Released on: January 31, 2008, 6:04 am

Press Release Author: Thomas R. Cutler

Industry: Software

Press Release Summary: Manufacturing Journalist TR Cutler Addressing Advanced
Auditing and Security for the Processing Manufacturing Sector in Accounting Software
411

Press Release Body: Manufacturing journalist Thomas R. Cutler recently profiled the
role of advanced auditing and security for the process manufacturing sector in the
January issue of Accounting Software 411.

When one food manufacturer has to contend with hundreds of recipes, ingredient
variations, and multiple batches in a single production run, the possibilities for
errors are enormous. Seemingly at odds, lean manufacturing principles call for
productivity gains which are increasingly dependant upon speeding up the flow of
sensitive data throughout the enterprise. This paradox is felt most significantly
by thin margined formula-based food processors.

While discrete manufacturing systems are generally designed around a bill of
material containing whole, or discrete quantities of materials (such as 1 axle, 2
tires), process manufacturing systems are driven by formulas (such as 90% water, 10%
flavoring.) Process manufacturers usually blend or mix materials rather than
cutting, shaping, or assembling hard goods. Hybrid manufacturers combine process and
discrete components. A good example would be a cosmetic company that mixes a batch
of lip stick bulk and fills the bulk into a base container (process manufacturing),
then assembles this into a finished product with a packaging and label bill of
material (discrete manufacturing).

Like the Colonel's secret recipe, proprietary data is managed through an ERP
(enterprise resource planning) system which must be guarded from malicious data
tampering. As with regulations, like Sarbanes-Oxley, companies are held accountable
for the data that is produced from their ERP system; few have the necessary tools to
ensure that the data is managed appropriately by the authorized personnel (although
most make claims to the contrary.)

According to Evan Garber, President of Escape Velocity Systems
(www.evs-sw.com), which specializes in formula-based process manufacturing,
"Advanced auditing and security functionality is not simply preventing unauthorized
data manipulation.risk management, it provides a context for a data management plan
that includes process improvement."


Advanced Auditing and Security Drives Continued Process Improvement

Some of the features that technology solutions must provide, particularly among
process manufacturers include:
. User accountability for one's actions
. Managing ancillary attached data (such as Excel or Word attachments) through an
approval, lockdown, and version control process
. Managing efficiency of electronic document handling



The term escape velocity refers to the speed that is necessary for an object to
overcome gravity and soar into space. EVS provides direct applications for
businesses looking for a catalyst, not just a software package. Process
manufacturers require the best software solution coupled with industry experience
that will accelerate the velocity with which they race towards their goals. The
gravity of status-quo opposes aggressive, cutting edge organizations as they strive
towards high quality and short lead time delivery while reducing inventories and
operating costs.

The entire article may be read at
http://www.accountingsoftware411.com/Press/PressDocView.aspx?docid=9402.



Escape Velocity Systems
www.evs-sw.com
Evan Garber
President
solutions@evs-sw.com
303.494.1765 x114



Web Site: http://www.evs-sw.com

Contact Details: Escape Velocity Systems
2530 55th St.
Suite 204
Boulder, CO