Abstract: Buying a software solution that doesn’t closely fit your business processes significantly impacts the time and money your company needs to make it work. There are particular challenges in using a generic enterprise resource planning (ERP) system for the printing and packaging industry. Read about the functional gaps to consider when choosing an ERP system, and how to use it to lower your total cost of ownership (TCO).

Abstract: While the concept of lean manufacturing is well established in traditional manufacturing industries, its adoption in printing and packaging has been slow. Many companies have yet to fully realize the benefits of a holistic implementation. Find out how and when you should implement enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for a faster transition to lean processes—and improve efficiency and quality while reducing waste.

Abstract: Regardless of size or purpose, business processes within a company rely heavily on the dependability of assets for successful operations. Enterprise asset management (EAM) solutions can help companies monitor their assets, including a feature that allows documents to be attached to a work order. But printing the work order and its attachments is not always so simple. Learn how automated work order software can help.

Abstract: How do companies address the out-of-control costs associated with network printing? Many look to control them by outsourcing their managed printer services. The transition from basic dealer services to a holistic approach—where the dealer manages the print services for the entire organization—has its challenges. With printer fleet management tools, companies gain a competitive advantage and save on printing costs.

Abstract: To meet tough government compliance, more vendors are offering compliance solutions. CODA's collaborative task modeling tool takes an enterprise's best practices model, audits business processes, automates data collection, and creates a secure collaborative space to offer checks and balances to simplify compliance monitoring.

Abstract: Beyond the operational efficiencies and cost savings of an improved product audit trail, standardized GS1 barcode labels contribute to greater supply chain security by protecting against the entry of counterfeit products into a legitimate supply chain. There are many complications to having fully conforming GS1 barcode labels, however. Find out how to address these issues with five strategies for the global supply chain.

Abstract: In 2002, US suppliers wrote off more than $18 billion (USD) in bad checks. And the bankruptcy picture has certainly not improved since then. Companies that act quickly to secure overdue accounts are the companies that have the best chance of remaining in the black. The SYSPRO Collections Module automates debt collection, and can help address this acute need.

Abstract: A major challenge for IT managers is that much of the data they need in Windows environments is stored in iSeries and Mainframe host systems. Traditionally, unlocking this data and making it available in Windows environments for further processing has involved major reprogram¬ming, and significant resource investments. There are, however, simple solutions that address the jump from host to Windows.

Abstract: thawte Technologies is a Certification Authority (CA) which issues SSL Web Server Certificates to organizations and individuals worldwide. thawte verifies that the company ordering the certificate is a registered organization and that the person in the company who ordered the certificate is authorized to do so. thawte also checks that the company in question owns the relevant domain. thawte digital certificates interoperate smoothly with Apache and the latest software from Microsoft and Netscape, so you can rest assured that you purchase of a thawte digital certificate will give your customers confidence in your system and integrity—they will feel secure about transacting on-line. Information is a critical asset to your business. To ensure the integrity and safety of your information, it is important to identify with whom you are dealing and the data you are receiving is trustworthy.

Abstract: Gama Impresores, a midsized offset printing company based in Mexico City, recently bought an custom-built enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. However, while the ERP solution helped control back-office functions, it also showed that production was inefficient and that late deliveries threatened Gama’s future success. Find out how a planning tool that offers real-time scheduling helped cut late deliveries in half.

Abstract: Novelis is the world leader in aluminum rolling and beverage can recycling. Novelis produces advanced aluminum sheet and foil products for customers in high-value markets, including automotive, transportation, packaging, construction, and printing. Find out how scheduling technology improved some of its most important key performance indicators (KPIs).

Abstract: In the $1.8 billion market of document management services, only 10 percent is billed by dealers. So how can they increase their share of the managed print services trend? The dealer’s path to advantage lies in its service and supply organization. To make this transition, the dealer needs a tool that gathers knowledge of the client’s fleet and identifies where printing dollars can be saved.

Abstract: Vendors of electronic report distribution and content management solutions typically emphasize the paper and related printing cost savings their products provide. But in fact, the real value of these technologies far exceeds these savings. Maximum benefits from electronic document and report management technologies derive not only from cutting obvious costs, but also from enabling dramatic improvements in business processes.

Abstract: NexPress Solutions, Inc., a midsize production printing company, needed to improve its internal processes and to coordinate with both its parent companies. A SAP software implementation based on SAP best practices for industrial machinery and components (IM&C) reduced operating costs by more than $1 million (USD) in sixteen weeks.

Abstract: The printing environment is now an integral part of the IT infrastructure. Organizations that use managed print services (MPSs) are seeing reduced cost and increased efficiencies. Using MPSs optimizes the way in which networked printers, copiers, and multifunction peripherals (MFPs) are managed to minimize the wastage of paper and toner. Find out how effective MPSs offer cost transparency and reliable service levels.

Abstract: Managed print services (MPSs) offer organizations the opportunity to control costs, reduce the complexity of managing a heterogeneous infrastructure, and improve business processes. With many organizations striving to do more with less, MPS can cut expenses by passing control of complex printing infrastructure to the experts, and leaving the organization to focus on its core business competencies. Find out more.

Abstract: Deluxe Media Services supplies the world’s best-known film, music, and games companies with solutions for manufacturing and distributing packaged media. But in each country where Deluxe has operations, it was using a different electronic data interchange (EDI) provider and value-added network to exchange critical business documents. Learn about the problems this caused, and the EDI solution Deluxe chose to solve them.

Abstract: Red Hat has announced the release of Alpha Deluxe, its version of Linux for computers based on Compaq’s Alpha CPU. At the same time, the company announced it would drop support for Sun’s Sparc processor.