Abstract: Tracking and reporting stimulus fund spending are difficult tasks for chief information officers (CIOs). The US government’s accountability demands are forcing organizations that are spending American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds to analyze floods of data. Discover how automated ARRA reporting systems can help you comply with reporting requirements without excessive labor costs or data management headaches.

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: Companies are turning toward product innovation to achieve revenue growth, but to generate return on an innovation idea, the idea must be fully developed. When the concept has been fully defined, validated, and transformed into a product, it is then ready for commercial launch and execution from a sales, marketing, manufacturing, and logistics perspective.

Abstract: Resource allocation and phase-based processes are key features to consider when selecting a project portfolio management solution for new product development (NPD) projects. More importantly, NPD projects demand a best practices framework, like Stage-Gate®, for their success.

Abstract: The odds against successful product innovation are long. New products need to win over consumers and convince retailers—a challenging task for many reasons, including saturated markets, a growing variety of products and brands, and shorter product life cycles. To shorten time to market, companies need to integrate all development-related areas, within a single sphere of visibility and influence.

Abstract: Traditionally, small and medium businesses (SMB) use the same ERP selection methods as large enterprises. However, the lack of an implementation standard, shifts from large-scale purchases, vendor consolidation, and niche solutions have left the market in turmoil. Learn how SMBs can meet the challenges of the new market.

Abstract: In a supply chain managed according to the theory of constraints (TOC), it is clear that there are so many common improvements that virtually all companies will benefit. It doesn’t take long for TOC companies enjoying greater sales and lower expenses to gain not only market share, but market dominance. Find out how you can work these principles into your organization with the help of a TOC solution for distribution.

Abstract: In conversation with the Open For Business (OFBiz) project leader, David Jones, TEC discovers some of the challenges in raising an open source enterprise software solution. Mr. Jones explains his vision in this first part of three articles on maintaining a business centered around Free and open source software for the enterprise.

Abstract: Adonix often comes ahead of larger global players in terms of functional fit, pricing, and understanding of the local requirements in the distribution area. The company still faces challenges presented by limited financial resources to adequately fund multiple key strategic initiatives including brand marketing, undeveloped global channel and brand recognition, and formidable competition within the market of Adonix’ future expansion focus (particularly the North American market).

Abstract: Despite its product's notable functional scope, Centive is committed to being the leader in on demand sales compensation management. The vendor believes it now has sufficient resources to fund research and development, as well as business initiatives.

Abstract: IQMS appears to be raising the competitive bar for quality management among its ERP competition with a single database software solution and seamless ERP systems access.

Abstract: Clarus Corporation, having unloaded all of its back-end software business, is asking the market to fund its new life as an E-procurement vendor.

Abstract: Despite the numerous benefits companies can expect from service-oriented architecture, the technology is still relatively new and implementation costs are steep, raising several concerns. For most companies, a wait-and-see approach is likely the best course of action for now.

Abstract: Industrial equipment manufacturers (IEMs) have been hit especially hard by today’s economy. But the industry has come back better than ever before by adopting new efficient manufacturing methods and new software and business processes that let them compete head-on, satisfying customer demands while reducing costs and raising margins. Learn about the methods industrial equipment manufacturers are using to stay competitive.

Abstract: With increased competition from a growing spectrum of alternative investments, evolving regulatory demands, and rising client expectations, asset managers face an onslaught of challenges in an already complex business. Discover how customer relationship management (CRM) software can help mutual fund wholesalers and institutional asset managers address these core industry challenges and foster better relationships.

Abstract: In the past 10 years, business process and IT outsourcing markets have become globalized, raising some key issues for outsourcing buyers. How can you develop a service delivery model for your business that fully exploits global sourcing opportunities while supporting overall corporate strategies, goals, and principles? By developing a set of integrated capabilities and processes as part of your core competency.

Abstract: Managed well, service-oriented architecture (SOA) offers a tremendous opportunity to make positive changes and lay a foundation that will allow IT to become responsive and cost-effective. But SOA is also a potential minefield: hype is raising expectations beyond reality in an environment that is already stressed. In fact, managed poorly, SOA can be an expensive and spectacular failure.

Abstract: The objectives of end-to-end supply chain visibility are better plans, better service, increased inventory turns, and higher profit margins, where MBN might answer only some of these requirements at this stage. In any case, MBN is a great, initial idea that can lay the foundations for a future product of a more grandiose, collaborative undertaking.