Abstract: In this challenging economy, standards for materials flow are critical to thriving in the global automotive industry. Successful suppliers know how to meet Materials Management Operations Guideline/Logistics Evaluation (MMOG/LE) standards. MMOG/LE is a self-assessment for material and logistics control used to evaluate production, parts and service, and more. Learn how it can help you succeed in the automotive market.

Abstract: Ask yourself this simple question: “Have I ever lost a deal to an inferior product?” If your answer is yes, I’ll guarantee that one of the prime reasons for your defeat was because your competitor was a more effective Bridge-Demonstrator.

Abstract: When Luxembourg-based AZ Electronic Materials was carved out of Clariant International and sold to a private equity firm, the new company was given one year to wean itself off its parent’s information technology (IT) system. AZ beat the clock by three months, working with partner Accenture to roll out SAP business software across nine countries and six manufacturing plants.

Abstract: Tighten and speed up the manufacturing supply chain to better align raw Materials inventory levels with production plans, and reduce inventory and administrative costs.

Abstract: In a challenging economy, many companies focus cost-cutting on direct materials and capital spending rather than maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) supplies (also known as indirect materials). But an alternate concept allows you to implement lean processes to create a high-efficiency MRO outsource model. Find out how it offers greater visibility and promotes continuous improvement along the indirect supply chain.

Abstract: With Best having already captured a lion's share of the market estimated to consist of several millions of small enterprises or ~$14 billion in revenue opportunity, and continuing to capture new customers, the likes of MBS will likely have their work cut out for them despite their recently unveiled sound strategy and product offering.

Abstract: Material requirements planning is a system that strives to plan replenishment just before a withdrawal from stock, which does not work in some manufacturing environments.

Abstract: The MMOG was a self-assessment process developed by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) to provide consistent methodology for evaluating supplier performance, identifying weaknesses, and focusing improvement efforts. The Global MMOG/LE incorporates the Odette Logistics Evaluation (OLE), developed by AIAG’s European counterpart, to provide a single global standard for self-assessment. The MMOG is a proven tool for supplier development and provides a recognized industry standard for suppliers who have been asked by customers to complete a self-assessment. Although it was developed by the automotive industry, QAD believes it can be a helpful benchmark tool for customers across many verticals.

Abstract: Consistency is a common challenge for partner and supplier managers across industries and around the world. How can companies instill common messaging, brand-identity, and quality practices across this extended enterprise? A learning management system (LMS), as part of a knowledge management strategy, can help bridge this gap. Find out how LMS can help you cut training costs and ensure partner compliance in ten steps.

Abstract: In today’s competitive market, creating and maintaining successful customer relationships is vital. That’s why everyone involved with the customer must work together as a team. In most companies, sales, engineering, and marketing often use separate systems—causing communication gaps in customer support. Discover how sharing information through integrated customer relationship management (CRM) can help bridge those gaps.

Abstract: It’s an inescapable, undisputable fact that most organizations have conflict between IT security and IT operations. Having been given two distinctive—yet potentially contradictory—goals, in a sense they were destined to be at odds with one another. What does it take to bridge the gap between these two teams to achieve compliance? Can standardized processes and software tools help (or hinder) this effort? Find out here.

Abstract: The critical difference between industry leaders and laggards is a focus on the consumer experience. Search is a fundamental bridge between an enterprise and its stakeholders, and the quality of the search experience is a core driver of experiential perceptions. Delivering a powerful search experience builds a brand perceived as responsive, empathetic, and knowledgeable. Sounds good, right? So where do you start?

Abstract: While globalization can bridge distances and enhance communication, the story is a little different when it comes to wide area networks (WANs) and their effects on branch application performance. High-latency connections and chattiness cause slowed data transmission, and consequently, decreased user productivity. But there is light at the end of the tunnel: a fast branch office application delivery infrastructure.

Abstract: Industry today demands more quality of manufacturers, and as such, ISO 9001—the yardstick by which quality products and services are measured—is forcing more and more companies to become ISO-certified. However, companies can use a browser-based tool to help bridge any information gaps they may encounter during the process—and to give them the head start they need to intelligently manage their ISO certification.

Abstract: Business management solution users spend most of their time “heads down” in the business application, but they also need to use communication and desktop productivity tools. Thus, business solutions need familiar, easy-to-learn user interfaces. They need to be “process-centric” and role-based. And they need to provide a bridge between the worlds of structured business applications and unstructured desktop productivity software.

Abstract: The most advanced business process management (BPM) applications bridge departmental and geographic boundaries, and manage the flow of documents and data according to sophisticated process rules. And while many would suggest that an on-demand BPM service offering would most benefit small businesses, a real case can be made that such offerings might be more valuable for medium and large businesses.

Abstract: Ariba will extend the capabilities of its B2B Commerce Platform by providing capabilities for buyers and sellers of direct and indirect materials to negotiate, trade and collaborate.

Abstract: In today's twenty-first century, global outsourced business world, the traditional and somewhat simplistic approaches used to measure cost for sourcing decisions of direct materials fall short.