Abstract: Knowledgeable users of enterprise applications can improve the efficiency of entire business processes, not just of their individual contributions. But first, employees must know how to use their enterprise software systems—and how their activities support larger processes. Effective workflow learning platforms address both needs, and ultimately enable users themselves to improve the processes that provide a competitive edge.

Abstract: Initiatives to automate and streamline financial processes often focus more on reducing costs than adding value. Adding the kind of value you should have in your financial processes stands at the heart of a broader initiative known as governance, risk, and compliance (GRC). Learn why embedding the components of GRC within your financial processes can help you track financial flows and alert you when things might go awry.

Abstract: Business strategy, a road map telling us how the business plans to be successful, does not guarantee success. Strategy execution requires business processes that do what the strategy calls for--and do it well. In today's automated world, these business processes rely on business systems. Therefore, a direct link exists between the success of business strategy and business systems. Poor systems are a frequent reason for the failure of a business strategy.

Abstract: In today’s changing, competitive world, companies must adopt a continuous improvement methodology to support sustainable and profitable business models. Processes must be seen as a lever for analyzing and optimizing the way firms works. Before you initiate any project involving process automation and management, discover five key points that can help you make continuous improvements in the life cycles of your processes.

Abstract: Business strategy execution requires the control and automation of complex processes, and the ability to quickly analyze data relevant to the enterprise. Companies have to address these processes in a responsive, flexible way. However, this cannot be achieved simply by optimizing local activities. Multiple activities from different departments must be synchronized, toward the overall goal of increasing organizational profitability.

Abstract: Today, engineer-to-order (ETO) manufacturers—also known as project-based manufacturers—experience significant market pressure across their sales, engineering and manufacturing groups as they strive to win business and streamline end-to-end processes. But by capturing engineering knowledge and using it to automate key business processes, manufacturers can increase sales bid and win rates, decrease internal operating expenses, and shorten lead times.

Abstract: Most chief executive officers (CEOs) have developed strategies that push their companies to achieve certain goals. So why are so many companies failing to achieve these goals? Because their twenty-first century vision is being held back by twentieth century processes and IT systems. The missing ingredient: information. And the key to facilitating the flow of information lies in integrated processes.

Abstract: Any process that takes place involves workflow. Whether that process is limited to a single individual or multiple people, a series of steps is completed during the workflow process. How can you streamline the document workflow process? Review workflow related to document processes in a business environment and discover improvements that can enhance the efficiency of these processes using document management technology.

Abstract: Supply chain planning tools deliver potentially tremendous savings when well implemented, and wreak havoc when they fail. A company considering an outsourcing strategy for their supply chain planning processes should first address some key aspects of these tools.

Abstract: The reality of today’s application environment is that no single application meets all of the needs of a business, or frequently even the needs of a single business process, so multiple applications must work together to support business processes.

Abstract: To ensure your warehouse management system is implemented as painlessly as possible, you must assess your warehouse situation before you decide on a warehouse solution. Using the Pareto Principle, where a minority of inputs yields the majority results; examining your processes; evaluating your personnel; monitoring the progress of implementation; and testing are the best ways to ensure both a successful launch and long term return on investment.

Abstract: Microsoft SharePoint products and technologies are server applications that can provide organizations with an integrated solution for collaboration, content management, business processes, business intelligence (BI), enterprise search implementation, and portal development. Find out how SharePoint can meet your intranet, extranet, and Internet needs, and compare offerings for all levels and groups of users.

Abstract: Two indicators of a successful enterprise are its longevity and its ability to adapt to a constantly changing business environment. However, an enterprise’s business processes, including its analysis and management tools, often fail to keep up with those changes. Knowing how to modernize existing tools in order to prevent the loss of valuable data and application functions is essential—and not as difficult as it sounds.

Abstract: Vendors of electronic report distribution and content management solutions typically emphasize the paper and related printing cost savings their products provide. But in fact, the real value of these technologies far exceeds these savings. Maximum benefits from electronic document and report management technologies derive not only from cutting obvious costs, but also from enabling dramatic improvements in business processes.

Abstract: To automate processes, business users and IT must work together as a team. The combination of technology infrastructure, process flow, and business requirements all needs to be translated into a process map to enable automation to occur. This process discovery effort, and adjusting the process map to manage change, is the most significant challenge of business process management (BPM) projects.

Abstract: The US Sarbanes-Oxley Act has significantly impacted budgets, personnel allocation, business processes, and documentation. But leveraging a technology solution can smooth the overall compliance process. By investing in a content-centric business process management solution, organizations can automate and improve their compliance. This leads to an effort that is more effective and more efficient, and that ultimately saves money.

Abstract: Any company efficiency improvements are going to involve business process management (BPM). BPM ensures process consistency, optimizes business processes, and ensures compliance. The result is not only cuts in cost and time, but it adds a price value and creates a price advantage which helps companies enhance their competitive edge.

Abstract: Enterprises of all sizes today face common problems dealing with handling increasing business complexity while reducing costs. The solution continues to be the automation of business processes. SAP is an established leader in addressing the needs of large enterprises. Building on that performance and identified best practices, SAP built and launched SAP Business One. SAP Business One was designed to offer small and medium businesses the same business streamlining and efficiencies at a scale and scope appropriate to their needs. IDC recently interviewed a number of companies that have successfully deployed SAP Business One. The purpose of our interviews was to determine what impact the software had on their productivity and cost reduction.