From the perspective of a manufacturing executive, the key reason to focus on an open and flexible Manufacturing Operations Management platform is to create a competitive weapon. Firms that are able to accomplish this enjoy a more profitable and market-responsive supply chain with a holistically managed manufacturing network. However, many executives still have questions regarding how to implement such a platform. To answer these questions, this research will provide a roadmap for delivering such a platform in a cost effective way that still delivers benefits, such as more successful new product introductions and higher levels of profitability.