Analyzing IT Solutions and Hardware in Manufacturing Industries

This report delves into the application of Information Technology within the manufacturing sector, focusing on a hypothetical manufacturing industry, ELETTO. It explores the essential hardware components, including PCS, peripherals, and servers, highlighting their roles and advantages. The report then examines various software programs and applications, such as NetSuite Manufacturing Edition and uniPoint Quality Management Software, discussing their benefits and drawbacks. Furthermore, it outlines diverse communication methods used in manufacturing, like emails and mobile networks. The conclusion emphasizes the benefits of computer devices in manufacturing, such as increased efficiency and reduced costs, while also acknowledging potential disadvantages like initial investment and pollution. The recommendation section suggests crucial considerations for selecting IT solutions, including hardware power, software alignment with industry objectives, and convenient communication methods. The report provides valuable insights into IT implementation in manufacturing and offers practical recommendations for businesses in this sector.

Running head: Information Technology for User in Organization 1
Information Technology for User in Organization
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Abstract
Recommending software solutions can sometimes be a tough task. This is because it needs a lot
of research and facts about the technology one wants to implement. Manufacturing utilize
computers for different purposes in their daily operations, that is, monitoring production process,
communication and management of the industry. These operations require powerful hardware,
integrated software and advanced communication channels.

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Table of Contents
Abstract............................................................................................................................................2
Introduction......................................................................................................................................4
Hypothetical Manufacturing Industry..............................................................................................4
Hardware in Manufacturing Industries............................................................................................4
Programs and Applications..............................................................................................................5
Communication Methods.................................................................................................................6
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................6
Recommendation.............................................................................................................................6
References........................................................................................................................................8

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Introduction
Industries involved in the production and processing of products either through generation of
new items or value addition are referred to as manufacturing industry. These industries are in
charge of big share of the industrial area in developed nations. The final commodity can either
act as a finished product for sale to clients or as intermediate product used in the process of
production. In this context, some of hardware devices, programs and applications and
communication methods used in the manufacturing industry are discussed in details.
Hypothetical Manufacturing Industry
Manufacturing industry requires effective processing and selection of raw materials as well as
use of technology to facilitate increased performance.
Eletto is the dominant manufacturer of electric-power machine, producing switch cases, breaker,
and switch with a capital investment of 400 million. The firm is a supplement of Nitto Kogyo,
Japan’s dominating manufacturer that extends nation-wide. Beside using technology and
manufacturing expertise in electrical case and circuit breaker, Eletto employs various
technologies of information communication to facilitate activities and management of business
of Fujitsu system thus offering appropriate solution. Selected software solutions have been
planned in partnership with Fujitsu. The plan was designed to learn the higher level of Eletto’s
business functions so as to provide correct assessment on infrastructure of IT for highest
effectiveness like production management Prones software, accounting system for Nirvana’s,
and human resource management Computer Power. (Möller, 2016)
Hardware in Manufacturing Industries
Hardware in a computer are the devices on which execution of operating system and software
application is done and where attachment of peripherals like printers, mice and keyboard is
carried out. Other examples of hardware machine include; storage devices, servers, and
electronic security utilized in the centers of data of many organizations. Hardware components in
the manufacturing industry are becoming smaller and smaller. This is because new technology
enhances cost effectiveness in developing increasingly compact size of complex chips. The
devices become thinner and lighter. Also convergence of these hardware is enhanced. (Gregory,

