ARC Announces Performance Driven Manufacturing Forum 2004 Agenda; Industry Leaders to Share Insights on Performance Driven Manufacturing.

Business Editors

DEDHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 27, 2003

Manufacturers today face a daunting world of unpredictable market conditions and ruthless competition. "Evaluating best practices from a variety of industries and adapting the very best drives sustainable competitive advantage," said Andy Chatha, ARC Advisory Group's President. Top industry leaders will share their experiences and recommendations for improved operational excellence at ARC's Eighth Annual Forum titled, "Performance Driven Manufacturing: Best Practices for Driving Operational Excellence in Manufacturing" on January 26-29, 2004 in Orlando, Florida.

Leading Executive Event for Manufacturers

Managing a modern organization is complex. C-level executives must identify the best strategies for their companies and create performance measures that will drive the organization forward. Real-time Performance Management (RPM) monitors performance as change occurs to drive your business to optimum potential and competitive advantage. "Executives who want to move their organization to the next level of performance will be attending this event," said Ralph Rio, Director of Marketing at ARC. "This ARC Forum has become the leading event for manufacturing executives in the US." Over 50% of the attendees at previous Forums have senior executive titles such as Chairman, President, CXO, Vice President, Director, Publisher, or Partner.

Best Practices for Driving Performance in Manufacturing

Typically, last year's historical information establishes this year's fixed annual goals. This approach allows the organization to stagnate and become unresponsive to changing market conditions. RPM is dynamic and drives action. Real-time monitoring of performance enables rapid adjustment for significant developments. Attendees will see a review of the emerging solutions that enable RPM across all manufacturing operations.

Best Practices for Achieving Interoperability 

Visibility into applications across the enterprise provides the needed breadth of information. Making decisions and taking action requires broad interoperability. Two types of interoperability are critical: financial for those with P&L responsibility and performance for operational personnel. Attendees will obtain a clearer understanding of the benefits of interoperability.

Emerging Technologies for Driving Performance

Open interfaces that provide both horizontal and vertical integration throughout the manufacturing enterprise are primary enablers behind the collaborative architectures necessary to meet today's business objectives. Collaborative solutions achieve higher levels of performance. The speakers will review technologies for manufacturing operations.

Best Practices for Safety and Cyber Security

To conduct business in a collaborative manufacturing environment, a company's suppliers, partners, sub-contractors, and customers need access to various forms of information. Each opening for these entities represents a potential intrusion point. The speakers will review the tradeoffs among the connectivity needed for efficient collaborative manufacturing and the security of your enterprise. Plus, the steps you can take now to secure your plants against potential threats will also be discussed.

Emerging Technologies and Solutions Showcase

New manufacturing and supply chain technologies will be showcased in a room adjacent to the Forum. This is an excellent opportunity for executives to assess the potential for application of emerging technologies such as Real-time Performance Management (RPM), Interoperability, Web Services, Industrial Ethernet, Wireless, and Cyber Security.

Visit ARC on-line at www.arcweb.com/res/forumorl for more information on the Forum.

Note to Editors: This document can be used with attribution to ARC Advisory Group. For a graphic containing "ARC's Real-time Performance Management (RPM) Model", please contact Maryanne Flynn at mailto:[e-mail] .

About ARC Advisory Group: Founded in 1986, ARC Advisory Group has grown to become the Thought Leader in Manufacturing and Supply Chain solutions. No matter how complex your business issues, our analysts have the expert industry knowledge and first-hand experience to help you find the best answer. We focus on simple yet critical goals: improving your re-turn on assets, operational performance, total cost of ownership, project time-to-benefit, and share holder value. Further information can be obtained from ARC, Three Allied Drive, Dedham, MA 02026, 781-471-1000, Fax [phone], Email [e-mail], Web ARCweb.com.