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: The 2006 PMI Research Conference was an excellent venue for gauging the direction in which project management research is heading. The presentations of the areas of portfolio management and program management confirm the rising demand for project portfolio management solutions.

Abstract: Business practices have changed dramatically through the years, but credit and collections is still handled like it was back in the 1950s. Fact is, it’s way past due to re-think this vital business function given today’s business realities.

Abstract: A four-phased approach allowed for the gradual assimilation of a new technology into the organization. Start small and feel your way, but think and plan for bigger opportunities. The benefits are gained and eventually the technology would be deployed throughout all of the manufacturing and distribution facilities.

Abstract: Some companies want the benefits of new technology, such as RFID, on their timetable without a gun loaded with threats of lost customer sales, pointed at their corporate heads. This article looks at a company that chose to get in front of the technology curve before the information highway passed it by.

Abstract: Diverse groups have been discussing PIM from the perspective of data synchronization and syndication, product lifecycle management (PLM), and enterprise publishing. Each of these product categories includes the management of product information, but each uses product information for a different operational role.

Abstract: The nagging question is,

Abstract: A project's success is determined by the diverse stakeholder expectations. If some see return on investment as their primary stake, others may focus on profitability—meaning that stakeholder communication tools are only as good as their adaptability to stakeholder dynamics.

Abstract: Today, there is less clarity in wholesale, retail, and vertical sales operations than ever before. In a marketplace that dictates increasingly complex operations, distribution centers of all types need to ensure that their warehouse management systems keep up with customer demand. To keep your supply chain from exploding in your face, defuse complexity with a simple distribution indexing tool.

Abstract: Spam considerably lowers user productivity, as it delivers unwanted, irrelevant, or anonymous e-mail messages. The best way to manage the incidence of spam is to measure it. The Spam Index—a tool for measuring improvement in spam control systems and for comparing spam control performance with competitors—is a method used by businesses worldwide to achieve lower spam levels and improve business performance.

Abstract: Identification of landed costs—a long-time goal of manufacturers, distributors, importers, and retailers—has grown in importance for all successful businesses in today’s increasingly competitive market. This white paper focuses on mid-size business needs. It provides comprehensive background information; examines some common business challenges; suggests cost-effective solutions provides links to case studies; and lists resources for additional information.

Abstract: Recent accounting scandals, highlighted by cases at Enron, Arthur Andersen, WorldCom, and Qwest, have emphasized the need for corporate governance, especially responsible corporate accounting. Not only must businesses use responsible accounting methods, but they must know that their methods are accurate. Small and mid-sized businesses must know the limitations of their current accounting software; understand the possible ramifications of system accounting balance failure; and take steps to guarantee the integrity, reliability, and accuracy of their systems. This white paper highlights the need to recognize problematic software accounting methods; minimize errors in account balance integrity, ledgers, and sub ledgers; and reduce the need for expensive rectification, to avoid serious legal ramifications.

Abstract: QAD has long shifted its focus from being a mere ERP vendor dedicated to the industrial mid-market to fully leveraging the Internet in the applications it provides to manufacturers and distributors to link their back-office systems to those of their business partners via private trading exchanges.

Abstract: Microsoft Business Network (MBN) has the potential to deliver the never really (or hardly ever) realized benefits of early dot-com era Internet trading exchanges or networks that could reasonably and effectively link customers to their trading partners.

Abstract: After testing procedures have been created and the type of test data has been determined, link or string testing, and system testing must be executed to ensure the job stream is correct and to locate errors before production. Backup and restart testing must be also be conducted to ensure that the restart points within the system are accurately defined. Finally, to demonstrate the benefits and functionality of the system, management and user approval should be received.

Abstract: The growth of security vulnerabilities is creating a new market for security information. With link sharing and cooperation among sites, it is not clear that this market is nearly as predatory as some publishing markets.

Abstract: IPNet Solutions adds support for the AS2 security standard to its product suite. IPNet builds products to link marketplace partners who use different data formats.

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.