Released on: March 3, 2008, 9:51 am

Press Release Author: Thomas R. Cutler

Industry: Software

Press Release Summary: Trakware's Unit of Measure Matters in Engineer-to-Order Space

Press Release Body: The ability to issue materials in an available unit of measure
(UOM) is quite often different from that on the requisition form for a complex or
engineer-to-order (ETO) build instruction. The ability for one-of-a-kind production
manufacturers to deplete inventory of appropriate materials, even in a different UOM
than originally specified, has bottom-line profitability impact. Similarly, the
ability to select specific receipts to allocate or issue to projects is vital
particularly if there are multiple receipts of the same material, the manufacturers
can select the 'Select Inventory for Selected Item(s)', choosing from a list of
receipts.


In the current issue of Industry 2.0, manufacturing journalist Thomas R. Cutler,
profiles the role of serialized inventory in the engineer-to-order space. Cutler
profiles Trakware the leading ETO MES solution.

According to Randy Richel, P.Eng., CEO and General Manager of Canadian-based
Trakware, "The ability to serialize inventory allows users to break up a large lot
of inventory into smaller lots (each with its own serial number) and this can be
done when someone wants to break out a small amount of inventory from a larger
receipt, or when someone is receiving a large order. It is also possible to
serialize manufactured parts when they are entered into inventory on the completion
of a work order. Using the serialized inventory in combination with the 'Select
Inventory for Selected Item(s)' function, a user can break the FIFO or LIFO cycle
and select specific receipts from a serialized lot for work orders."


Yacht-builders for example, also appreciate the ability to borrow inventory
allocated to another project to maintain the benchmark deliverables to receive
incremental billing. In few MES (Manufacturing Execution System) solutions, the
software technology allows users to do what they are already doing on the shop
floor, namely borrowing available inventory from projects that have not been started
to help complete projects when purchase orders have been delayed. This critical
documentation allows for an audit trail covering the transaction, something that
never happens when someone grabs something off the plant floor.

Other solutions in the ETO environment Project-focused manufacturers have unique
needs that frequently surpass out-of-the-box capabilities of generic software
packages. The ability to find highly customizable interfaces while providing a
system of record for everything project-related; including a complete view of the
business, is rare.


Trakware Systems is the worldwide leader in manufacturing execution system (MES)
solutions for engineer-to-order (ETO) and project-based manufacturers maximizing
both profitability and productivity. Trakware specializes in lean business-critical
functions such as estimating, advanced scheduling, job costing, production
management and labor as well as material shop floor data collection. TRAKware
software fully integrates with existing ERP systems, as well as major software
providers for financials, engineering design, optimization, payroll and wireless
interaction for mobile workers. Trakware recognizes ETO manufacturing as a process
and includes a wide range of industry sectors including Architectural Woodworking,
Cabinets, Store Fixtures, Doors and Windows, Furniture, Oil and Gas Fabrication,
Solid Surface, Metal Fabrication, Yacht-building, and Custom Electronics.


TRAKware Systems Inc.
www.trakware.com
Randy Richel, CEO
info@trakware.com
800-370-1849



Web Site: http://www.trakware.com

Contact Details: TRAKware Systems
1120-13 Mission Ave.
St.Albert, Alberta, Canada
800-370-1849