AST-A introduces MES

Advanced Software Technologies-Abraxas (AST-A) has announced its Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) strategy, providing a unique offering in a fast growing segment of the manufacturing industry.

Eric Rautenbach, newly appointed MD of AST-A`s Management Execution Systems, says AST-A has always been focused on delivering creative, high value-added holistic solutions.

"Companies that do not successfully combine technological innovation and business innovation will be left out in the cold," says Rautenbach. "To date Process Control Systems (PCS) are generally viewed as part of the engineering domain, while Management Information Systems (MIS) are in the IT domain."

"As a result, a lack of integration between these two disciplines, together with independent technological evolution, has resulted in a gap between these technologies. Therefore the MES arena that AST-A is pursuing represents the `glue` that ties together these two technologies, business planning and control systems environments."

"With the establishment of these capabilities," adds Rautenbach, "AST-A bridges the gap by effectively integrating PCS with other IT systems to improve the dynamic and global optimisation of a business with all the attendant benefits. It further represents substantial business opportunities for those providing the integration service."

MES is only one of the technologies that AST-A plans to exploit in order to offer substantial value to their clients and potential clients. The other technologies include Client Relations Management, Knowledge Management and E-commerce.