Abstract: US-based Skarnes, Inc. distributes material handling products and provides warehouse storage and material handling solutions. Migrating from RealWorld to Microsoft Business Solutions-Navision provided Skarnes with improved reporting capabilities, the ability to track costs, and the ability to view work in process. Furthermore, elimination of redundant data entry provided a 40 percent reduction in accounting work time.

Abstract: Companies are going global because the risk of not doing so greatly outweighs the comfort that staying domestic brings. According to a World Trade Organization (WTO) report issued in October 2004, 'Despite the rise in oil prices the volume of world trade is likely to grow by 8.5% in real terms by the end of 2004.' The liberalization of trade, the reduction of tariffs, the elimination of quotas, the continued rise in China as an industrial force, and the rise of outsourcing as a cost reduction opportunity, all create an environment that is full of opportunity and fraught with hazards. The ability to effectively manage global commerce will be a key strategic competitive differentiator. Global commerce management (GCM) is what is required by companies to win in this tougher, more competitive environment.

Abstract: In virtually all manufacturing companies, there is a direct correlation between inventory levels and overall business performance. In fact, CEO's and CFO's believe that their companies consistently carry 25 to 40 percent or more inventory than is needed.

Abstract: At first glance, less-than-truckload (LTL) purchasing seems like a straightforward process. However, purchasing approaches that save you money in the short term also introduce your company to financial and operational risk. A truly successful LTL bidding process is data-driven and has very different financial outcomes for shippers, 3PLs, and their customers. Discover more about this and other LTL best practices.

Abstract: In the white paper 7 essential steps to security risk reduction, you'll learn about a program that quantifies your security system's ability to han...

Abstract: FourSite 4.4 is an upgrade of its fulfillment solution oriented towards third party logistics (3PL) providers. ViaOptimize, is an advanced step for companies who have already automated their facilities with Provia's WMS and are now looking at optimization as a key area of improvement, efficiency and cost reduction.

Abstract: Kinaxis’s latest response management product releases deliver even more refined software system tools to help global manufacturers with capacity planning and scheduling, including monitoring and alerting, action team selection, and inventory liability reduction capabilities.

Abstract: This article discusses the risks and opportunities related to outsourcing software development to China. It concludes that China, as an outsourcing destination, has different risk exposures in comparison with India. However, going to China may also bring opportunities considering the pressure of further cost reduction that North Americans are facing and the booming domestic demands of the Chinese market.

Abstract: Relevant to the current economic recession, find out about key challenges faced by the retail industry, such as multichannel integration. Get an introduction to a process excellence and governance approach specific to retail, for radical cost reduction and organizational agility and visibility. You’ll also find a case study about business performance management (BPM) in the food and beverage industry.

Abstract: Formerly just a soccer team but now a large company, Brazil-based Cruzeiro Esporte Clube needed effective administrative management. Cruziero had to choose a new system that would be able to integrate with its legacy systems. The results of the successful integration include business intelligence capabilities that allow a flow of information between the team and the board of director—and a reduction of costs. Learn more.

Abstract: Open source software’s development processes, and the new business models its developers adopt, provide a new way of resolving the problems of cost and quality for enterprise software. To make an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system available to companies, cost reduction is the first priority. Find out how open source software makes it possible to reduce development costs—while resulting in a high-quality product.

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: Globalizing your market reach presents technology and business challenges to profitable growth. Your supply chain strategy for globalization should include an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution that provides you with visibility into key performance indicators (KPIs). Find out why standardizing an automated ERP system across multiple sites can result in a 66 percent reduction in total time from delivery to order.

Abstract: Craft brewery New Belgium found it challenging to integrate its old networking and e-mail system with its applications from other vendors. The company decided to implement a new Microsoft® IT infrastructure, including Exchange Server 2007. Among other benefits, the company expects a big reduction in IT administration time, and an improved ability to use its wealth of business information to help drive its operations forward.

Abstract: Today’s manufacturing environment requires a relentless drive for cost reduction and efficiency gains. Initiatives like lean and six sigma can bring sustainable improvements. To make these initiatives work, you need to base operational decisions on data rather than intuition and experience. But is your data always available and accurate? Find out how a factory information system can help bring your data out of hiding.

Abstract: Corporate leaders must look carefully at how their companies are organized and staffed, and keep the “right” people. But who must be kept and who can you afford to let go? If you don’t know how to re-engineer your staff, you might not be saving as much as you think. Discover methods and technologies that can help you avoid the pitfalls inherent in any reduction in workforce—to save money while you retain the best talent.

Abstract: Senior finance executives in all industries recognize the long-term benefits of transaction-processing automation on resource allocation. Transaction automation frees time and resources that can be allocated for decision support and financial planning and analysis. The result: sustained, profitable top-line growth and risk reduction. Find out other benefits of improving your back-office processes through automation.

Abstract: Returns fraud is perpetrated by petty thieves and organized crime syndicates alike, and comes in many forms—including stolen merchandise returns, fraudulent tenders, and “wardrobing.” Returns management doesn t have to be a trade-off between customer service and effective fraud reduction. But if you haven’t got the right returns management solution, resign yourself to losses coming directly off the bottom line.