Abstract: Every corporation needs to make decisions about the selection and implementation if new IT solutions on a regular basis. However, an industrial manufacturer or retailer cannot see this as being one of their core competencies. In most cases such a selection process is seen as a necessary evil rather than a challenge that uncovers new potentials within the company. Only the ones that are able to fully understand and control this process in conjunction with all internally and externally involved parties will be more successful then others. The implementation of new IT solutions can be a chance to increase efficiency, but only if the right goals are defined, the right solutions and partners selected, and results are being monitored on a continual basis. This white paper was designed to deliver you many hints on what to consider and help you reach your goals in your IT selection process faster.

Abstract: Price management might improve revenue (by a few percent) and gross margin (even by an umpteen percent), but the truly amazing benefits should only come when price management is integrated with appropriate cost information and demand management.

Abstract: In the food and beverage industry, the channel master makes final volume decisions and mostly controls the unit price, with the manufacturer having limited power to increase or maintain prices. The only real variable the manufacturer does control is cost.

Abstract: Inventory has been—and continues to be—the lifeblood of the distribution marketplace. While many companies are slow to adopt new strategies and technologies, a growing number of distributors are leveraging inventory practices to improve key metrics like customer retention, gross margins, and inventory turns. Read these research survey findings to find out how you can make better inventory management technology decisions.

Abstract: Research shows that companies implementing product portfolio management (PPM) solutions achieve greater success in profitability because of their ability to monitor product value throughout the product selection and development processes. With the ability to evaluate this information through PPM capabilities, companies can take corrective action to maximize product value during new development—or kill projects that won’t deliver sufficient returns.

Abstract: Pricing and revenue optimization is the process of improving business margins by either increasing unit prices or increasing gross revenues. This type of optimization is fast being recognized as having the capability to help businesses grow margins significantly. In fact, studies have shown that it can add a 15 to 50 percent incremental margin to the bottom line.

Abstract: Untamed costs can deplete the precious working capital that’s critical to your ongoing operations. But, you can get a handle on costs by taking steps to improve operational efficiency. By instituting efficient automated processes, you can reduce waste, unnecessary overtime, and many other cost factors. Find out how an integrated business system can help you improve gross margins while offering more competitive prices.

Abstract: Data-driven, science-based price management is an emerging market. Therefore, vendors should be made to prove whether and how they can enable a company to achieve and measure margin lift, or return on investment, of their price management applications.

Abstract: In addition to growing at a breakneck pace for the last few years, Vendavo has recently rounded out its suite for price and margin management. The market should take notice, while the competition should indeed watch out.

Abstract: Despite FreeFlow's success at helping organizations regain some margin of profitability for excess inventory, the company still strives for expansion and improvement as a product inventory disposition vendor, with the aim of meeting international environmental regulations down the track.

Abstract: In fast-paced, low-margin manufacturing environments, companies must embrace technology in order to solidify or gain competitive advantages. It is equally important to avoid adopting technology for technology’s sake. Find out how leading companies are focusing on efficiency and cost reduction by integrating manufacturing execution systems (MES) or manufacturing intelligence (MI) with enterprise resource planning (ERP).

Abstract: A company’s best opportunity to gain major margin improvement is in its front end—the sales, customer service, and processes needed to transform inquiries into orders. And one of the best strategies is to apply lean thinking to the front end. Read about an integrated solution that addresses the unique requirements of your sales processes to help dramatically reduce cycle times, eradicate waste, and increase your margins.

Abstract: For automotive manufacturers and their suppliers, consumer demands are high and global competition is fierce. To compete successfully, manufacturers must meet expectations and still generate an acceptable profit margin. By using QAD’s Just-in-time (JIT) Sequencing process together with its Manufacturing Execution Workbench (MEW) tools, automotive manufacturers will have the foundation needed to meet these challenges.

Abstract: Products may fail to meet expectations for many reasons—most of which are self-inflicted wounds (such as unclear product definitions) by the company bringing them to market. What’s more, politics and inertia all too often win the day when it comes to making difficult product portfolio decisions. What actions can you take to rank among those companies which realize margin advantages of over 50 percent for new products?

Abstract: Food giants and technology providers work together to improve the efficiency of food processing, and storage and distribution operations, so that food products can be harvested, stored, and moved to the dinner table quickly and at less cost. This vertical brief focuses on specific issues within today's food distribution industry, explaining how IT solutions can help food distributors improve efficiency and reduce overall costs that drive up profits in an extremely competitive, low margin business.

Abstract: Dynamic efficiencies can help companies combat margin erosion and cope with compressed product lifecycles. By shifting from advanced planning to adaptive planning, enterprises can increase their top and bottom line. Integrating the demand planning network, optimizing the supply chain network, and strengthening execution planning will help this move to adaptive planning and eliminate pockets of waste.

Abstract: American Refrigeration Supplies (ARS) is a wholesaler of refrigeration and heating equipment, parts, and supplies. In a difficult economy, there is little margin for error with respect to how ARS manages its clients and vendors. Because a growing number of product vendors are using electronic data interchange (EDI), ARS was pushed to upgrade its distribution processes. Learn about the EDI solution the company chose.

Abstract: Midsize retailers recognize the value of business intelligence (BI), but many feel BI solutions are beyond their reach. Nowhere is this need more keenly felt than in the midsize retail business, where the right decisions can mean all the difference between success and failure. With limited budgets and staff size, there’s little margin for error. So, how should midsize companies approach these issues? Learn more.