Abstract: Contemporary firms must recognize a fundamental shift in the management of distribution activities as a strategic driver of their competitive success. Instead of the traditional focus on pushing products to customers through distribution channels, there is a need to migrate toward adaptive distribution networks. Such networks focus on managing the flow orders from customers by providing them with high levels of convenience while preserving attention to responsiveness and total distribution costs.

Abstract: You'll find all thisand much morein tec's new bi state of the market report.

Abstract: More than ever, executives are looking to transform human resources (HR) from a seemingly low-priority function into a strategic part of the business. This state of the market report from TEC discusses the challenges that small to medium businesses (SMBs) face when recruiting, hiring, and managing staff. It also features information about the latest human resources information system (HRIS) offerings for the SMB market.

Abstract: Despite predictions that it would be subsumed by enterprise resource planning (ERP) vendors encroaching from above and automation vendors encroaching from below, the manufacturing execution systems (MES) market has been growing steadily. This guide from TEC and Flexware Innovation provides state-of-the-market analysis, success stories from your peers, in-depth information on solutions, and a spotlight on leading vendors.

Abstract: Thanks to recent accounting scandals and an increasingly competitive environment, many chief financial officers and the finance organizations they lead have started to take on new roles within the enterprise. However, given the current state of the finance function in US companies, companies first need to understand the challenges to finance—and the road map to increasing its strategic capabilities.

Abstract: The State of Wyoming’s IT organization and its customers were struggling with a mainframe-based chargeback system. For IT, productivity and interface complexity were the major problems. For client agencies, it was a lack of actionable information in billing reports. Learn how a new solution provided more detailed cost accounting and billing information, increased customer satisfaction, and lowered IT operational costs.

Abstract: The pharmaceutical industry is highly competitive, regulated, and in a permanent state of change. Customers demand instant attention, while suppliers require comprehensive leading edge services with regard to their products. Regulatory authorities require that the industry keep up to date with regulations, following them to the letter. Competitors are always inventing new ways to gain market share, while e-business presents new opportunities and challenges. All the while the pressure to reduce prices and to shorten order cycles is high. Pharmaceutical wholesalers comprise the lifeline within the pharmaceutical industry, providing continuity of supply and facilities for storage. They also offer a range of supporting services, such as information technology systems and product withdrawal notifications, which form an essential part of the total healthcare package. These companies and institutions all operate in an environment where speed and efficiency may mean the difference between life and death. However, the industry has a number of specific requirements that are critical for achieving success in the distribution sector.

Abstract: The challenges that face the manufacturing industry today are also opportunities. Manufacturing is being revolutionized in its processes, routines, and ways of doing business through the growing emergence of order driven production methods. This shift towards demand driven manufacturing is emerging in tandem with the larger currents caused by globalization. This cross industry brief focuses on the manufacturing industry from the standpoint of a demand driven IT solution and is aimed at manufacturing and distribution businesses. It describes some major market trends and issues, provides an overview of IBS supply chain solution, and offers details on how the IBS solution for demand driven manufacturing can address current needs of the industry.

Abstract: In a climate of economic crisis, federal and state governments are examining ways to evolve the health care system. One way is to adopt an electronic health record (EHR) system. A bill is in effect in the state of Massachusetts to facilitate EHR implementation in all doctors’ offices and hospitals by 2015. To find out how the EHR bill will affect administrative procedures and practices statewide, read this doctor’s guide.

Abstract: A survey of professional services firms shows a serious disconnect between the desired operational state of the firms and their current ability to achieve that state. But firms are recognizing that automating resource planning and management, including human or talent resources, is crucial to continued success. Learn more about how to improve the management of your talent inventory to improve service-line profitability.

Abstract: This benchmarking study analyzes human resources (HR) performance for over 200 best-practice companies in three categories: process and transactional support, expertise-based business support, and strategic decision support. Two questions are at the core of the study: How can companies reduce HR costs and increase HR efficiency? And how can HR organizations create business value and optimize effectiveness? Find out what they said.

Abstract: The most effective project managers know that accounting for the effort, cost, and profitability of each person or project is the best way to succeed—and doing so is not as hard as you might think. The process will take you from where you probably are right now (the state we affectionately term “chaos”) to a prosperous state of order—and will also save your organization financial resources and valuable employee time.

Abstract: EaglePicher’s Wolverine Gasket Division was overwhelmed when sales grew 10 to 13 percent per year from 2002 to 2004. Its manual systems for raw material orders, inventories, shipping, and scheduling couldn’t keep up with the demand, and lead times grew to 10 weeks. Learn how a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system helped EaglePicher achieve accurate inventory, cut lead times, and double its aftermarket business.

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: A comprehensive study done by TechnologyEvaluation.Com has shown that, for years the FBI has been alienating industry security experts. Some of the best industry security professionals want nothing to do with helping the FBI resolve cybercrime. Recently, one of the leading Department of Justice attorneys general, well-known for expertise in successfully prosecuting cybercrime, asked TechnologyEvaluation.Com why so many security and information technology professionals snub their noses at law enforcement agencies that exist to protect our nation's vital assets - private and public. TechnologyEvaluation.Com went behind the scenes to find o

Abstract: Today’s Showdown is based on an industry-specific case study. Five enterprise resource planning vendors were selected for the evaluation. All the results were based on the latest request for information (RFI) supplied to us by the vendors, and all priorities were assigned by the client.

Abstract: The results of a recent industry survey shed light on the latest trends, challenges, and solutions in software product development for 2008. If you are involved in the planning and development of products, software applications, or systems, this report can help you gain insight into the biggest challenges in innovation, the top barriers to success, which metrics matter most when measuring success, and more.

Abstract: There’s a buzz in the automotive industry around the concept of “strategic workforce management”—getting the right people, for the right job, at the right time, to improve overall business results. Strategic workforce management goes beyond the traditional role of human resources: it’s a strategic initiative and competitive weapon to help today’s automotive companies drive corporate goals and objectives.