Abstract: After adopting two-dimensional computer-aided design (2D CAD) in the 1990s, Dalian Shipyard discovered that 2D technology didn’t meet the real-world challenges facing ship designers. For example, 2D CAD could not graphically reproduce real ship design challenges, such as collisions. Dalian Shipyard needed better product lifecycle management (PLM) tools. The solution: CADDS 5i—a complete 3D CAD tool for shipbuilding.

Abstract: Can industry-leading practice be found in a commodity software package? If we accept that application software is a commodity, by definition, the answer is no. If a vendor claims industry-leading practice, then it is available to your competition. If we really want to have practices that lift us above the competition, it cannot be in a standard package. Where in the business do we need to be better than best practice?

Abstract: This article continues the examination of tools that a vendor may supply that can make the implementation of an ERP package easier for your project team, end users, and IT department. Read on to see what tools you may want to have in your toolbox before proceeding with the implementation.

Abstract: You have selected an ERP package. Now you have to worry about implementing the software. This article looks at four categories of tools that a vendor may supply that can make the implementation easier for your project team, end users, and IT department. Read on to see what tools you may want to have in your toolbox before proceeding with the implementation.

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: When selecting an ERP package, you must be sure that the software has the functions and features that support your organization. But once that assurance is obtained, you have to worry about implementing the software. There are four categories of tools that 3i Infotech supplies with its base ERP solution, ORION™ Enterprise, which can make implementation easier for all the stakeholders involved.

Abstract: The trade-off between best-of-breed functionality and ease of integration is no longer so simple. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software continues to expand, blurring the boundaries of core ERP functionality. The three essential factors to consider in ERP versus best-of-breed decisions are functionality, integration, and the ability to upgrade. Find out the questions you need to ask when considering an ERP extension.

Abstract: To move your sales team to the next level, you need to find answers to several questions. For example: How do you determine which customers provide the best opportunity for a successful sale? Can you develop and present a comprehensive view of your value position to a prospect? What is the role of IT in driving a best-run sales organization? Find out how leading companies have answered these questions—and how they excel.

Abstract: Customer relationship management (CRM) best practices aren’t well recognized by many companies. Disappointment with CRM systems usually results from poor strategies that don’t focus on a specific set of business capabilities to increase revenues or reduce costs. How well does your company stack up? Learn about CRM best practices, pinpoint the best opportunities for quick wins, and build an action plan to close the gaps.

Abstract: As distributors face pressure for faster fulfillment and outstanding customer service, many are wondering if a warehouse management system (WMS) would help. As you begin to examine the various WMS offerings, the dilemma of whether a stand-alone WMS, integrated with an ERP solution or if an WMS module that is part of a broader ERP suite, is your best choice. This paper can help you identify and examine vital points of consideration when seeking the best WMS solution that will accomplish your goals and move your company to a more competitive position. Learn if a stand-alone or embedded solution is best for your needs.

Abstract: What differentiates highly successful companies from the ones that struggle, or worse yet, don’t make it? What do companies like Microsoft and Boeing have that ensures that they maintain their market leader status? They deliver their products, services, and images differently, but consistently. They have spent a great deal of money, research, and effort to determine their optimal business flow, and they follow business best practices that put in place “systems” that guarantee their success. Small businesses can also gain the competitive advantage by implementing best practices. Learn how Advantage can model, facilitate, and enforce those best business practices for small businesses.

Abstract: As a supplier to the automotive industry, Best Foam Fabricators often needed to expedite parts to customers to fill orders. This meant the company was spending up to $50,000 (USD) on expedited freight. To reduce costs—of both shipping and labor—Best Foam decided to implement a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. Find out how Best Foam has not only reduced costs but also improved delivery time by 99 percent.

Abstract: Net Perceptions ties its own business intelligence package along with Angara’s technology for improving conversion rates into a tidy ASP package.

Abstract: Companies can easily spend hundreds of thousands of dollars implementing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) package. After completing this rollercoaster ride, however, companies are typically faced with the question of whether to implement the latest, greatest version of the package.

Abstract: What would you do if a critical error occurred during production—all because the wrong data was input into your enterprise resource planning (ERP) system? You’d probably be asking “how could this happen?” The ability to communicate information between teams can mean the difference between production success and failure. Avoid these snafus with a system that can integrate the data of both the design and ERP systems.

Abstract: Looking for the right ERP package for your small to medium business (SMB) can be a daunting task. Although a fair amount of information is available on the Internet about the actual software packages themselves, there is little advice on how to develop a good, simple strategy to evaluate and choose the right package for your company. This white paper is intended to provide some of that much-needed guidance.

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: 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.