For many manufacturers, factory-floor data is manually entered into business systems, increasing the probability of incorrect and outdated information. Much of this data may be entered into the system 8 to 48 h after execution. Consequently, supply chain programs may use data that is neither timely nor accurate to optimize operations, which can hinder a company’s goal of meeting customer demand. This is certainly an area where optimization is desperately needed. To effectively use data from the factory floor to report on operations, analyze results, and interface to business systems, a company must perform a thorough analysis of its operations and systems and then develop an integrated operations strategy and practical implementation plan. Each initiated project within the plan must have a calculated return that justifies new investment and leverages prior investments made in factory-floor control, data acquisition, and systems. An important goal of every operation is to improve performance by increasing output and yield while reducing operating costs. To meet these production objectives, companies make large capital investments in industrial automation equipment and technology. With shareholders and analysts looking at return on investment (ROI) as a key factor in evaluating a company’s health and future performance, manufacturers must emphasize the importance of optimizing the return on their assets.