PCs are important, even if they're not deeply accepted in traditional machine tool businesses at this point. They're remotely monitoring and controlling machines from a central site. A single operator can service entire system, review production logs, and review the control and production system. Just a few years ago, most wouldn't have thought of using PCs in conjunction with CNCs. We have to push new technologies beyond the comfort level.
Customers fear their competitors are figuring things out in Internet time.
We have to help them move ahead with this technology, using e-commerce models. Sales channels have undergone a retooling, a re-education, in total solutions, including both software and services. The rapid speed of e-business requires internal changes to accommodate higher productivity, open systems, and open solutions. This can be a major challenge. Very few enterprises have open products in place that can communicate from the plant floor to upper levels of business.