Abstract: This reference guide provides insight into the discrete manufacturing ERP features and functions currently available on today’s market. It will help you determine which ERP features are a high priority for your organization, and which features are a lower priority.

Abstract: Freshwater Software offers powerful solutions for website monitoring. There’s a product or service for every budget and every type of site, and the customer service behind it all makes this a unique company.

Abstract: Knowing how many people visit your website can help you improve the site and increase revenues. Counting them can be easy or accurate, but not both.

Abstract: This reference guide provides insight into the accounting features and functions currently available on today's market for small to medium businesses (SMBs). It will help you determine which features your organization needs—and doesn't need.

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: Today’s office phone systems provide a means to communicate and much more: videoconferencing, unified messaging, and automated attendant. And with the rich selection of features available, companies ranging from small offices to large companies can find the solution they need, and even integrate it with other business applications. Find out about five phone systems features that could be valuable to your company.

Abstract: Customer relationship management (CRM) functionality can fall into four categories: core functionality; non-core functionality; vertical, industry-specific features; and accounting-related features. When evaluating and selecting a CRM solution, enterprises must be aware of the potential issues associated with functions and features that are not part of core CRM functionality.

Abstract: Creating a great Website depends on strategy, and the investment of time and energy in continuous improvement. Learn how techniques like search engine marketing and search engine optimization (SEM and SEO), maximizing lead generation, increasing conversions, improving customer service, and engaging target audiences can take your Website from good to great—and help you maximize return on investment (ROI).

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.

Abstract: Effective IP management requires proper allocation of address space for adequate address capacity as needed, as well as accurate configuration of DHCP and DNS servers. Along with flawless configuration and management of each of these foundational elements of Internet protocol (IP) address management, address managers must also integrate these management functions into the broader IT network management environment.

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: Productization of services is accomplished by associating tangible features with intangible service offerings. Tangible features may take the form of personnel, collateral, methodologies, pricing, facilities, or other attributes. Automation tools like enterprise service automation, database, and project management tools serve as enablers to service productization. By associating tangible features with intangible services, the professional services firm can build client confidence.

Abstract: The 2006 PMI Research Conference was an excellent venue for gauging the direction in which project management research is heading. The presentations of the areas of portfolio management and program management confirm the rising demand for project portfolio management solutions.

Abstract: Companies are looking for more areas to squeeze savings out of operations. One such area that may be fertile ground to explore is equipment maintenance. The class of software that can help to cultivate these savings is computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS). This article discusses the basics of CMMS and its key features, enabling you to determine whether your company should investigate this software as a potential source of savings.

Abstract: As enterprises seek better content management systems, documentation management (DM) and digital asset management (DAM) are growing in popularity. Despite market confusion, the two solutions serve different functions, but can still be integrated to meet an enterprise's needs.

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: Voice over Internet provider (VoIP) solutions are appealing for companies, but many haven’t yet discovered the perks of IP phones. Price is one factor in this hesitation—IP phones are often the highest cost component in migrating from a traditional system to VoIP. Learn how to identify the key features of IP phones and to ensure your employees can make proper use of them, so your employees’ working lives can be improved.