Abstract: In most industries, labor represents the greatest proportion of operational costs. By helping to optimize that labor, workforce scheduling can help companies reduce expenses. But for most companies, scheduling is still more burden than benefit. Discover scheduling techniques that best-in-class companies are using to achieve greater operational efficiencies, and increase satisfaction among employees and customers.

Abstract: Most of the manufacturing software vendors have planning and scheduling software which assume either infinite production capacity for calculating quantities of raw material and work in progress (WIP) requirements or infinite quantities of raw and WIP materials for calculating production capacity. There are many problems with this approach. This paper discusses the pitfalls of this approach and how to avoid these by making sure that the software you buy indeed takes into account finite quantities of required materials as well as finite capacities of work centers in your manufacturing facility.

Abstract: The textile industry is famous for its very different characteristics when compared to industries in either process or discrete manufacturing. Developing production planning and scheduling software for any textile mill is a real challenge even for seasoned industry experts. This article focuses on some of the unique challenges posed to master requirement planning and master production scheduling (MRP / MPS) software vendors by the textile industry.

Abstract: The market place is awash with many kinds of manufacturing scheduling systems. Due to the dynamic nature of the manufacturing shop floor, it is of utmost importance that a manufacturing scheduling system can take care of these dynamic conditions.

Abstract: For many manufacturers, the demands of meeting customer expectations and reducing production costs in an environment of more products and more choice places stress on the effectiveness of planning and scheduling processes. Yet, systems are becoming outdated, lacking the flexibility and responsiveness to manage complex production environments. Find out about planning and scheduling options and how to boost productivity.

Abstract: A school district in Missouri sought to optimize the booking and scheduling of its newly modernized conference and meeting spaces. Its old scheduling software was frustrating, as it was difficult to customize and configure. But after installing Meeting Room Manager, the schools are able to set specific room and equipment configurations, and post activities online as well as on a public viewing screen. Learn more.

Abstract: When buying a job scheduling solution, you should gather as much information as possible to make an objective comparison of competitive products’ key capabilities. Seek out customer references, analyst recommendations, and press articles to supplement vendor marketing materials. And to make sure you don’t miss any important evaluation criteria, benchmark the functions of job-scheduling software with a detailed checklist.

Abstract: The complexity of the metal manufacturing process often poses problems when it comes to planning and scheduling production. The sector’s many different processes often cause bottlenecks that slow down production—not only within plants, but throughout entire supply chains. With an industry-specific production planning and scheduling system, manufacturers can improve productivity, reduce lead times, and increase revenues.

Abstract: Manufacturers of capital equipment and highly engineered products face design, production, and delivery obstacles. The most challenging of these activities is scheduling projects and resource demand in a concurrent engineering environment. Learn about a resource scheduling tool that can allow you to put demand on materials, work-centers, and labor as soon as it is known—so you can deliver projects on time and on budget.

Abstract: In December 2008, Advanced Systems Concepts commissioned Forrester Consulting to examine the potential return on investment (ROI) that companies may realize by deploying ActiveBatch, an IT job scheduling and management solution. Learn about the financial impact in a midsized financial services company with global operations, in which ActiveBatch is used to manage its mission-critical job scheduling environment.

Abstract: Testing a system well is harder than building it. In the face of new risks introduced by the ever-increasing complexity of software and hardware, test tools may be your only practical way to be confident that you've got just what you paid for. From gathering the initial requirements to supporting the system after it has been deployed, test tools are available to support all phases of a project. This article looks at the ways that test tools can be used to design, code, and (of course) test a system.

Abstract: For the coffee producer Mother Parkers, scheduling coffee production across two plants was an ever-increasing challenge. Mother Parkers decided to take proactive steps toward consolidating its day-to-day scheduling data by engaging Supply Chain Consultants (SCC) to help. SCC applied its scheduling algorithms to improve schedule attainment, visibility, and stability—exactly what Mother Parkers needed.

Abstract: Commerce One has partnered with Sagent Technology to add analytic tools to its enterprise e-purchasing application. Also, Ariba has partnered with Informatica to add analytic tools to its enterprise e-purchasing application.

Abstract: Tools under the business intelligence (BI) umbrella combine to convert data into information, and information into decisions for action. Dashboards and scorecards are two such tools. Though often confused, they have functional difference, especially in modern BI suites.

Abstract: This tutorial, part 2 of a two part series on Knowledge Based Selection, demonstrates the selection processes and capabilities of Knowledge Based Selection Methods and Tools. These tools, integrated with business decision making procedures, can arguably reduce selection risk and improve chances for success in IT projects. Given the appalling rate of IT project failures, selection can potentially help reduce risk in some 30% of cases, with an associated estimated cost of about $30B annually to industry according to some sources. In this tutorial, we illustrate a number of the procedures for rapid decision processing through the real-life selection of a PDA device. The process gave confidence to the argument to wait for the solution, while weighing risk against return.

Abstract: In going through a business decision process for complex technology selections, more and more use is being made of technologically driven processes using Decision support tools and captured knowledge. The use of these systems and the capability to drive a solution from them assumes an ability to accurately express business requirements and business value within these tools. In this article, we explore the marriage of knowledge management and decision support in forming knowledge based selection systems and procedures that can assist in reducing the current appalling record of IT project failures. This is illustrated by the process to select a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).

Abstract: This article continues the examination of tools that a vendor may supply that can make the implementation of an ERP package easier for your project team, end users, and IT department. Read on to see what tools you may want to have in your toolbox before proceeding with the implementation.

Abstract: Microsoft development tools will help developers and independent Microsoft software vendors integrate Microsoft Dynamics GP with existing applications. This accounting and business management system includes many features and benefits, as well as guidelines to help developers choose the right tools for various development tasks and create custom applications that integrate with Microsoft Dynamics GP.