Manufacturing And Warehousing IT News For VARs — May 27, 2014
By Trisha Leon, contributing writer
In the news, a study reveals CFOs are using technology solutions to provide data for insight and decision making. Also, automated storage solutions boost efficiency and profits, and solutions that automate compliance checks enhance accuracy, trust, and could even help strengthen privacy policies.
Demand IT Solutions For Financial Management and Forecasting Grows
CFOs are more convinced than ever of the transformative power of technology, especially in regard to a business’s finances. An Industry Week article, “Modern Finance: Using Technology to Deliver Insights and Value to the Business,” by Scott Brennan of Accenture, explains the findings of a study conducted by Accenture and Oracle that examined how CFOs in particular are using new technology to provide data-driven insight and forward-looking guidance to help support businesses. One example is the use of cloud-based financial applications, which is on the rise. Brennan states, “Looking to the future, finance organizations need to continue to push for more efficient systems and operations.” VARs can provide financial management solutions that look forward, providing guidance on where to invest for innovation and growth, and helping boost profitability along multiple dimensions.
Adding Value Through Automated Storage
Manufacturing Digital explains the value of time, space, picking, people, and accuracy in the article “It All About Value In 2014” and offers tips to optimize storage solutions through automation for organizations seeking to add value to their operations by finding new ways to lean processes, improve efficiencies, reduce costs and above all increase profits.
Benefits Of Privacy Compliance Automation For Big Data Systems
Web services companies all make promises about how they will use personal information they gather. But ensuring that millions of lines of code in their systems operate in ways consistent with privacy promises is labor-intensive and difficult. R&D magazine shares the findings of Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and Microsoft Research who have shown that these compliance checks can be automated. They presented their research at the 35th IEEE Symposium on Security & Privacy, May 18-21, in San Jose, CA, “Companies in the United States have a legal obligation to declare how they use personal information they gather, and it's also good business to establish a bond of trust with customers,” said Anupam Datta, associate professor of computer science and electrical and computer engineering. Automation of the process can allow for greater accuracy and compliance with privacy policies and could even, according to Datta, “push the industry to adopt stronger privacy protection policies.”
ISM Reports Growth In The Manufacturing Industry
The Institute For Supply Management (ISM) reports in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business that economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in April for the 11th consecutive month. The report was issued by Bradley J. Holcomb, CPSM, CPSD, chair of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Manufacturing Business Survey Committee, who stated, “The April PMI registered 54.9 percent, an increase of 1.2 percentage points from March's reading of 53.7 percent, indicating expansion in manufacturing for the 11th consecutive month.” The report also stated of the 18 manufacturing industries, 17 are reporting growth in April. VARs can look to support their clients during this time of continued growth.
3D Printing Is A Plus For Sustainability
The Guardian article, “3D printers create a blueprint for future of sustainable design and production” highlights the positive impact 3D printing can have on sustainability in manufacturing. The manufacturing and design process can be cumbersome, with high emissions and higher waste volumes. High fuel emissions lead to great environmental costs; by using 3D printers, manufactures are able to create designs without relying on gas-guzzling transportation vehicles. Digital design and 3D printing have the potential to all but eliminate those associated fuel costs and streamline the prototyping process. The introduction of 3D printers to the marketplace has profoundly revolutionized the way we view technology, labor, transportation and manufacturing. 3D printing will continue to make in-roads in the manufacturing industry, and VARs can look for opportunities to bring 3D services and solutions to their clients.
For more news and insights, visit BSMinfo’s Manufacturing And Warehousing Tech Center.