and acquisition, quality management, process management, order tracking, WIP status, and performance analysis.

Enterprise Resource Planning-related (ERP) issues are noted by 15% of survey participants, most dealing with ERP and plant floor connectivity.

Its not surprising that theres a large number of executives struggling with ERP issues," said Scott Whitlock, President and CEO of Flexware. Manufacturers were promised shop floor visibility with these systems, but its just not that easy. It is possible to couple ERP systems to operations, but additional investments are required."

Respondents were also asked what continuous improvement strategies were important for them to understand. 97% of the survey participants indicate Lean Manufacturing with 82% noting Six Sigma. Within these two categories, flow, Kanban, supply chain issues, and root cause analysis, are important to executives and their teams.

A portion of the survey sought to determine how executives stay abreast of the latest trends in manufacturing. A combined 44% of the respondents indicate industry publications and peer interaction as the primary sources of educational information. 42% cite seminars, trade shows, and professional associations collectively.

66% of executives say they attend 1-2 seminars or workshops per year, with 18% attending 3-4. Half of those surveyed say they would travel up to 50 miles for a 2-hour seminar if the session content had perceived value.

When asked what time of day they prefer for off-site seminars and workshops, half of the responses came back between 3:00 p.m. -- 5:00 p.m. If workshops were from three to five days in length, held at Purdue University, and were attended by peers, 80% said they were either somewhat likely or very likely to attend a relevant workshop.

To gauge the interest in live seminars delivered over the web, participants were asked if theyve participated in webinars. Responses were evenly split. Of those that have participated in webinars, 93% say they are either somewhat likely or very likely to participate in another.

30% of the responses indicate that seminar or webinar content is most valuable when they include information that can be quickly applied with tangible, bottom-line benefits. An equal number stressed the importance of case studies and real-world applications.

Survey results will be used by Flexware and Purdues KEEP program to better plan and deliver effective executive education.

Before we started scheduling seminars, workshops and webinars in 2005, we felt it important to take the pulse of manufacturing executives," said Dwayne Butcher, Flexwares Communications Manager. Weve made a promise that our MindSet events will be focused, relevant, and provide business benefits to high-level executives and their teams. This survey helps us understand what those executives need." MindSet refers to Flexware executive education program.

Flexware and the Purdue KEEP program frequently partner together to deliver executive education courses. The next course is being held January 25-27, 2005 on the Purdue campus. The course is titled Lean and Six Sigma for Leaders: Finding and Seizing Great Opportunities" and is being delivered by industry authors and experts from around the Midwest. More information can be found at www.flexwareinnovation.com/purdue.

About Flexware Innovation, Inc. Flexware was founded in 1996 by Scott Whitlock and is now employee-owned. The company found a niche in connecting the increasingly automated plant floor with existing business and accounting systems. Flexware employs more than 30 manufacturing systems professionals and support staff, serving clients in the pharmaceutical, medical device, assembly, and automotive industries.

About Purdue Universitys Krannert Executive Education Programs (KEEP)
KEEP offers distinct executive degree programs, all accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Programs include an executive master's in business, an international master's in management, a weekend executive MBA, and an executive master's in business in Germany. KEEP also offers varied non-degree executive programs tailored to the needs of specific industries and firms.

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