Abstract :
Provides some basic information so that directors of UK companies can become aware of current PDM (product data management) technology. This technology has a positive strategic impact on manufacturers and service suppliers who use engineering data. The key questions that every director needs answered are, “What is electronic engineering (e-engineering)?”, “What is the return on investment?”, “Why is this a strategic technology?”, “What are the benefits to my business?” and “How will I get more sales without higher overheads?”. Being able to share your information instantly, directly to the person needing that information, improves the basic business processes dramatically. It not only saves money but also brings significant competitive advantage. Time-to-market is cut, quality and customer satisfaction are improved, and sales quotations are made faster and more accurately. The technologies that enable information to be made ubiquitously available are not new. They are tried and tested. In each specific case, some may be applicable and some may not. The most important point is that leaders of UK industry today need to be aware of how technology can support their business goals and be able to select technologies that support those goals to the greatest benefit of their company. Whatever you do, check that something is happening in your company to make your engineering information available electronically
