Abstract: Industry analysts, Enterprise Management Associates (EMA), recently conducted research to understand how widespread the acceptance of Six Sigma is for managing IT service quality. This research, which was targeted primarily at enterprises, showed that 65 percent of those surveyed acknowledge the relevance of Six Sigma for IT-based service management. While many IT organizations have yet to adopt Six Sigma for service management, 80 percent stated that they have plans to do so. This research suggests there is a growing interest in Six Sigma.

Abstract: Paying skilled professionals to massage, scrub, and manipulate data is a huge waste of valuable resources. And while having clean data is essential to driving Six Sigma projects, the act of getting that data adds absolutely no business value. That’s why organizations that focus first on making accurate, actionable data available in real time have more effective Six Sigma programs.

Abstract: Most people recognize that a robust control phase is the key practice separating Six Sigma from other process control methodologies. Unfortunately, many Six Sigma programs do not practice a robust control phase—with the result that old habits take over, and improvements gradually degrade. Worse, nobody even knows it happened! Why would well-intentioned people allow this to happen?

Abstract: Enabling lean manufacturing and six sigma principles to improve operations requires a nontraditional approach. The old idea that lean manufacturing and six sigma principles don’t require IT isn’t valid anymore. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) and supply chain management (SCM) applications are critical for enabling holistic, lean manufacturing operations, and work hand-in-hand to better enable consumption—not forecasts—to drive replenishment.

Abstract: Syncsort, a software vendor with years of experience in the sorting of data, has released a new product called Sigma™, which is designed to produce aggregated data within data warehouses to improve response time and reduce database load. The importance of aggregation in a data warehouse cannot be underestimated.

Abstract: Since our research-driven beginnings, Johnson & Johnson Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP) has continually improved the new product development (NPD) process. Detailed process mapping has revealed three tiers of business metrics, starting with drivers and moving up through execution metrics to business performance metrics. When driver metrics improves, so does business performance. Six Sigma tools helps identify specific metrics at all tiers and the causality linkages among them. Each NPD process step at ASP results in a deliverable, and each deliverable relates to a trade-off triangle (cost-time-resources) and, ultimately, to investment dollars. To track performance, ASP calculates how actual NPD decisions and what-if scenarios affect deliverables, alter investment triangles, and thereby influence business results. ASP uses similar process and tools, including the investment triangles and Six Sigma QFD, to make idea management decisions. The IDweb real-time software environment enables both the NPD and idea management processes at ASP. By deploying the strategic planning, idea management, portfolio and pipeline management, process management, and resource management modules of IDweb, ASP has increased throughput by 20 percent and reduced cycle time by 40 percent.

Abstract: HP has re-entered the enterprise computing race with the release of its LT 6000r, a six-CPU server with improved performance and excellent transactional price/performance.

Abstract: Many companies consider customer relationship management (CRM) the new frontier in marketing. But many are also trying to adapt new CRM applications, or to choose systems that best align with their business needs. But some companies have stumbled and been forced to re-evaluate their strategies to avoid repeat mistakes. Read about six problem areas in CRM software strategy and learn from others’ mistakes, not your own.

Abstract: Multichannel retailers need visibility into data metrics in order to bring all channels, products, and customer segments together. For true visibility, you need retail software that integrates all the information from disparate systems for the most detailed data analysis possible. Discover the top six factors to consider when evaluating multichannel business software, so you can optimize your business performance.

Abstract: To address evolving market demands, companies must take new approaches to marketing activities and integrate all company functions. Customer relationship management (CRM) can empower your marketing organization to support growth and demonstrate value to customers. Find out six factors that can allow your company’s marketing team to make intelligent decisions and drive effective end-to-end marketing processes.

Abstract: Inventory optimization is a proven vehicle to gain competitive value through reduced inventory, freed-up working capital, and improved service levels. But leading the inventory innovation initiative in your organization requires more than an understanding of its enormous cost savings and customer service improvements. Discover the six most common factors that can make or break your inventory optimization projects.

Abstract: Each day brings a new set of challenges for process manufacturers. Some of these challenges need to be addressed with personalized company policies and well-designed standard operating procedures (SOPs). Other challenges can be addressed through implementation of an integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. The six most common challenges addressed by an ERP system are described in this paper.

Abstract: You can take two approaches to inventory management: assume it’s a necessary evil and implement an inventory reduction program when cash gets tight, or put an active inventory management process in place, and continually improve the business results. Learn how to view inventory as cash that can be invested in other ways: move from reactive inventory management to lean and active inventory management in six easy steps.

Abstract: In JD Edwards EnterpriseOne and E-Business Suite, Oracle has two of the most popular enterprise solutions available in the marketplace today. To compare these two Oracle products, we looked at six standard enterprise resource planning (ERP) modules: supply chain management, distribution process management, web commerce, human resources, financials, and product technology. To eliminate any chance of bias and to ensure a level playing field, all 3,214 criteria that make up these six modules (and their submodules) in our ERP Evaluation Center were given equal weight and priority…

Abstract: In the white paper standing up in a down economy: six strategies for improving operations and profits, you will get six winning approaches to survi...

Abstract: In a survey on upcoming trends in employee management, the Learning Review asked six experts in six major industry domains one simple question: what do you think the main trends in [domain] will be for 2008 and 2009? Here are their answers.

Abstract: Today’s manufacturing environment requires a relentless drive for cost reduction and efficiency gains. Initiatives like lean and six sigma can bring sustainable improvements. To make these initiatives work, you need to base operational decisions on data rather than intuition and experience. But is your data always available and accurate? Find out how a factory information system can help bring your data out of hiding.

Abstract: Looking for a supply chain management (SCM) strategy that will give you a competitive advantage and ensure that projects yield results? Want to make sure that your SCM solution will allow continuous improvements? Already using six sigma and lean thinking practices, but want a way to bring them together and maximize their functions? Find out how a business process reference model can amplify your existing architectures.