In order to think through what it means to be a Real-time Enterprise, it helps to have a robust model of the manufacturing enterprise. ARC introduced the Collaborative Manufacturing Management model for this reason, and it has gained broad acceptance.

ARC has introduced the Collaborative Production Systems model in order to highlight the need for cooperation among three key domains in the plant: Operations Management, Manufacturing Engineering, and Equipment & Controls.

Manufacturers need solutions that help them manage all of Manufacturing Operations, not just a collection of applications such as MES, EAM, or LIMS. An Operations Management solution can address specific plant-level real-time operating requirements; can support multiple plants, manufacturing models, and geographical regions; and can also provide and exchange necessary information and synchronize with business systems.

RPM extends Operational Excellence (OpX) by continuously identifying the goals and targets that will ensure success. RPM integrates real-time visibility, agility, and speed into the performance management system.