In attempts to keep pace with foreign manufacturers that keep costs well below their American counterparts, domestic manufacturers are forced to address cost-reduction measures and embrace maturing technologies. This was the message delivered by several of the presenters at this year's ARC Forum held recently in Orlando by ARC Advisory Group (781-471-1000). Nearly 30 representatives from user and supplier companies offered their advice and views at the event.

Andy Chatha, ARC president, explained that forum speakers promoted technological advancement in the manufacturing plant to combat cost escalation. He commented that Chinese manufacturers primarily, but other foreign manufacturers as well, are able to sell goods at prices 30% to 50% cheaper than American manufacturers as a result of lower overhead expenses.

"All U.S. manufacturing companies should be looking to how they can compete against intense global competition," he said. Chatha added that maturing technologies such as interoperable systems and plug-and-play components help to increase production and shorten downtime. Further, collaboration among IT and plant workers can lead to solutions that eliminate superfluous processes and expenditures.

On the cutting edge of innovation, Phil Disch, executive director of automation at General Motors, is installing his corporation's best practices from all plants into a working model for overall operations. Chatha mentioned that this model could prove profitable for major U.S. manufacturers with operations across the globe. "Sharing resources globally could prove to be a big cost saver," he said. "Manufacturers are making the biggest strides—maturing IT is ready to help us."