The joys of joined-up thinking

So called consumerisation of IT in the cloud is likely to change the way we select, manage and pay for business and manufacturing systems in the not too distant future. However, for now, we must focus on synchronising IT with the business – understanding what that means in terms of streamlining, integrating and cutting the cost of enterprise IT, with a laser-like focus on business needs. That was among key messages from this magazine's recent CIM Forum event for manufacturing IT professionals, at the Ricoh Arena, which kicked off with a keynote from none other than Nick Kirkland, CEO of CIO Connect. Warning of the risks of a "technology tsunami" involving apps that will sweep away current IT agendas, the former head of IT for Sony advised delegates to go back to basics, particularly with their data models. More pressingly, he also urged them to beware of ERP systems that have "numbed the brain of too many organisations" that now see software upgrades as the sole route to business improvement. His point: the real decider should always be current and forecast business requirements. Thereafter, it's about involving – not excluding – manufacturing people and supply chains as early as possible. Why? Because, as ISPM director Steve Wilson put it, "the hidden factory" – what really happens, rather than supposed business processes – matters when defining current and future system requirements. He and others reiterated the importance of putting together an inclusive user requirements spec, from the bottom to the top, with people throughout taking responsibility. Many also warned that go-live is rarely the end of the story. Normally, this event is merely the prelude to the next phase and then the next. We need to plan for that. With manufacturing speakers covering a wide range of industries all urging delegates to focus on IT-enabled, extended lean processes at one level, but also big-picture strategy at another, the message was clear. And the rewards? "We have now implemented lean ERP, not only in production but also procurement, logistics and overall capacity planning," said another presenter, Russell Trotter, operations director of electronic alarms manufacturer Texecom. "As a result, everything is now demand-driven. It's all dynamic and we're much better geared for growth and flexibility." CIM Forum runs again on 10 November for manufacturing professionals embarking on projects involving ERP and associated systems. Again, the venue will be the Ricoh Arena, with a new cast of manufacturing IT speakers sharing their hard won experiences and offering insights and advice. For bookings contact jknox@findlay.co.uk.