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Abstract: The
theory of constraints (TOC) is similar to, yet different from, the lean philosophy. TOC focuses on optimizing production through critical bottlenecks in order to meet market demand.
PubDate: 2/22/2006
Abstract: Lean principles are difficult to employ in complex environments, but materials requirement planning has well-known limitations. The theory of constraints, which is complementary to lean manufacturing when it comes to low volumes and complex environments, may provide an answer.
Abstract: With the advances today in technology it has become obvious that there is a need for maintenance management theory and practice to catch up with the advances made in business management theory and practice generally. The current state of CMMS technology is at a very advanced level, in a lot of cases far more so than our ability to apply it. This tool has very strong and provable results.
Abstract: Keeping detailed historical information is a great idea in theory, but how can it be merged with current data to enable split-second decisions? Two companies partner to solve a significant problem in e-commerce.
Abstract: In theory, the Kmart-Sears merger could produce a new layer of competition to mega-retailers such as Wal-Mart. However, it needs more than just size to be competitive. It needs to coordinate its retail strategy with supply chain technology to make it triumph.
Abstract: Transpromotional marketing blends marketing messages with must-read printed material such as invoices, statements, and other notifications. The goal is to influence behavior and drive business volume—but not by stuffing brochures with a statement into the envelope. Instead, promotional messages can be targeted directly to a prospect s purchase patterns and known interests. Sounds great, in theory. So how do you do it?
Abstract: Your product is excellent, and your customer service department is highly responsive. Your sales force is diligently acquiring new clients. You have made retaining clients a company priority. To be even more competitive, you need to continue what you’re doing, but better—while reducing the cost of doing it. Great theory. But just how are you going to accomplish the impossible?
Abstract: In theory, demand planning is the foundation for profitable operations. But in practice, it is often a difficult endeavor. Accuracy can fluctuate wildly, and companies tend to react to inaccuracies with new investments in technology, processes, and people. However, new investments do not guarantee better forecasts. There are often fundamental issues that need to be addressed before achieving positive results.
Abstract: True multi-service, multi-vendor global networks are the future of the telecommunications industry. However, mazes of international standards and protocols can create barriers rather than solutions. For service providers and system suppliers alike, implementing standards for interoperability is far from simple. The MultiService Switching Forum (MSF) fills the void by developing implementation agreements that take standards from theory into practice.
Abstract: In a supply chain managed according to the theory of constraints (TOC), it is clear that there are so many common improvements that virtually all companies will benefit. It doesn’t take long for TOC companies enjoying greater sales and lower expenses to gain not only market share, but market dominance. Find out how you can work these principles into your organization with the help of a TOC solution for distribution.
Abstract: The first step in choosing an effectiveness service provider (ESP) that best meets your company's needs is to develop a requirements definition. When used as a request for proposal, the requirements definition can be a powerful evaluation and negotiation tool.
Abstract: You’ve determined the business rationale for embracing Internet protocol (IP) telephony as a strategy. Now it’s worth investing time in the project definition phase, since this will result in a clear statement of requirements that are in line with your objectives. However, how you define the project will depend on the needs of your business and your plans for convergence.
Abstract: Can industry-leading practice be found in a commodity software package? If we accept that application software is a commodity, by definition, the answer is no. If a vendor claims industry-leading practice, then it is available to your competition. If we really want to have practices that lift us above the competition, it cannot be in a standard package. Where in the business do we need to be better than best practice?
Abstract: There is a great deal of confusion over the meaning of data warehousing. Simply defined, a data warehouse is a place for data, whereas data warehousing describes the process of defining, populating, and using a data warehouse. Creating, populating, and querying a data warehouse typically carries an extremely high price tag, but the return on investment can be substantial. Over 95% of the Fortune 1000 have a data warehouse initiative underway in some form.
Abstract: On July 25, Fourth Shift Corporation and SupplierMarket.com announced a partnership that will enable purchasing professionals to locate ideal trading partners, submit RFQs for new contracts, and receive the results of reverse auctions, all from their familiar Fourth Shift vendor operations, manufacturing planning and scheduling, and product definition screens. Earlier, on July 18, Fourth Shift Corporation reported a loss of $.37 per share for the second quarter ended June 30, 2000.
Abstract: Founded in 1981 as a developer of computer-aided chemical engineering software, Aspen's growth has resulted in a wide variety of applications for management and execution-level process manufacturing. Hit hard by flagging revenues, Aspen is distilling its product suite down to its most profitable elements in hopes of invigorating its business and capturing a share of the supply chain management market.
Abstract: System integration service provider selections and project planning should involve the same amount of due diligence as business IT strategy definition and software evaluation.
Abstract: Informix® Corporation, has announced an XML Document Type Definition (DTD) for Extraction, Transformation, and Transport (ETT) of metadata. The DTD is designed to allow metadata sharing between different vendors’ products using the open XML standard.
Abstract: Since supply chains, by definition, are about the end-to-end inter-enterprise process, we highlight the growing importance of looking outside your four walls when thinking about supply chain performance management. If you are overwhelmed by the number of supply chain measures you are tracking, it’s better to focus your energies on a few that can have a significant impact.