Accelerating Engineering and Supply Chain Productivity with Microsoft .NET Solutions (R)
7/15/2002
Microsoft .NET technologies will be important. One benefit, among many, is that .NET supports side-by-side deployment to run more than one version of an application simultaneously on a system. Given the incompatibilities between versions of applications used across the supply chain, finding a solution has been quite problematic. .NET simplifies deployment and maintenance for products.
.NET provides a pathway between the islands of capability built around particular programming approaches, improving the links through web services between legacy systems and new systems. A major advantage, .NET technology benefits organizations that run legacy systems or other systems that they need to integrate. They can choose best-in-breed products without isolating their system. They achieve greater reach beyond their own organization because suppliers can participate in higher levels of function. They reduce the complexity of customization. Moreover, linked systems are easier to maintain and manage.
Ultimately, the web system links the whole supply chain, extending the reach and depth of quality initiatives beyond the single organization, extending the investment and payoff from CAD, CAx and PDM systems to all suppliers -- to all the people involved in product development.
Keywords: Alibre, Automotive industry, Big 3 Auto Makers, CAD, Internet, OEMs, PDM, product development, STEP, 3D modeling, Tier One Suppliers