One day to go to the CIM Forum ERP ‘deep dive’ conference

The single day event, independently organised by Manufacturing Computer Solutions, is aimed at operations and IT directors, and business teams getting close to upgrading or implementing new ERP systems. Organiser Findlay Media says that delegates will learn best practice and solve project issues, guided by an impressive line-up of manufacturers and experts. Steve Wilson, director ISPM, will deliver the keynote, discussing issues around selecting and implementing ERP systems, mindful of the 'hidden factory' and the real requirements for lean improvements, workable S&OP and business transformation. He will also explain classic problems and their antidotes, using project experience spanning 20 years, and major global manufacturers and their supply chains Darren Dowding, senior business analyst at Cosworth Racing, draws on experience taking in planning, management, implementation and deploying multiple ERP systems across Cosworth's motor sport, and aerospace and defence manufacturing sites around the world. He brings uncompromising, practical engineering direction to complex, ultra-demanding and high tech organisations. Graham Leake, director, GEL Consulting, was responsible for operations management in three major aerospace manufacturing companies before becoming a project consultant. He brings his passion for lean enterprises and lean ERP systems, and will be providing insights into what is required for a successful lean project. Chris McKellen, director, Manufacturing Awareness, brings experience ranging from the machine tool industry to setting up a world class automotive components manufacturing facility in China. A former head of group manufacturing engineering, McKellen will provide insights into Six-Sigma and operational excellence programmes in pursuit of business improvement with IT. Mike Tollan, senior solutions architect with Infor Consulting Services, has more than 20 years' ERP experience in roles ranging from solutions consultant to project management. He brings experience in distribution, electronics, industrial machinery and aerospace to bear on implementing ERP today. Tollan will explore Infor's modeller's capabilities in defining roles and relationships for aerospace and defence, and contract manufacturing. Expect a deep-dive into everything from managing audit trails to component serialisation, parts transfer and recognition, work tracking, and production line optimisation. Stephen Jeffs-Watts, senior consultant, IFS UK, has implemented and managed ERP projects in industries from oil and gas to pharmaceuticals and construction, at organisations including LGC, Wellstream & Trelleborg CRP. Jeffs-Watts will explain how ERP systems cope with engineer-to-order manufacturing requirements – focusing on everything from configuring business processes and workflows to linking sales and engineering design, automating quote to production processes, managing version and change control, and providing for solid document and database management. Mark Edwards, lead consultant with lean ERP specialist and Microsoft Gold certified partner eBECS, will focus on process flows and business processes for mixed-mode and lean-centric manufacturing. He promises to outline Microsoft Dynamics AX inventory planning capabilities and considerations for make-to-stock, assemble-to-order, and make-to-order manufacturing. Edwards will also cover lean tools in accelerating manufacturing and supply chain execution, as well as essential homework preparatory to any ERP project. Spaces remain, so if you would like to learn from their hard won experience, register at www.cimforum.co.uk or call Julie Knox on 01322 22 11 44 or e-mail on jknox@findlay.co.uk.