Abstract: Learn how Fabcon, once a small manufacturing company and now the premier sheet metal shop in Southern California catapulted its 55 percent on-time rate in 1993 to a 97 percent on-time rate a year later through business vertical integration and the help of Global Shop Solutions enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions.

Abstract: Enterprise resource planning (ERP) on the shop floor is critical. High-performing manufacturers have found that full integration of real-time operational data collected from the shop floor to the top floor is key to reducing costs, streamlining operations, and improving customer satisfaction. Learn how integrated ERP brings manufacturers improved quality, increased production throughput, less scrap, and other benefits.

Abstract: While many ERP software companies claim to support manufacturing companies, their solutions do little more than accounting, order entry, and other office tasks. They are not suitable for use on the shop floor. Fortunately, today’s integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems can provide the shop floor control and manufacturing execution systems (MES) functionality that manufacturers need. Find out more.

Abstract: Testing a system well is harder than building it. In the face of new risks introduced by the ever-increasing complexity of software and hardware, test tools may be your only practical way to be confident that you've got just what you paid for. From gathering the initial requirements to supporting the system after it has been deployed, test tools are available to support all phases of a project. This article looks at the ways that test tools can be used to design, code, and (of course) test a system.

Abstract: IT departments rarely have the luxury of spare capacity or sufficient knowledge of all the products and technologies that the rest of the organization expects. However, IT is an integral part of most companies, and supporting diverse or specialized technologies and understanding their impact on the business is necessary. Organizations not only need third parties—they need them to be focused and cost-effective. Learn more.

Abstract: Because production systems on the shop floor are typically not synchronized and integrated with the planning ones, there is a lack of timely and accurate information that results in disconnected business processes.

Abstract: Without strong system controls in place, job shop and make-to-order manufacturing environments can be extremely challenging. So where do you begin to make improvements? The Sales and Profit Growth Strategies report will help you evaluate your business and make that determination.

Abstract: As Wiltshire Precision has grown, it has faced challenges common to manufacturers—controlling costs, constant efficiency improvements, competition from abroad, and expansion of customer base and shop space. After implementing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, Wiltshire’s newly automated processes resulted in greater efficiency—and a near-perfect quality rating. Discover the ERP solution’s other benefits.

Abstract: Martin’s Wood Products, producers of solid wood furniture for over 20 years, is a family-run business that has aimed to keep pace with the enterprise resource planning (ERP) advances of the 21st century. To bring costing under control, and to automatically place accurate and consistent work orders on the shop floor, the company uses an ERP and product configurator solution. Learn more about how the solutions help the company.

Abstract: Commerce One has partnered with Sagent Technology to add analytic tools to its enterprise e-purchasing application. Also, Ariba has partnered with Informatica to add analytic tools to its enterprise e-purchasing application.

Abstract: Tools under the business intelligence (BI) umbrella combine to convert data into information, and information into decisions for action. Dashboards and scorecards are two such tools. Though often confused, they have functional difference, especially in modern BI suites.

Abstract: This tutorial, part 2 of a two part series on Knowledge Based Selection, demonstrates the selection processes and capabilities of Knowledge Based Selection Methods and Tools. These tools, integrated with business decision making procedures, can arguably reduce selection risk and improve chances for success in IT projects. Given the appalling rate of IT project failures, selection can potentially help reduce risk in some 30% of cases, with an associated estimated cost of about $30B annually to industry according to some sources. In this tutorial, we illustrate a number of the procedures for rapid decision processing through the real-life selection of a PDA device. The process gave confidence to the argument to wait for the solution, while weighing risk against return.

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: 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: Microsoft development tools will help developers and independent Microsoft software vendors integrate Microsoft Dynamics GP with existing applications. This accounting and business management system includes many features and benefits, as well as guidelines to help developers choose the right tools for various development tasks and create custom applications that integrate with Microsoft Dynamics GP.

Abstract: Conventional business intelligence (BI) tools are often not available to decision makers and are typically designed for use by trained business analysts. Learn about software-as-a-service (SaaS) BI tools designed to help non-IT people who struggle with the task of mining Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and other unstructured data sources to make sales forecasts, plan for resource utilization, or service customer accounts.

Abstract: Workers spend on average close to 80 percent of their workday with some combination of enterprise applications and desktop tools. Best-in-class companies have already found ways to improve productivity. Learn more about the convergence of enterprise applications with desktop tools, and the role it plays in providing visibility to enterprise data, improving communication, and facilitating real-time decision making.

Abstract: Industrial equipment manufacturers have historically embraced shop floor improvements as a way of increasing efficiency and maintaining profitability. But in today’s radically altered industrial environment, there is a clear imperative to look beyond the shop floor. To hold down costs and compete against other low-cost companies, manufacturers must find areas of improvement in all aspects of business.