Engineer-to-order (ETO) and project-based metalforming manufacturers face business challenges that cannot be resolved by traditional manufacturing systems. Designing and building complex products to exact customer specifications frequently involve long lead times and heavy engineering content. To win business, ETO metalforming manufacturers must provide accurate estimates and quotations to a demanding customer base. Often, payment for a project is only received after it is installed and operating on a customer's site. Following the sale, these firms must provide warranty tracking and aftermarket services,-including the sale of spare parts, which may constitute a significant share of the company's business. Harry Major Machine Tool Co. (HMM), Clinton, Township, Ml, an automation and washer manufacturer and maker of conveyor equipment, extensively researched better ways to bring its products to the marketplace, mainly for automotive and Tier One suppliers, including metal-forming companies. To that end, the company recently implemented ETO enterprise-resource-planning software from Encompix, Cincinnati, OH, and is beginning to see substantial internal process improvements related to the implementation, according to Bill Jurek, HMM materials manager.
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