Abstract: Accounting firm Fox and Fiorino P.A. knew there had to be a better way to take care of billing. With most of its billing being entered manually, no real-time reporting was available to ensure accuracy. So in 2003, the company implemented BillQuick. With this automated time-keeping and billing solution, Fox and Fiorino has improved the quality of its information, reduced overtime, and increased revenues and cash flow.

Abstract: Dramatic progress in communication and media industries are pushing service providers to seek new differentiation strategies. Next-generation services can play a major role in your future as a service provider. But first you need to understand the implications for your operational- and business-support systems—in particular your billing system. Learn how to make the most of next-generation services to generate revenue.

Abstract: Everyone wants the biggest bang for their IT buck—the most functionality and ease of use, deployed to the widest audience, for the lowest cost. But for years, packaged software, despite high up-front and recurring costs, has been a must-have. However, business professionals are beginning to recognize a more efficient approach to their software needs: the smart client.

Abstract: Today’s support organizations often face the challenge of providing efficient and effective customer service. Without the right tools, it can become an uphill battle. To gain true scale and effectiveness in service and support, many organizations are now turning to knowledge management initiatives like knowledge-centered support (KCS)—a business process that directly addresses the root causes of support inefficiencies.

Abstract: When The Clientele Group of Epicor Software Corporation was faced with scalability and performance limits in their CRM software, they redesigned their application around the Microsoft® .NET Framework. A server architecture based on SQL Server™ 2000 and XML Web services removes their scalability limits, and supports multiple client applications. A smart client built with Windows® Forms gives customer support personnel a responsive application that is easy to deploy and update. A Web portal built with ASP.NET Web Forms gives authorized customers access to the same records as customer support sees internally. The new architecture can support 500 users on a single dual-CPU server, and offers many ways to scale up and out.

Abstract: The frequency of breakdowns in the IT client relationship is reaching epidemic proportions. Indeed, an IT client breakdown is comparable to the onset of an illness. If caught early enough, treatment is often relatively painless. However, if left to advance to the later stages, or full maturity, the treatment will not only be invasive, but also require significant recovery time.

Abstract: Many organizations don’t follow formalized processes for technical support evaluation. However, technical support is a vital component of any enterprise software solution. The fact is, poor technical support can have a severe impact on a solution’s total cost of ownership.

Abstract: Mature systems in any enterprise require an approach different from newer implementations to software support—one that focuses on customization, interoperability, and performance support. Yet despite this fact, most vendors continue to offer the same one-size-fits-all models of support.

Abstract: Computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). Enterprise asset management (EAM) system. Computer-aided facilities management (CAFM) system. Integrated workplace management system (IWMS). Each type of facility management solution offers different functionalities and features, and one may be better than another for your company’s needs. Learn more about the differences and how an integrated solution is a “must have.”

Abstract: Performance support helps keep workers on track. But truly effective performance support communicates company-specific “when, what, and how” information, in the fastest, clearest, and easiest way possible—like a GPS unit issuing personalized directions for the specific task at hand. Performance support won’t teach you how to drive, but it will help you get to where you want to go.

Abstract: Eight years ago, architect Kevin Harris, like many other architects, found it difficult to accurately charge clients for his services. But after attending courses to learn the proper methods for tracking time and costs, he realized that what he really needed was an integrated system. Since implementing BillQuick time billing and project management solution, Kevin has been able to easily and accurately manage billing.

Abstract: Broadband Internet subscribers have a choice between DSL or cable systems. Providers of each system must meet the particular billing challenges raised when offering such services. Each system has areas of potential revenue loss, and billing system strategies must take these into account in order to reduce the risks.

Abstract: The State of Wyoming’s IT organization and its customers were struggling with a mainframe-based chargeback system. For IT, productivity and interface complexity were the major problems. For client agencies, it was a lack of actionable information in billing reports. Learn how a new solution provided more detailed cost accounting and billing information, increased customer satisfaction, and lowered IT operational costs.

Abstract: Hendrix Wire & Cable, an underground power distribution product manufacturer, had a highly functional in-house-developed system that fit its manufacturing environment. However, it was expensive to support and maintain. Management wanted to establish a foundation to support planned e-commerce initiatives and provide better visibility and executive decision support. And above all, they wanted to lower the company’s IT-related costs.

Abstract: How can you get the most out of a customer relationship management (CRM) solution while reducing operating costs and increasing overall profitability? By purchasing a hosted CRM solution that’ll provide the benefits of an on-premise CRM solution without the need for a complex implementation or the assistance of an in-house IT team. Hosted CRM is a cost-effective solution that promises a quick return on investment (ROI).

Abstract: Persistent delivered web-based sales support and customer service solutions to a broadband data and VOIP provider. We helped our client rapidly build and deploy web front end systems for order entry, self-care, and customer care and also integrated these systems with their fulfillment, inventory, and billing systems using service oriented architecture (SOA). This resulted in improved end customer acquisition and satisfaction and improved time to market and significantly reduced total development costs.

Abstract: The core components of a retail information system are inventory management, inventory optimization, revenue management, sales management, and reports and inquiries. Non-core components can include financial, supply chain management, enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management, and warehouse management systems.

Abstract: Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems are software systems that cover the range of interaction a company has with its current, or potential customers. Its functionality can include marketing automation, sales force automation, help desk, customer service and support, partner management, contract management and creation, project and team management, Internet sales, e-mail response management, analytics, and important technical criteria.