A service-oriented global manufacturing technology platform for research, development, and innovation: Activity of IMS international

As IMS marks its fifteen-year anniversary, the paradigm for industry has changed dramatically. Industry today requires fast-paced, results-driven, research-development-innovation projects to meet global challenges in manufacturing products in a sustainable way. Industry must consider the entire value chain for its products while under constant pressure from dwindling resources, rapid time-to-market, and increasing costs. Lean, interoperable, and sustainable manufacturing technologies must be developed quickly and as efficiently as possible. Because these types of technologies and supporting standards for value chains are global in nature, international solutions are required by industry today. In response to those needs, IMS has developed the Manufacturing Technology Platform Program (MTP) for research and innovation where industry-led consortia can set up quickly and effectively collaboration platforms that help them share knowledge and R&D effort without onerous procedures. After a successful pilot program in 2009, IMS officially launched its MTP Program in the spring of 2010 and added support programs such as project facilitator services, workshops, forums, and a collaborative website. We are excited about these new services and have already seen some initial success in the form of new projects coalescing. IMS has also increased its visibility through expanded outreach activities from presenting IMS at various forums and workshops and expanding its network.