Abstract: The US Labor Department reported an increase in jobs in June and July ... but the manufacturing industry cut jobs for a third month in a row. We are moving from a manufacturing economy to a supply chain economy. This article gives the big picture.

Abstract: Many of today’s business processes require batch operations. But IT organizations are struggling to keep up with scheduling as batch windows shrink and more jobs are added to a growing number of platforms. Are your batch production lines not as smooth as they should be? A scheduling tool can simplify, consolidate, and automate your batch scheduling; lower the cost of batch management; and reduce the risk of failed jobs.

Abstract: Accounting and enterprise resource planning software are not interchangeable solutions. How do you decide which option is for you? Outlining your business structure and considering four key facets of your selection process will help you determine which software meets all your business needs. You can find the right product for your business, whether you need a bookkeeping or all-encompassing business software.

Abstract: Performing patch management is one of the most tedious chores that must be completed by network administrators. While there are many patch management tools available, they can be expensive, have sharp learning curves, or are not deployable across all software platforms. One third party solution, however, GFI LANguard Network Security Scanner, version 5, is an affordable option that can scan the network and deploy patches efficiently while looking for other potential security vulnerabilities.

Abstract: Over the past few years, vulnerabilities have exploded across all types of platforms—leaving IT security and operations teams scratching their heads. Today, many companies use the scan-and-patch method for managing vulnerabilities—a reactive security process that should be avoided. By combining assessment and remediation, companies create a vulnerability management program that can rapidly respond to emerging threats.

Abstract: What is compact, lightweight, ergonomic, and power-friendly? A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based scan engine—an innovative scanning technology that provides outstanding reliability and performance. When it comes to supply chain laser scanning, the advantages MEMS scanners have over traditional lasers are unparalleled. While MEMS is not a new technology, it does provide a new option for bar code scanning.

Abstract: Perhaps the most-asked question when considering document management solutions is “How do I scan my paper documents quickly and efficiently?” Companies contemplating document management or electronic archiving of paper-based information must learn the options and find out what works best for them. Read these guidelines for getting started with the scanning process, often referred to as document capture or simply capture.

Abstract: Today, if a company wants to retain its employees, it must take great strides to make their jobs more rewarding. To give their employees the learning experience they’re looking for, many organizations are now implementing learning management systems (LMSes).

Abstract: International Business Machines Corp. plans to cut as much as 10% of the workforce at its personal computer division, or as many as 1,000 jobs, in a cost-cutting effort to turn around the division that lost nearly $1 billion last year.

Abstract: Enterprise resource planning (ERP) should provide all employees with information that helps them perform their jobs. But process manufacturing is very complicated, so your ERP software must be robust enough to support your information needs. While no packaged ERP can meet everyone’s needs perfectly, finding the best fit for your needs is key. Learn seven things not to do during your ERP software selection project.

Abstract: Headquartered in Shoreview, Minnesota (US), PaR Systems, Inc. provides specialized material handling and automation equipment to many diverse industries. Each of the company’s customer contracts is unique—like a separate job—with charges included for labor and materials in these jobs. Find out how PaR’s engineer-to-order (ETO) solution helps the company manage its contracts—from engineering and manufacturing to final delivery.

Abstract: Ove Wrist & Co., a full-service supplier to the shipping industry, was looking for a tool to help it optimize its business processes and get more information about the billions of transactions processed each year. Implementing a business intelligence (BI) solution allowed the company to bid on jobs faster, retrieve details about individual customers, and improve the overall customer experience. Find out how.

Abstract: A premium aluminum boat builder struggled to fit into a standard enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. But the company found it difficult to schedule and track engineer-to-order (ETO) jobs, and it was wasting a lot of time duplicating efforts. Also, it needed effective communication between computer-aided design (CAD) and ERP systems. Read about the solution that helped the company streamline its processes.

Abstract: Business intelligence (BI) is often an area of friction between information technology (IT) (who provide information) and the business users (who need it to do their jobs). By allowing you to connect goals, metrics, and people across the enterprise, an enterprise BI standard helps organizations manage and optimize information flows like other business processes, leading to improved alignment and transparency.

Abstract: Employees with laptops can do their jobs anytime, anywhere. They are empowered to respond to customers, partners, and colleagues faster and more effectively. Sales, service, marketing, and logistics improve... but if your company’s technical support strategy isn’t up to scratch, these gains can be quickly erased by hidden costs—or overturned by critical security risks.

Abstract: Performance reviews are typically based on the definition of what an employee was originally hired to do. However, appraisal systems fail to address the fact that jobs change as the business environment evolves. Performance management systems should thus deal with critical focus areas rather than basic functions. Appraisal without these objectives in mind risks being a total waste of time.

Abstract: It's not easy being in human resources (HR). Globalization, a challenging economy, advances in technology, a competitive labor market, and a more fluid workforce have all had a significant impact on the way that HR executives do their jobs. In addition, the field is becoming increasingly more complex. Learn how integrating business intelligence (BI) with HR can generate efficiencies and make strategic decisions around staffing.

Abstract: Eastern Foods, Inc. produces fresh goods for one of the most widely dispersed populations in the world. The leading supplier of salad dressings to airlines, Amtrak, and the cruise ship industry, Eastern is nationally known for Naturally Fresh dressings as well as premiere meat sauces and dips sold in stores and distributed to the food service industry. The job has never been easy – but it has been made easier in recent years with the implementation of Ross Systems’ iRenaissance suite of business applications for both front and back office operations. The flow of information, necessary to make critical decisions and ensure high levels of service, now travels quicker than the fast-paced industry it serves. The plant scheduler has been able to reduce the number of daily individual production jobs by as much as 20%, as well as reduce the number of changeovers, resulting in higher capacity utilization and throughput. Visibility to the forecast and orders allows for better management of the scheduled cycle of product runs, which must be closely coordinated with inventory to ensure supply is both adequate and fresh. Cycle schedule compliance has improved from 88% to 95%.