I am just from the SAP Conference in Madrid and I have to tell you my head is still spinning. One cannot understand the rapid advancement being made in business and process software unless one listens to the users.
I think back to the first PLC I ever saw and then consider how far we have come in fifty years. It is like comparing a Model T to a Tesla. The comparison is incomparable.
Today's systems can make quality and efficiency routine in paper production with little operator input. Changes in additives can be optimized. Transparency to the mill, or to customers (if desired) of all business and process parameters are just a screen away.
At this point, being just a few years out of date is being a long way out of date. Controlling your business in a holistic manner is here.
