Information systems for manufacturing often follow a three-layer architecture based on an enterprise resource planning (ERP) layer (for order planning), a manufacturing execution system (MES) layer (for factory control), and a shop floor layer (for machine control). Future requirements on flexibility and adaptability require a much closer integration of ERP systems with the manufacturing floor. To achieve this integration, an MES often pushes customer orders to the manufacturing floor in a flexible manner. Moreover, a large amount of shop floor data needs to be filtered and fed into business planning applications such as production planning or supply chain management. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips can play an important role in the collection and management of such data.

Gunther, Kletti, and Kubach explain the potential advantages of using RFID technology in a modern manufacturing and supply chain context. Areas of emphasis include integration of RFID data into legacy IT architectures, RFID-MES-ERP integration, and cost-benefit considerations. Their presentation is not restricted to intra-company production planning, but also emphasizes the benefits of inter-company collaboration. Six case studies based on SAP s ERP systems and MPDV s MES solution show how to successfully implement cross-company supply chain integration using RFID technology."

Public concern is being increasingly directed to pesticides and their residues in ground and surface waters. Water - one of the necessities of life - has to be kept clean for man and the environment. Part I and II of this book describe in an authoritative way all aspects of modern analysis of pesticides in water by the consequent use of hyphenated techniques like GC-AED or HPLC-MS.

The dramatic evolution of new technology in diagnostic and therapeutic radiology has changed the whole field of medicine. Ultrasonography, computed tomography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and digital radiography are those new techniques which are undergoing continuous development, providing us with increasingly re fined methods for establishing the cause of disease and for treating the patient. Using radiologic technique, ingenious methods are continuously being developed to en sure less expensive, less traumatic, and more efficient therapy. Transluminal angio plasty, embolization of tumors or bleeding vessels, extraction or dissolution of stones, and regional infusions are some of these therapeutic methods in modem diagnostic radiology. Every day new ideas arise which are published in a multitude of papers. This heavy flow of information limits the possibility of selecting from a core of information and often prevents radiologists from communicating efficiently with their colleagues in other countries or continents. European radiologists are additionally hampered from participating in international communication because of the language barriers created by the national journals. As a result, Europe's contribution to scientific progress in this interdisciplinary field has influenced only regional developments."

The authors of this book clearly explain the potential advantages of using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in a modern manufacturing and supply chain context. Areas of emphasis include integration of RFID data into legacy IT architectures, RFID-MES-ERP integration, and cost-benefit considerations. The presentation is not restricted to intra-company production planning, but also emphasizes the benefits of inter-company collaboration. Six case studies based on SAP 's ERP systems and MPDV 's MES solution show how to successfully implement cross-company supply chain integration using RFID technology.