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The Essential Pioneer's Survival Guide: Manufacturing Software: Make or Buy?

From a business perspective, a significant software purchase for the production area can be a difficult decision. Software is the catalyst that makes things happen in many areas of our lives today, yet there is still a difficulty in the perception of the value of a software package for manufacturing. Top-heavy systems such as the traditional MES or ERP suffer from the perception that only a fraction of the functionality will ever be used, so why pay for all of it? Attempts by some lower level solution providers within SMT production have been less than successful, leaving a bitter taste for some.

With more software development tools available today and the availability of keen young engineers, how hard can it be to develop a solution dedicated to the specific needs and pain points of the operation? Is there really justification in the prices asked for commercial software? It is not a decision to take lightly, with profitability and competitiveness of the business at stake, as well as the reputation for quality. The make or buy question must be clearly understood before a decision is made, but what are the key elements?Read the full column here.Editor's Note: This column originally appeared in the June 2013 issue of SMT Magazine.