Abstract: Capstone Turbine Corporation, an energy innovator, needed to implement management, business model, and strategy changes. It also needed to improve product reliability, modularize configurations, and provide visibility. By using SAP products, such as SAP BI, SAP EP, and SAP Best Practices, it realized performance measures for key business activities, and improved sales and inventory management.

Abstract: Implementing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system—even for small to medium businesses (SMBs)—is a smart move. But depending on the type of business, there can be many different processes to integrate—making it difficult to know what type of system to choose. For growing project-based companies faced with the challenge of managing many complex projects, the ideal ERP system should be customizable yet scalable.

Abstract: Client processes and risk control contextualization can be greatly improved through investigation process design, process execution, and file management issues. Learn how BPS Server uses process templating concepts, separates fact management activities, and uses COSO centric mechanisms to accomplish this. This the second part to Risk, Risk Mitigation, and Functional Requirements in Dynamic Compliance Environments. This is part two of a two part white paper. Part One Risk Mitigation and Functional Requirements in Dynamic Compliance Environments.

Abstract: This note is intended to provoke thought regarding some of the dramatic incidents that occurred in the field of asset management in 2003, as well as address some of their more immediate consequences and ramifications of changing societal attitudes regarding the failure of physical assets. In particular it examines the impact of these events on issues such as the selection and implementation of enterprise management software, the use of call centers and the outsourcing of asset management functions. There is also an overview of the evolution of asset management throughout the world that has brought us to this point.

Abstract: The dynamics of today’s global supply chain are changing rapidly because of volatile fuel costs, overseas wage increases, security concerns, and global economic issues. In this environment, some US manufacturers are exploring ways to claim a competitive advantage by bringing operations back to the US. Explore the benefits, trends, and considerations of “right-shoring” and what it can mean for domestic businesses.

Abstract: Human resources (HR) is an increasingly strategic player in gaining a competitive advantage, especially in terms of workforce analytics. But HR organizations struggle when they spend too much time gathering data instead of acting on it. By implementing a comprehensive workforce analytics solution, they will start to win the 'changing game' and—more importantly—drive corporate results that matter.

Abstract: Continuous change in the retail industry is limiting retailers’ ability to plan, forecast, price, and replenish. Thus, many retailers are facing a dilemma: they need new retail technology to adapt their processes and respond more rapidly to changing markets, but they can’t afford the up-front expenditure or lengthy implementation. But advances in new software-as-a-service (SaaS) retail solutions can help. Learn how.

Abstract: A number of anti-virus vendors, including Trend Micro and Computer Associates, have warned of a virus with a new approach. It is known variously as QAZ.TROJAN or QAZ.WORM, and was officially renamed to W32.HLLW.Qaz.A in September. The virus enters via unprotected shared drives and usually replaces the Notepad.Exe application, although there have been occasions where Notepad was not the victim. The virus then provides a backdoor to outside intruders, giving them in effect remote control over the computer that has been infected. This analysis contains some suggestions to protect your machines.

Abstract: Microsoft Business Solutions (MBS) announced the availability of Microsoft Business Solutions Solomon 5.5, which includes several new features and enhancements in the product's Foundation Series, Financial Series, Project Series and Service Series of modules. This part covers the vendor’s challenges and makes user recommendations.

Abstract: The need for innovation is gaining prominence on the executive agenda. But, just how do organizations identify the most promising ideas and translate these ideas into successful products? Learn the answer to this question by examining how leading companies empower their innovators with tools and strategies that allow them to leverage ideas and knowledge to develop a steady stream of new and profitable products.

Abstract: Settling a patent dispute out of court, Network Associates agreed to pay Trend Micro $12.5 million for the cost of licensing Trend's patented technologies. Both companies claim to be the innovator of scanning for viruses in electronic mail.

Abstract: Cooperative markets and clever strategies controlling internal developments and guiding marketing may help Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC) reach revenues of $1 billion (USD) by 2008. However, more impressive is this may make PTC an innovator in product lifecycle management.

Abstract: MIFAB, an Illinois (US)-based manufacturer, is an innovator in the design and production of custom plumbing solutions. However, it was finding its existing order placement system inefficient and frustrating, and sought an automated solution to streamline the process. Find out how MIFAB implemented a Web-based ordering system that allowed its sales reps to manage their own customer accounts—and focus on generating sales.

Abstract: Learn more about SAP BusinessObjects in this special report, featuring three SAP Insider articles about business intelligence (BI). Part one explains how better interaction with your business data yields better answers to your questions; part two examines whether BI is ready for a broader audience; and part three sheds some light on how decision makers in four different industries are using BusinessObjects.

Abstract: The future of customer service management (CRM) is changing—and SAP’s CRM 5.2 is a big part of the reason. SAP is known for constantly enhancing its products—whether it’s changing its tier architecture or introducing new dimensional components. But its latest in CRM technology provides many new features and functionalities, and introduces some of the latest trends. If you want to know more about SAP CRM 5.2, here it is.

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: If companies are to find value in radio frequency identification (RFID), they need to view this technology as more than eliminating the scanning gun from the barcode equation. Companies considering implementing RFID must think beyond the confines of the four walls of the plant and factory in order to take full advantage the benefits that this type of technology has to offer. However, as is with any emerging technology, the bottom line is to only implement RFID when the ROI justifies it.

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.