Business/Technology Editors

DEDHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 5, 2000

The Webcast seminar series, focusing on e-business and e-manufacturing technologies, organized by the ARC Advisory Group and Managing Automation Magazine will start this September and will combine the in-depth research and consulting capabilities of ARC with the editorial and market strengths of Managing Automation.

"These seminars for on-line audiences, covering timely technology, represent a logical way to provide managers in manufacturing with wider access to ARC's industry expertise and Managing Automation's in-depth reporting on integrated manufacturing and e-business," says Alan Williams (mailto:awilliams@arcweb.com), ARC's Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

"Providing quality content is just as important on the Web as it is in print," explains Donald E. Fagan, Publisher of Managing Automation. "That's the only way to really be of service to visitors and to ensure repeat visits. We've partnered with ARC because their top-notch analytical experience in e-manufacturing and automation complements our coverage of the manufacturing enterprise from the plant floor to the executive suite."

The Webcasts, typically one hour in length, will consist of Web presentations by an ARC analyst and a Managing Automation editor. Other participants may include executives from manufacturing firms using new technologies, innovative suppliers, and industry leaders. A Q&A session will be part of each Webcast. Seminar sponsorships will be available.

Scheduled seminar topics include:

B2B Portals and Marketplaces, September 2000

Within the supply chain, manufacturers deal with customers by focusing on sales orders, their status, and their shipment. The roles are reversed in dealing with suppliers, where the focus is on material orders, their status, and deliveries. The Webcasts will look at how B2B portals and marketplaces impact both sides.

E- Procurement Strategies, October 2000

Manufacturers, who devote much time and many resources to procuring automation products and solutions, are under the gun to lower costs and reduce cycle time. The panelists will examine how the key offerings in an e-procurement solution can solve the problem.

E-Manufacturing & E-Fulfillment Strategies, November 2000

The impact of B2B e-commerce is felt all the way up and down the supply chain. Manufacturers must become much more active in managing both upstream and downstream activities. Attendees will also see how e-business is even increasing the speed and demand for information visibility.

E-Business Integration Strategies, December 2000

Component-based solutions have simplified the integration of business applications, but most companies have not implemented similar Web-based information integration strategies. To date, the integration of data between these two environments has been relegated to inefficient and costly processes. This seminar will consider solutions and improvements that will soon be available.

ARC Advisory Group provides strategic planning, consulting, and technology assessment services to leading manufacturing companies, utilities, and global logistics providers, as well as to software and solution suppliers worldwide. From Global 1000 companies to small start-up firms, ARC has the strategic knowledge needed to succeed in today's technology driven economy. Further information can be obtained from ARC, Three Allied Drive, Dedham, MA 02026. 781-471-1000. Fax 781-471-1100. E-mail mailto:janc@arcweb.com. Web http://www.ARCweb.com/.

Managing Automation, published by Thomas Publishing Company, covers technology for integrated manufacturing and e-business and examines its impact on the organization and management. The monthly publication reaches 100,000 business and technology managers in manufacturing. Content is also made available on-line at http://www.managingautomation.com/ Further information can be obtained from Managing Automation, Five Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10001. Tel: 212-695-0500. Fax: 212-629-1559. E-mail mailto:mwormley@tpmgnet.com