Running head: Information Technology for User in Organization 5
Nollen, & Tenev, 2009). Some organizations are performing top-level structure, and letting other
organizations perform production and more basic structure duties to cheaper labor. Some of the
examples of hardware component used in the manufacturing industries include;
PCS- these are desktops and laptops. This hardware is mostly used in manufacturing and should
high storage capacity, processing power and power management. These devices are very
powerful to take the place of specialized workstations and to use for computer-aided structure, 3-
D rendering and molecular modelling. (DiResta, Forrest, & Vinyard, 2015)
PERIPHERALS- A peripheral device is an external item supplemented to a computer like
memory stick, new mouse, speakers, printers, monitors and scanners. Other peripherals are
internal modem or 3-D video card which are connected into a computer.
SERVERS- servers are the large boxes that acts as glue that supports the internet together.
Examples of servers include; web servers, local area network servers, mail servers, wide area
network servers, database servers, file servers, among others. Server is involved when two
computer devices (clients) join together.
Some of the hardware advantages include: high processing power, backup storage, integration
with other manufacturing hardware. However, it has some disadvantages including high initial
cost, very limited customization capabilities, needs regular monitoring.
Programs and Applications
With recent advancement in technology manufacturers are now installing software to help in
automation of the production processes. Implementing systems that provides an integrated e-
commerce, inventory, customer relationship management (CRM), warehouse management, order
management, manufacturing execution, MRP (material requirements planning), accounting and
financial management platform. Some of the programs and apps used in manufacturing
industries include; NetSuite Manufacturing Edition-this program, Fishbowl Manufacturing,
uniPoint Quality Management Software among others. (In Bryson, 2015).
These programs have several advantages including; customization of the product to meet
manufacturer’s needs, supports customer, has detailed management of WIP, tracking multiple
location of inventory and it eases training to the users since the modules are all developed the

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same. However, it has some disadvantages some requires other software for its execution,
complex for small business and hard to use. In addition, terrible time tracking and it is highly
costly since, requires an add on so as to integrate scanning of bar code, purchasing of an outside
software is required to generate clients reports and lacks the ability to merge reports into single
large report.
Communication Methods
Recent electronic systems of telephone switching are based on digital computers that are highly
sophisticated and carry out activities like controlling many telephone lines, identifying which
lines need service, digits keepings of every telephone number as dialing is performed, required
connection set ups, transmitting signals that are electrical to ring the phone of the receiver,
managing call continuity, and disconnection of call upon completion. (RAO, & RAJESH, 2009)
Some of the communication methods in a manufacturing industry include: e-mails, internet,
mobile apps, mobile networks. (Ahmed, 2012)
Conclusion
In conclusion, use of computer devices in manufacturing industry is associated with several
benefits which include; time reduction in production, increased accuracy, minimized human
error, less cost due to less safety issues, safety is enhanced, and higher production capacity.
However, it is also associated with some disadvantages which include; pollution, less versatility,
unpredicted expenses, increased unemployment and initial investment is large.
Recommendation
For a manufacturing industry like ELETTO it is important for it to consider a lot of aspect when
selecting hardware, programs, apps and communication methods to implement. For example, for
hardware it should be powerful, that is, high memory capacity, processing power, and integration
abilities. In addition, programs and apps should be meeting the industry objective for instance
uniPoint Quality Management Software is appropriate for any product manufacturers in any
mode of manufacturing. It assists in managing key operations like document control, to-do lists,
non-conformances, customer service, preventive actions, devices management among others.
Also communication methods should be convenient for all the employees from the top

Running head: Information Technology for User in Organization 7
management to the low level employees. Choosing internet or e-mail as a form of
communication may not be appropriate especially in times of crisis like power outage or internet
disconnection. A method like using mobile networks will be convenient.

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References
Ahmed, E., (2012). "Malaysia’s Food Manufacturing Industries Productivity
Determinants," Modern Economy, Vol. 3 No. 4, pp. 444-453.
doi: 10.4236/me.2012.34057.
DiResta, R., Forrest, B., & Vinyard, R. (2015). The hardware startup. Beijing : O'Reilly.
Gibb, A. (2014). Building open source hardware: Manufacturing for the DIY maker movement.
Boston: Addison-Wesley.
Gregory, N. F., Nollen, S. D., & Tenev, S. (2009). New industries from new places: The
emergence of the software and hardware industries in China and India. Stanford, Calif:
Stanford Economics and Finance/Stanford University Press.
In Bryson, J. R. (2015). Handbook of manufacturing industries in the world economy.
Cheltenham, UK : Edward Elgar Publishing.
Information Resources Management Association. (2011). Green technologies: Concepts,
methodologies, tools and applications. Hershey, PA: Information Science Reference.
Möller, D. (2016). Guide to computing fundamentals in cyber-physical systems: Concepts,
design methods, and applications. Switzerland : Springer.
RAO, R., & RAJESH, T., (2009). "Software Selection in Manufacturing Industries Using a
Fuzzy Multiple Criteria Decision Making Method, PROMETHEE," Intelligent
Information Management, Vol. 1 No. 3, pp. 159-165. doi: 10.4236/iim.2009.13023.