As enterprises move toward Mass Customization and JIT replenishment in Focused Factories, they want to simplify their ERP infrastructures. An Industrial Strength, Best of Breed integrated Product Configurator can eliminate the need for host support of configured-to-order Quotes, I/M's, B/M's, Routings, Costing and CTP Order Promising. It can "broadcast", (on-line), set-up sequenced shop instructions directly to the assembly stations and factory cells, and provide labor and component part back-flushing and cost-of-sales transactions for uploading to the host system. Host MRP infrastructures and product line families can be simplified by reimplementation of a full functioning Configurator supported by only standard purchasing and item-master inventory accounting modules!

• Don't make it until you sell it!
• This industry will become the ideal benchmark.
• New software for support of 'To-Order' cycle-time reduction.
• Many industries face similar 'To-Order' issues.
• MRP software has had questionable degrees of success.
• Factory focusing must be balanced with system infrastructure support.
• New 'Best-of-Breed' product configurator software is easily integrated with the host ERP/MRP system at industry leader sites.
• The Product Configurator schedules promise dates and controls machining schedules to insure delivery.
• Focused Factories may not require full MRP WIP support----instead only a Configurator that maintains real-time 'Demands' plus the functions of a Distribution/Financial (or 'FLOW') 'Supply' system!
• Re-engineering requires physical and logical consideration of the entire 'continuum' of product structuring.
• Determine 'To-Order' configuration strategy before selecting Host ERP systems support--you can simplify!