Abstract: In today’s competitive markets, manufacturers and distributors are challenged to achieve supply chain efficiencies that are on par with their rivals. To stay profitable, they must adopt key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive processes. But KPI-driven supply chain execution requires manufacturers and distributors to instrument, analyze, control, and optimize their end-to-end supply chain processes. Find out more.

Abstract: New technology, such as virtual machines and high-speed internet communication, is leading to wider remote application hosting. Here is a tutorial-level technical explanation of how it’s being driven

Abstract: This tutorial points out the significance of buyers researching PLM technology vendors before determining the short list and vendors researching the viability of the opportunity before committing time and money to a sales effort. Since a 'one-size-fits-all' product is still not quite a viable possibility, almost every product can win provided certain set of requirements. The Catch 22 for both buyers and vendors/VARs is to pinpoint the right opportunity in this ongoing 'dating game'.

Abstract: This tutorial identifies the significance of researching technology vendors to both buyers and vendors/VARs. Buyers require research to determine the short list and vendors/VARs can use research to assess the viability of opportunities before committing time and money to a sales effort. Since a 'one-size-fits-all' product is still not a viable solution for most clients, the ability of technology products to meet clients' needs depends on client requirements. The Catch 22 for both buyers and vendors/VARs is to pinpoint the right match in this ongoing 'dating game'.

Abstract: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) represent a set of measures focusing on those aspects of organizational performance that are the most critical for the current and future success of the organization (source: "Key Performance Indicators [KPIs]: Developing, Implementing,and Using Winning KPIs", by David Parmenter).

Abstract: Paying attention to the human nature factors of a project will not overcome poor software selection or poor software design. However, being aware of these factors can minimize project delays, frustrations of team members, and not delivering expected results. Learn about some of these factors and how they can be avoided.

Abstract: A CMMS is an excellent business opportunity whose implementation can significantly improve operations, reduce equipment downtime, increase accountability of the maintenance functions, and produce substantial financial savings. Read on to learn how this can be accomplished.

Abstract: Companies are looking for more areas to squeeze savings out of operations. One such area that may be fertile ground to explore is equipment maintenance. The class of software that can help to cultivate these savings is computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS). This article discusses the basics of CMMS and its key features, enabling you to determine whether your company should investigate this software as a potential source of savings.

Abstract: If the underlying business assumptions change, the cash flow projections may be critically flawed but the KPI’s can still be relatively reliable indicators of the impact of an IT project. In the long run, IT project KPIs may be the best indicators for IT managers to use in evaluating the results of their IT investments.

Abstract: In going through a business decision process for complex technology selections, more and more use is being made of technologically driven processes using Decision support tools and captured knowledge. The use of these systems and the capability to drive a solution from them assumes an ability to accurately express business requirements and business value within these tools. In this article, we explore the marriage of knowledge management and decision support in forming knowledge based selection systems and procedures that can assist in reducing the current appalling record of IT project failures. This is illustrated by the process to select a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).

Abstract: If you're in the supply chain business, right up there with Newton's law of gravity stands Murphy's other law stipulating that demand and supply, if left to their own tendencies, will always tend to diverge and get you in trouble. Welcome to the world of predictive demand and supply planning whose mission is to predict imbalances as far in advance as possible, in order to provide ample time and opportunity to design and implement corrective sales and operations solutions. So how do we design a system for identifying potential issues and expressing them via a commonly understood key process indicator (KPI) where the cause and effect of our actions can be readily measured? Read this article by the former director of Dell's operations and demand management.

Abstract: Analyzing static, detailed financial statements has been the modus operandi for hundreds of years. Because many business management systems can isolate and create graphics of key performance indicators (KPI), businesses should now concentrate on KPIs, which influence profitability.

Abstract: Flow manufacturing leverages techniques to help manufacturers create any product on any given day, in any given quantity including the

Abstract: Telephony is a key element of convergence—and the primary reason for the hype surrounding it. But why is telephony so important to convergence? Voice or telephony traffic is very sensitive to latency on the network. The fact that converged networks must provide timely and reliable delivery of voice traffic makes it a key component to a successful converged solution implementation. Learn more about how it all works.

Abstract: With the growing significance of services to the bottom line, it’s never been more important to effectively monitor, measure, and manage your services business. Knowing which key performance indicators (KPI) can help drive success and contribute to your bottom line is essential. But with over 150 KPIs available, where do you start? Discover how these few small key improvements can help your service business performance.

Abstract: A dashboard is a vital tool for monitoring the daily health of your organization. From a single interface, decision makers have access to key performance indicators (KPI)—actionable information that can be used to effectively guide and track business performance. Successful implementation of a dashboard is complex and requires a step-by-step process using a methodology that considers all aspects of the project life cycle.

Abstract: To store its wealth of transactional data, Trail Operations employs an ERP solution comprised of JDEdwards, Process Data Historian (PDH) and EtQ systems. To ensure proactive rather than reactive business decisions, it is imperative that management at Trail Operations have reliable and timely access to this data. While their ERP solution met all of management’s data capture requirements, its cumbersome reporting capabilities proved inhibitive to providing the key performance indicator (KPI) information necessary for quickly recognizing trends and driving improvements.