IT is at the core of successful global companies, and manufacturing companies are no exception. Although the role of information technology in manufacturing is more one of supporting processes, it is becoming a catalyst for changes in processes and products.

Today’s manufacturing companies, whether they produce consumer products or weapons systems, are often faced with a number of conflicting needs. Smaller batch sizes, greater product flexibility, higher product quality, shorter lead times, and smaller profit margins are typical representatives of the ambitious goals of many of these organizations. Through all of this, the company must always aim for the five Rs: produce the right product, the right quality, the right quantity, the right price, and the right time, and it must do more than satisfy its customers; you must please them