According to Tim Vaio, Managing Vice President of Supply Chain Solutions for Hitachi Consulting, improving the effectiveness of managing products throughout their lifecycle, from Product Ideation to Discontinuation, is a key challenge being faced by companies trying to grow market share.
"Companies are beginning to understand that managing product-related data is a significant issue, but strategically and tactically, finding a complete package solution has been difficult, until now," says Mark Stott, PLM Alliance Manager for Hitachi Consulting. "This new alliance between Hitachi Consulting and Agile Software will offer companies strategy and business process services, along with proven technology solutions that help increase profit while reducing product cycle times."
"Agile's experience across all manufacturing industries aligns well with Hitachi Consulting's strengths and business strategy," said Jay Fulcher, Agile COO and president. "Together, our proven track record of delivering comprehensive, industry-focused solutions will give both current and future clients confidence that by working with us, they are effectively managing all phases of the product lifecycle."
At a recent PLM Forum hosted by Hitachi Consulting, representatives from manufacturing companies and industry analysts shared their experiences with experts from Agile and Hitachi Consulting. Attendees learned how some high tech manufacturing companies are using PLM solutions to achieve significant, measurable results, such as:
-- 35 percent reduction in product cycle times
-- 50-90 percent reduction in engineering change order cycle times
-- 25 percent increase in product revenues.
"PLM provides the ability to drive business objectives by improving performance at both the top line and bottom line," said Vaio. "These solutions are being deployed as a strategic initiative by companies seeking to improve their competitive advantage."
About Hitachi Consulting
As Hitachi, Ltd.'s (NYSE: HIT) global consulting company, Hitachi Consulting is a recognized leader in delivering proven business and IT solutions to Global 2000 companies across many industries. We leverage decades of business process, vertical industry, and leading-edge technology experience to understand each company's unique business needs. From business strategy development through application deployment, our consultants are committed to helping clients quickly realize measurable business value and achieve sustainable ROI.
Hitachi Consulting's client base includes nearly 30 percent of the Fortune 100 as well as many leading mid-market companies. We offer a client-focused, collaborative approach and transfer knowledge throughout each engagement. For more information, call 1.877.664.0010 or visit www.hitachiconsulting.com.
Hitachi Consulting -- Inspiring your next success!(R)
About Hitachi
Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE: HIT), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company, with approximately 347,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2004 (ended March 31, 2005) consolidated sales totaled 9,027.0 billion yen ($84.4 billion). The company offers a wide range of systems, products and services in market sectors including information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's Web site at http://www.hitachi.com.
About Agile Software Corporation
Agile Software Corporation (NASDAQ:AGIL) helps companies drive profits, accelerate innovation, reduce costs, and ensure regulatory compliance throughout the product lifecycle. With a broad suite of enterprise class PLM solutions, time-to-value focused implementations, and a unique Guaranteed Business Results(SM) program, Agile helps companies get the most from their products. Alcatel, Boeing, Dell Inc., Flextronics International, Hitachi, Leapfrog, Lockheed Martin, Magna Steyr, Siemens, QUALCOMM and ZF are among the over 10,000 customers in the automotive, aerospace and defense, consumer products, electronics, high tech, industrial products, and life sciences industries that have licensed Agile solutions. For more information, call 408-284-4000 or visit www.agile.com.
NOTE: Agile and Agile Software are registered trademarks and Agile Product Collaboration, Agile Product Cost Management, Agile Product Service & Improvement, Agile Product Portfolio Management, Agile Engineering Collaboration, Agile Product Governance and Compliance, AgileMD and the Agile logo are trademarks of Agile Software Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Guaranteed Business Results is a service mark of Agile Software Corporation. All other brand or product names are trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Contact:
Hitachi Consulting Jim Budkie, 513-939-0312 Email Contact or Weber Shandwick Worldwide David Nieland, 972-830-2663 Email Contact