Abstract: Here's the dilemma. Your largest customer has mandated that, to continue doing business with you, product shipped to their distribution centers must be encoded and labeled with RFID tags. None of your other customers have expressed a need for this requirement in the near term future. You can't afford to lose the business and revenue; nor can you justify a full-blown RFID implementation costing several hundreds of thousands of dollars. This is not a business nightmare. This is reality. This white paper looks at a compromise position offered by 3i Infotech and its warehouse management solution, ORION™ Enterprise WMS. This position is aptly described in the industry as the slap'n'ship approach to the RFID dilemma. This paper looks at the advantages and disadvantages of slap'n'ship and how ORION™ Enterprise WMS can preserve and maximize your initial foray into RFID.

Abstract: DoubleClick agreed to purchase NetCreations in a stock exchange valued at $191 million. NetCreations is the leader in ethical direct mail advertising. DoubleClick’s policies have led to protests and front-page news. How will a marriage between these two kids from different sides of the tracks work out?

Abstract: According to a recent study, 82 percent of respondents are cutting budgets in response to the current recession. Companies are attempting to increase customer loyalty to reduce customer churn at a time when the customer relationship may be the only reliable source of revenue. Discover how operational business intelligence capabilities can help top-performing companies better focus on operational processes and performance.

Abstract: Companies relying on manual implementation and support for lean and world class methodologies risk losing corporate consciousness. Avoid the pitfalls of lost information and flexibility; place value on performance gaps and create matrixes of tools and applications to prioritize issues.

Abstract: Given the pressures on radio frequency identification (RFID) middleware vendors, pure-play middleware suppliers will likely either diversify or get absorbed by larger companies. All RFID vendors, regardless of category, will tend to form partnerships to hasten time to market.

Abstract: PowerCerv, a Tampa, FL based mid-market enterprise applications vendor, has been going through its second major attempt to revitalize itself. In August it announced new products and new components to its e-business suite. Nevertheless, it still has to deal with disappointing financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2000.

Abstract: The typical mid-market company that has roughly $350 million in annual revenue, has not fully automated its business processes, and would gladly give up its legacy systems if everything could work from one server, and give the executives the information they need in the process. Another opinion in the dilemma - the one-stop shop versus best-of breed concept.

Abstract: If you have an older ERP system, and you have decided to continue to pay maintenance, you should be getting periodic releases from the vendor. The frequency of these releases varies, but for each new release, you have a decision to make. Should you install the new release or not?

Abstract: This part illustrates how selecting the right ERP product depends on each client's requirements. Epicor, QAD, and Ramco Systems' rank can change with different sets of client requirements.

Abstract: Since a 'one-size-fits-all' product is still not quite a viable possibility, almost every product can win provided a certain set of requirements. The Catch 22 for both buyers and vendors/VARs is to pinpoint the right opportunity in this ongoing 'dating game'. An RFP/RFI selection process can streamline the initial phase of an ERP selection process while addressing many of the buyer's vital questions.

Abstract: If your enterprise resource planning system is

Abstract: This tutorial identifies the significance of researching technology vendors to both buyers and vendors/VARs. Buyers require research to determine the short list and vendors/VARs can use research to assess the viability of opportunities before committing time and money to a sales effort. Since a 'one-size-fits-all' product is still not a viable solution for most clients, the ability of technology products to meet clients' needs depends on client requirements. The Catch 22 for both buyers and vendors/VARs is to pinpoint the right match in this ongoing 'dating game'.

Abstract: After a company has decided to keep an existing ERP system, the next decision is how long should they continue to pay the vendor for maintenance.

Abstract: Production supervisors and plant managers are constantly fighting problems within a plant because they lack visibility in the supply chain and do not have an automated exception-based management system. However, a value-adding processing layer can create transparency and link information to unify company processes.

Abstract: If you're going to use ROI in order to find new business or, justify your solution, be careful. ROI is a loaded gun and you might just shoot yourself.

Abstract: Services-oriented architecture (SOA) is known for its building-block software design approach. Less commonly understood is the challenge of managing composite applications whose components are shared by multiple applications. The performance of these components varies with application demand, resulting in dramatic and unpredictable changes in application service levels. However, there is a cost-effective way to resolve the SOA application infrastructure dilemma.

Abstract: Organizations need to strike a balance between global and local reporting requirements. This is particularly challenging, as a lack of flexibility in data structures adversely impacts both business development and local reporting. Organizations must thus focus on harmonizing the global model and data structures, and assist local entities in designing for local requirements—thereby providing one data source for reporting.

Abstract: Companies face stiff competition driving products toward commoditization, resulting in prices being squeezed. To fight this trend, sales and marketing want to offer more products. The downside of this strategy is that higher costs associated with product proliferation heavily erode the bottom line. However, there is a strategy that lets companies resolve this dilemma, and it’s called attribute-based product management.