Abstract: SLP InfoWare announced a product that can predict which of an ISP’s customers are likely to leave.

Abstract: As the final article in a three-part series on outsourcing security, the following article provides guidelines for selecting a dependable managed security services provider.

Abstract: Everything in the computer industry seems to be going off-shore, why not software implementations? This article looks at reasons why remote implementation of software packages can make both logical and fiscal sense, particularly in the United States. Read on to learn why your organization may want to look at this implementation alternative more closely and not be so quick to dismiss it as a passing fad.

Abstract: How do you go about defining the requirements of large package systems, particularly those with the all-encompassing scope of ERP, EAM, and CRM software, and still satisfy the needs to the project team, the user community, and executive management? It’s a balancing act rivaling the circus performer trying to keep all of the plates spinning at once. While it is difficult to say one aspect of a project plan is more important than another, accurately and completely defining the needs to be fulfilled by the software is critical to the overall success of the implementation and the longevity of software. This article outlines a logical process for defining the requirements and keeping the plates spinning.

Abstract: The US Labor Department reported an increase in jobs in June and July ... but the manufacturing industry cut jobs for a third month in a row. We are moving from a manufacturing economy to a supply chain economy. This article gives the big picture.

Abstract: Confused about RFID middleware? RFID middleware has a critical role to play in cleaving together and clarifying the signals and intelligence, bidirectionally from the device layer to the business applications, or out to the communications infrastructure, to the web or satellites. This article explains it all.

Abstract: When selecting a CRM vendor should you go with a one-source solution, reducing the need for integration with other corporate data sources, or go with a best-of-breed approach, getting the best in each category but being left with standalone applications that must be integrated? This article compares the two approaches and offers some advice.

Abstract: There are entire books and thorough training and certification processes devoted to lean supply chain practices. But within any manufacturing environment, there are a few relatively simple steps that will help any enterprise make its supply chain lean. In this article, we will touch on these simple measures—measures that any company can take.

Abstract: This article defines process manufacturing; discusses its formulation, packaging, and pricing issues; talks about interfaces; and provides cautions and caveats.

Abstract: The textile industry is famous for its very different characteristics when compared to industries in either process or discrete manufacturing. Developing production planning and scheduling software for any textile mill is a real challenge even for seasoned industry experts. This article focuses on some of the unique challenges posed to master requirement planning and master production scheduling (MRP / MPS) software vendors by the textile industry.

Abstract: SAP AG has seemingly crossed a strategy chasm, from a strict, stodgy, Not-Invented-Here (NIH) approach to software development and delivery, to a seemingly quite open approach of broad development alliances, company acquisitions, Internet portals development, and a deep, new relationship with IBM for both technology sharing as well as bolstering IBM Consulting’s support for SAP’s new multiple mySAP.com™ initiatives. 'Collaborative' and 'SAP' were not two words you might have ever seen in the same article. You’re seeing it now.

Abstract: It is hard to recall the last time an ERP implementation team included an auditor as an active member. This article explores key points in a project's lifecycle where the audit function should be involved and the deliverables to be expected.

Abstract: A sales portal is one of many tools that can be used to help transform a business, especially a consumer packaged goods company. In this article, key structural and functional elements, as well as the advantages of implementing and effectively using a sales portal, are discussed.

Abstract: Many business intelligence (BI) projects fall short of expectations. Unless organizations implement a methodology and benchmark the success other organizations have experienced, BI implementations may fail to provide the desired results. This article identifies five steps organizations should take when implementing BI solutions.

Abstract: Chemical Company H.B. Fuller leveraged e-business to impact their procurement operations. This article discusses their objectives, the solution and the results.

Abstract: After dealing with the over-hype of Y2K, companies have started to reconsider the best of breed as a viable solution to satisfy their software needs. This comes as a shock to the corporate systems culture when user communities were told that fully integrated software such as ERP, SCM, and EAM were the only way to meet their software needs. After developing a level playing field, this article examines the pro’s and con’s of one alternative over the other. Read on to see if you agree with the merits of the best of breed or fully integrated software approach to software selection.

Abstract: As a provider of enterprise resource planning (ERP) integrated workforce productivity solutions, we have seen many approaches to distribution automation. Adding a warehouse management system is a logical option for many manufacturers, but this article provides insight into another option: extending ERP distribution capabilities to take advantage of a single receiving, inventory, shipping database.

Abstract: The continuous chemical industries typically share an objective of running at near 100% utilization. This and other realities yield unique requirements for a Supply Chain Planning (SCP) system. This article discusses some of these unique needs.