Rockwell Automation has announced that IBM's Global Business Services has joined its FactoryTalk Information Solution Provider program. As a partner in the program, IBM will extend its existing relationship with Rockwell Automation by helping manufacturers build plant-wide information applications and manufacturing execution systems (MES) using the FactoryTalk suite of integrated production and performance software. The two companies have been actively collaborating on plant-to-enterprise solutions within several industries including automotive and life sciences.
Rockwell Automation launched the Information Solution Provider program in October 2006 to provide manufacturers with an extended network of information systems professionals to help them integrate their control and information environments for better manufacturing performance. Rockwell Automation trains and certifies participants on implementing applications within the FactoryTalk suite to facilitate better interaction between the plant floor and higher-level business systems. Through the creation of the program, Rockwell Automation adds to its own services organization's solutions and delivery capabilities around the FactoryTalk suite. “IBM truly understands the value of an integrated suite of production and performance software based on a service-oriented architecture,” said Kevin Roach, vice president of Software, Rockwell Automation. “They're a natural fit for our Information Solutions Provider program based on our track record of successful collaboration and their incredibly deep expertise in information systems and business process integration.”

"Timely, accurate information on production can help drive supply chain performance to new levels and recent advances in technology like service-oriented architectures are making this a reality,” said Bruce Anderson, vice president, IBM Global Business Services. “We are working together to show companies the value manufacturing brings to the supply chain and how we can help them achieve ROI more quickly than they have in the past.”
The FactoryTalk Information Solution Provider Program is part of the Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork, which includes business enterprise, sales and solutions, product and technology partners. For more information about the Information Solution Provider program, visit http://www.rockwellautomation.com/partners/.

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