When estimating the cost of manufactured parts, speed can be measured and compared from various points of reference and should really include things far beyond just getting out a quick number.

For example… the time it takes to create and print reports, review and update data, the effects of using consistent data, and much more. All being items of consideration which contribute to how much time it takes to access and deliver quality information. Often onlookers who are reviewing an estimating solution short-change some of the benefits when evaluating the use of computers and other electronic devices. The world is full of computers along with emerging computer users, but "non-computer" users still make up a fair portion of the people making decisions in the manufacturing community.

In talking with a manufacturing representative from Cincinnati Incorporated, a shear and laser machine manufacturer, he shared that manufacturing owners and personnel, a larger number than most would believe, still operate shops with minimal computer assistance.

Many manufacturers, in this profit-crunching economy, use what tools, equipment and software, they need to in order to get by. At an increasing rate, however, the younger generation continues to enter the market, and how employees accomplish their work load continues to shift. Manufacturers are adding more and more computers and computer related interfaces to help complete their day-to-day work related activities and speed up their data access and the delivery of their communications.

One such new interface is the electronic tablet being produced by a variety of manufacturers. This new electronic device is now making its way quickly into high level management meetings. The speed effectiveness of this new communication device is continuing to break new ground – fast. Its forerunner, the smaller hand held smartphone type device, is losing its space as a matter of executive decision. From small job shops to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) more companies are banning the use of those smaller electronic devices in meetings and now replacing them with the new electronic tablet because of its much improved and widespread communication abilities. They bring more speed and accuracy to the planning and cost estimating review phase. The place where more on-the-spot decisions are made.

Electronic tablet computers provide instant access to the most current information...

Accountants, costing managers, estimators and other review staff, can all instantly look up cost estimates and other related manufacturing information more quickly. They can then deliver to the meeting attendees the specific answers to questions being asked.

First, tablet computers provide instant access to the most current information - increasing decision making speed.

Second, they reduce overhead display requirements - anyone carrying a tablet can now share data to presentation display devices which closes the door to current limitations of accessing attendees data files. Some tablets offer instant connectivity to TV’s and other display devices adding the functionality just like the overhead projector of today - but with greater flexibility.

Third, they provide a quick reference to information "on the go" or from a mobile consideration - employees who move from one meeting to the next can bring up their data, just like when using a laptop, but with greater speed. It’s frequent that even though a person has their laptop or notebook computer with them, most often it's locked up in the bag they are carrying and it’s too cumbersome and too time consuming to use it efficiently. They would need to take it out of the bag, wait during boot it up, open up the software program and then… find the information.

Instead, the electronic tablet computers are becoming clutched in with employees notepad binder. The "electronic tablet revolution" is approaching -- don't be left behind your competition.