Medical device companies have been implementing manufacturing information systems for more than 30 years. These systems were often part of automated manufacturing initiatives aimed at increasing product quality and lowering manufacturing costs.  For many years, device manufacturers have desired the ability to make production information, processes and resources more transparent. Companies have often looked for ways to unlock operational data to empower decision makers—from operators to plant managers and corporate executives—to make informed, timely decisions.

This level of integration has eluded companies…until now. Today, software manufacturers are moving away from proprietary systems and interfaces and are working together to develop open standards. These connectivity standards have lead to the development of a new class of software, known as middleware. This standards-based software enables the collection, analysis and presentation of critical, real-time data to decision makers throughout an organization. Known as Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), this technology provides a bridge that allows for the connection of data islands in an efficient and effective manner.  Read the complete article