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: To make timely, well-informed decisions, you need just that: time and information. This means having fast access to accurate information from every department in your company, and time away from fighting fires to focus on priorities, problem solving, and marketing strategy. We examine how you can gain reliable, accessible information from efficient, integrated IT systems—and use that information to make faster, smarter decisions.

Abstract: Information management, which includes both data and content management, is an essential element of service-oriented architecture (SOA). Taking a service-oriented approach to information data can thus help you achieve greater value from your information assets. Implementing master data management (MDM) services can provide a multiplier effect, by delivering high-value business services over and above information integration services.

Abstract: A new trend is emerging in the world of storage management, and it’s called information lifecycle management (ILM). Just what it is, however, varies significantly from vendor to vendor. Generally, ILM is a strategy for policy-based information management. Its mandate: to provide centralized management of all information assets, aligning storage resources with the value of the data residing in them.

Abstract: Today, businesses must work smarter, not just harder—and to do it, they must use information to compete. With growing demands on data resources, companies need to derive greater value from their existing information. But this information is often scattered throughout the organization. To survive in the current tough economic environment means building successful enterprise information management strategies. Find out how.

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: 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: Demand for instant access to dispersed information is being met by vendors offering enterprise business intelligence tools and suites. Portlet standardization, enterprise information integration, and corporate performance management are among the proposed solutions, but do they really deliver real time information?

Abstract: This guide to supply chain management (SCM) functions/features will help you determine which SCM features are a high priority for your organization. Learn about SCM functions and features for WMS, TMS, international trade logistics (ITL), supplier relationship management (SRM), demand management, supply chain analytics, order management, service parts planning, and more.

Abstract: Information technology (IT) is the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware (source: Information Technology Association of America [ITAA]).

Abstract: All good lean systems have both physical systems in the plant and near real time information technology backbones that centralize data. The primary advantage of enterprise systems is that they can handle considerably more information than can be accommodated manually.

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: Chief information officers (CIOs) must provide timely, accurate, and consistent enterprise-wide information, to support business goals and stay competitive. But with data in multiple disparate applications, this is a challenge. Learn best practices for developing an information management strategy that can help you gain a comprehensive view of data and processes—to enable real-time visibility and better decision making.

Abstract: At the macro level, the fibre channel storage systems market is mature and slow-growing. However, the market is actually undergoing tremendous architectural and technological transition. This report provides a quantitative market-sizing analysis based on the direction and scope of the overall fibre channel storage systems market, and analyzes next-generation fibre channel storage systems segments and their growth prospects.

Abstract: Growing demands on storage management system requirements can run counter to your need to lower costs. With Database 10g, Oracle introduced new features that can simplify database storage management to offer significant savings in both deployment cost and ongoing management overhead. Find out about best practices for deploying Oracle with Pillar’s Axiom storage system, with benefits to performance and management.