Boeing and Enterworks Streamline Manufacturing of Aircraft Through Web-based Collaboration; Data Integration Solution, Virtual DB, Links Multiple Suppliers to the Web
ASHBURN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 27, 1999--Enterworks(SM), the leading provider of software for enabling the virtual enterprise, today announced that The Boeing Co. (NYSE:BA), the largest aerospace company in the world, is using Virtual DB(R) to collaborate with suppliers in manufacturing parts for military aircraft, including the F/A-18 E/F. Boeing's latest use of Enterworks' Virtual DB(R), a data transformation engine that accesses, integrates, cleanses and models enterprise data, promotes real-time collaboration among suppliers and integrates disparate parts data in a single view, thus drastically reducing the length of the production cycle and the costs incurred.
Boeing has created an electronic bidding system (eBid) for the subcontractors that build parts for all military aircraft. This includes the 200 plus subcontractors used for the F/A-18E/F tactical fighter aircraft. By using Virtual DB(R)'s data integration and transformation capabilities, Boeing allows suppliers real-time access to parts data, through a Web front-end, and enables them to submit bids online.
"Virtual DB(R) was the only tool on the market that provided the complex system and data integration that Boeing needed to access data stored in a variety of formats, while providing a Web front-end," said David Brown, principal specialist for programming and analysis at Boeing. "The eBid system creates new process efficiencies and encourages collaboration by allowing suppliers to tap directly into the bidding process."
Once a costly and inefficient process, Boeing has turned its supplier collaboration operation into a streamlined, Web-enabled methodology. Leveraging Virtual DB(R)'s powerful MetaCatalog, Boeing queries a variety of databases, including DB2 and legacy IMS, to determine which parts will be manufactured by Boeing and which by subcontractors. Boeing's "make or buy" committee then submits a list of parts to the purchasing department, which assigns a requisition number to each part. Each purchase request can consist of up to 100 sub-parts. Boeing electronically notifies its suppliers, who then access the order number through an Internet connection. Clicking on an icon allows them to instantly see the most current drawings and measurements of the part in question, as opposed to a copy from a data warehouse. Suppliers then determine the costs involved in building it and place their bid electronically.
"Boeing's eBid system brings cutting-edge technology to an otherwise cumbersome, mail-based bidding process which is quickly becoming outdated," said Dennis Bell, president of Steelville Manufacturing Company. "eBid allows us to respond to bids faster and with greater accuracy, saving both time and money."
Virtual DB(R) is a data transformation engine that accesses, integrates, cleanses and models enterprise data. Through familiar Web browsers, users can view transformed information in real time, store it in data marts or warehouses or deliver it to client/server applications. At the core of Virtual DB(R) is a powerful metacatalog that acts as a comprehensive roadmap of all enterprise data sources.
By consolidating data as business views, Virtual DB(R)'s MetaCatalog gives companies complete freedom to change the relationships between sets of data without changing the underlying systems.
"Boeing has continually used Virtual DB(R) in unique and innovative ways for the past five years," said Robert Lewis, president of Enterworks. "The eBid project exemplifies the use of Virtual DB(R) in creating a virtual organization made up of partners, vendors and customers and highlights its use not only in accessing and integrating disparate data, but in promoting collaboration and innovative project management."
About The Boeing Co.
The Boeing Company, after its merger in 1997 with McDonnell Douglas and acquisition in 1996 of the defense and space units of Rockwell International, became the largest aerospace company in the world. Its history mirrors the history of aviation. Boeing is the world's largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners, military aircraft and the nation's largest NASA contractor. In 1996, company revenues were $22.7 billion; revenues for 1997 were $45.8 billion.
About Enterworks
Enterworks(SM), Inc. creates simplicity and builds intelligence for the virtual enterprise through Web-enabled integration of disparate data and business process flows. The company's Virtual DB(R) solution serves healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, telecommunications and government customers worldwide, including Boeing, MCI and GTE. For additional details about Enterworks and its solutions in data and process integration, visit www.enterworks.com or call 1-888-242-8356.
"Enterworks" is a service mark and a trademark, and "Virtual DB" is a registered trademark, of Enterworks, Inc. All other product, service, and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
CONTACT:
Enterworks, Inc.
Warren Jones, 703-724-4612
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