A Forum for Innovation in Manufacturing
Implementing change in a Manufacturing or Supply Chain environment is not an easy proposition, creating a continuous improvement program is even more difficult. Most organizations admit that they have room for improvement in their manufacturing and supply chain operations. The old argument that change is too hard, or takes too long no longer holds water if a company wants to compete. Difficult and slow are also not the status quo in the delivery and implementation of software tools that aid and accelerate process innovation
For many, the initial challenge is not only discovering which changes will actually make an impact, but knowing where to start on implementing a change. There are many approaches to answer the “where to start” question. Some companies conduct studies, some hire consultants, some press ahead on their own. All of these approaches have their pros and cons and each may be correct for a given company. One thing that almost every company does, at least those who consistently succeed in implementing innovation, is to take the time to learn from what other companies have done.
Granted every Industry has unique challenges and what works for one company culture might not work for the next. But there are enough common threads that the best practices and lessons learned on implementing meaningful and rapid Innovation do translate across diverse Supply Chains and Manufacturing operations.
So where can someone learn about best practices in change and innovation for Manufacturing and Supply Chains? Again many options are available, but few are as effective as face to face discussions with companies who have already walked the path and learned the lessons.
As it happened there is an opportunity for this face to face learning and exploration. On June 25 – 26, SAP will be hosting a Manufacturing and Supply Chain Networking Forum in Chicago. This event is specifically designed to bring together Manufacturing companies from several industries to explore and discuss how they have approached innovation to their operations and supply chains. This two day event intends to mix sessions on best practices with customer led sessions focused on individual customer experiences.
I suggest that anyone who is exploring change in their Manufacturing or Supply chain operations should investigate attending this forum. Rarely are so many companies in the same place at the same time dedicated and focused on discussing, networking and learning about the latest tools and approaches for innovation in Manufacturing and Supply Chain processes.
You can register now by clicking on the link
http://www.sap.com/campaign/na/usa/CRM-XU13-HIT-MNFCVNHPE/index.html?urlid=CRM-XU13-HIT-MNFCVNAE
Follow on Twitter for updates: @SAPNorthAmerica, @SAP IMC,
Join the conversation: #MfgCVN
Dave Fowler has focused in his career on innovation in Manufacturing through software and process improvement. He is currently the Director of North American Services Marketing
