Abstract: What does it matter if your IT department uses FTP, SOAP, REST, or AS/2? How does an ESB impact the business? What s all this talk about SOA? Even the most tech-savvy of supply chain executives can be overwhelmed by the alphabet soup used to integrate business processes. So why should you care? Here’s six reasons.

Abstract: Security Benefit is a financial services company based in Topeka, Kansas (US). The company’s outside sales team operates from remote locations nationwide. For years, the company used an internally developed contact management system to support its remote sales force. But, field sales staff couldn’t stay connected to the most relevant business data. Learn about the solution that gave the company access to real-time data.

Abstract: You probably know that managing your IT assets and infrastructure is becoming increasingly more complex, as your company operates on a broader, more global scale. But do you know what IT asset management (ITAM) is and how it can benefit your company? Learn about ITAM solutions that can help your organization gain greater control over the various components, including software and hardware, within your IT architectures.

Abstract: Webplan believes its offering should benefit many departments within a manufacturing organization. When it comes to operations and manufacturing, the benefit is in getting the right information to the right people and ensuring the results of decisions align with goals and objectives.

Abstract: Research shows that the number one software solution that small to medium businesses plan to purchase in the coming year is business intelligence (BI). Download TEC’s latest podcast to find out why BI is so hot right now.

Abstract: IT spending is often an issue for companies, but in difficult economic times it’s even more important to see what benefit IT can bring to the business. But IT investments are most effective when they improve business performance. Find out the degree to which organizations in the United Kingdom (UK) understand what IT is doing for their businesses, and in particular how some companies measure this and benefit from it.

Abstract: As a business leader, you’re likely thinking about ways to save money and improve performance. A little fiscal probity coupled with an increase in productivity will ensure you ride out tough times and emerge as a stronger, more robust, successful business. Find out how Microsoft® business solutions can help not only save money, but drive productivity change with customer relationship management (CRM) and other solutions.

Abstract: Web 2.0 technologies are gaining greater acceptance in the workplace, as they promote intra- and inter-organizational collaboration and productivity. The marriage of these technologies with three-dimensional (3-D) virtual world technology will bring even greater opportunities. Find out how these technologies have potential not just for collaboration and productivity, but also for learning and innovation.

Abstract: Companies can reduce operating costs and improve the ways they do business by using customer relationship management (CRM) systems that support real-time decision making. But you must ensure you deploy applications that can leverage industry best practices while retaining the competitive differentiation from a well-honed business process and strategy. Learn about the benefits of using CRM with industry best practices.

Abstract: One way to streamline the increasing amount of data related to the employees, clients, products, services, and functions of your organization is to implement enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. Businesses without a central ERP system waste time performing redundant tasks and reconciling duplicate data. Learn about a step-by-step process that can help you ease into ERP implementation, including training your staff.

Abstract: For large organizations, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems promise big gains by helping grow revenue and increase productivity. But can ERP benefit small to medium businesses (SMBs) in the same way? With the increasing number of SMBs, tailored mid-market ERP solutions are now emerging. To reap the full benefit of ERP, however, SMBs must be ready to use it to its fullest capabilities. Find out how.

Abstract: A national health insurance company’s spreadsheet-based telecom management process was leading to time and money wasted as staff tried to make up for lack of spend visibility. Further pressure to prepare the telecom function for upcoming merger activity pushed the company to find a technology that would effect immediate cost savings and long-term telecom expense management. Read more about the solution the company chose.

Abstract: Fashion companies need to respond quickly and strategically to major changes occurring in today’s global supply chains. Implementing a lean supply chain management strategy can enable cost savings and more efficient operations by realigning process according to a demand-driven model. Lean supply chain management uses Web-based technologies to create and maintain dynamic supplier networks. Such networks are able to deliver the highest customer value at the lowest cost. It also lays the groundwork for the next level of hands-free, wireless radio frequency identification-enabled processes. Intentia, in cooperation with industry experts, have written a series of thought leadership white papers on the concept of implementing lean supply chain in the fashion industry. The first of this series, “Lean Is Fashionable”, explores the impact of lean practices in the fashion and apparel industry during a period of momentous change.

Abstract: The paradoxical view that regulation is both a blessing and a curse continues to be widely held among senior executives. While they recognize the need for protection in key areas, they are often frustrated by what they see as overly complex, unnecessary bureaucracy to achieve this goal. Find out how your company can meet increasingly difficult regulatory compliance challenges as it develops integrated business networks.

Abstract: Traditionally, the advantage of software as a service (SaaS) is that it reduces the costs involved in installing, deploying, and supporting stand-alone software. But recent “green” initiatives have shed light on another benefit: with no hardware to purchase or software to run, SaaS applications require less energy than their on-premise counterparts. Learn how your company can benefit from the “greening” of SaaS.

Abstract: Quote-to-order (Q2O) systems can address the increasing demand for personalized and customized products. Complex product specification, quoting, and ordering processes—as well as the software applications catering to those processes—can benefit from the use of the Web, collaboration tools, and lean thinking.

Abstract: While Made2Manage reported a slim profit attributed mainly to a tax benefit, the latest revenue increase and a delivery of innovative initiatives might augur for the company’s return to more consistent profitability and prevailing over the current market malaise.

Abstract: For many reasons, SAS's alliance with Amdocs and partnership with Aprimo might be some of a few vendor partnerships where customers and the vendors benefit.