Movex ERP Features Simultaneous Production and Maintenance Functionality
24 September 1999
Intentia's Latest Release of Movex ERP Features Simultaneous Production and Maintenance Functionality
Manufacturers to Optimize Resources for Increased Production
Availability and Reduced Planning Time
With the latest release of its enterprise application Movex, Intentia introduces innovative new functionality whereby maintenance work orders can be scheduled simultaneously with production orders. This unique new capability enables manufacturers to optimize their use of production and maintenance resources to increase production availability and reduce planning time. The result is improved on-time deliveries to customers, increased profitability and the potential to reduce prices.
Simultaneous scheduling of maintenance and production orders has been achieved by the tight integration of Movex Maintenance and Movex Advanced Production Planner (Movex APP), two key business process components within the Movex system.
According to Lance LaCross, Movex Product Director, this new development represents a significant step forward for Movex customers in manufacturing environments. "Maintenance experts have been requesting this type of functionality," he notes. "We are now actually delivering it within the context of a fully integrated Enterprise Resource Planning solution. The benefits are measurable and affect virtually all levels within the supply chain."
Movex APP automatically schedules production orders against the available production capacity and raw materials and then fits those maintenance work orders requiring downtime into "production windows". If required, new production windows can be opened up for the manual rescheduling of maintenance work orders into non-working periods, such as nights and weekends. As a result, one complete and realistic schedule is produced for all production and maintenance resources.
The software also allows planners to simulate different production/maintenance strategies. By minimizing the disruption to production frequently caused by maintenance work, it is then possible to identify the best schedule to meet a manufacturer's business goals and objectives.
An additional benefit is the major impact the software has on the relationship between the two functional areas. LaCross explains: "With the development of a single plan incorporating both production and maintenance activities, plant communications can be dramatically improved. Maintenance can see production's point of view and vice-versa. From a work standpoint, whether a job is maintenance-related or production-related is immaterial if they both require the same production resource. The goal, however, is to generate an optimized schedule -- one that provides maximum production output with minimum unplanned disruption."
About Intentia
Intentia International is one of the world's leading Enterprise Application software providers to companies that manufacture products in discrete and process environments. Intentia is an ISO 9000 certified software developer and worldwide IBM development partner for the IBM AS/400. Movex is designed to improve the underlying business processes within distribution and manufacturing companies, in the areas of logistics, production, distribution and financial. Available in 24 languages, Movex is implemented in more than 4,000 sites worldwide.
In 1998, Intentia's overall revenues reached $314 million (USD), an increase of 52 percent over 1997. In the United States, net revenue increased 65 percent and licensing revenue grew by 52 percent. Intentia ranks among the top 10 worldwide ERP, supply chain solutions providers - and Intentia's new license revenue growth rate is the highest among this group.
For more information on Intentia and Movex business applications, please call 1-800-SW-MOVEX or 847/762-0900. Or, write to Intentia International, 1700 East Golf Road, 9th Floor, Schaumburg, IL 60173. Visit Intentia's Web Site at www.intentia.com.