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www.johnstark.com |
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As implementation of an effective EDM/PDM system is difficult and will disturb the status quo, it will be opposed by many people - for a variety of reasons. Anyone wanting to implement EDM/PDM will need to get these people to change their minds. To help the change process, it's useful to understand the reasons that will be advanced, and some actions that can be taken to overcome them. Reason 1. What we found out in the 1970's and 1980's was to simplify and not to automate. Reason 2. Years ago we tried to do Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM). It didn't work. EDM/PDM is a reincarnation of CIM. It won't work. Reason 3. These days we're into culture changes - we're doing Total Quality Management (TQM), not technology. We tried technology and systems, but they never gave good results. Don't even talk to us about Information Technology (IT). Reason 4. EDM/PDM - another acronym? We learnt our lesson long ago - no acronym soup here. Reason 5. We're re-engineering the corporation, so we don't need EDM/PDM. Reason 6. As a top manager, I can't be involved in low-level technical issues like EDM/PDM. Reason 7. As a top manager, I'm here to take decisions, not to be involved in the business. Reason 8. Give me the figures, and I'll tell you what to do. Reason 9. The world is in a major recession/downturn, so we're in a cost reduction phase. We can't spend any money on new, virtually unknown technologies. Reason 10. These days we're looking for fast payback projects - 18 months is the maximum. EDM/PDM's payback would be much longer than that. Reason 11. We have other priorities. Reason 12. EDM/PDM hurts everyone - it's not a win-win situation. Reason 13. We have so much work, we don't have time to handle anything else. Reason 14. EDM/PDM is too difficult. Reason 15. There's no support from top management for EDM/PDM, so it won't work. Reason 16. Our reward system is not geared to cross-functional activities like EDM/PDM. Reason 17. EDM/PDM wouldn't work here - there's too much inertia in this company. Reason 18. EDM/PDM works when users trust management. Nobody here trusts management. Reason 19. We could do more, but management won't let us. Reason 20. Make one mistake in this company, and you're finished - maybe even fired. Reason 21. We don't have the skills / capabilities to handle EDM/PDM. Reason 22. Big projects like EDM/PDM need really good project managers. We only have a few really good people you could trust with EDM/PDM, and they are all overloaded and fully booked. |