Abstract: It’s not enough to develop a strategy for your enterprise; real success comes from effective execution of that strategy. Prioritization, improvement, and control are the key steps involved in enterprise strategy execution. But before leaping right into deployment, you might need a few more details. Learn how planning your objectives and fixing performance gaps gives you control of improvement gains—now and in the future.

Abstract: Certain lean initiatives can be hugely strengthened with a synergistic enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation—and vice versa. In other cases, the two efforts should be viewed as separate initiatives. But it doesn’t depend on “what you want”: specific lean initiatives will fail if specific ERP aspects are neglected. However, other lean initiatives and ERP functionality have little in common.

Abstract: The divide between strategy development and strategy execution can be overcome by creating balanced scorecards. Prioritize your objectives to determine which are most critical. Then cascade objectives and metrics down and across the organization, creating linked and related—but not identical—scorecards for each critical area. These and five other tips for scorecarding success will move you in the right direction.

Abstract: In order to meet new performance targets mandated at the federal and state levels, the Department of Human Services in Chemung County, New York (US), deployed Salient Performance Management, a performance management solution from Salient Corporation. This solution helped streamline operations, allowing caseworkers, units, and entire agencies to meet and exceed the targets.

Abstract: Effective planning is integral to the success of a bank. It helps define and ensure the achievement of the organization’s objectives. Understanding and implementing the planning cycle, which leverages forecasting, operational metrics, and multidimensional analyses can help management determine the feasibility of a strategy. An enterprise-wide, integrated planning and forecasting environment that reaches business units, products, customer segments, and geographies can align non-financial performance targets with high-level financial targets and help banks meet their goals.

Abstract: Oracle's vision of a complete collaborative e-Business solution requires a database strategy, an application server strategy, and an e-business strategy. Will users buy into this vision?

Abstract: SSA Global's Client Forum has reinforced our impression that the vendor's product strategy is an effective strategy that addresses the realities of today's market. However, the execution is not without challenges. Although we found confusion on the part of a few, customers appeared supportive of the SSA strategy.

Abstract: For years, Catalyst International was a leading public WMS/SCE vendor before missteps by its previous management team caused serious problems in strategy and execution. Over the past few years Catalyst's turnaround strategy has returned it to growth and profitability. As a result, it has recently been acquired by ComVest, a wealthy, private investment firm. This development may indicate private equity investors' renewed interest in this market and might validate the company's turnaround strategy that began in late 2001. Still, the question remains whether the anticipated infusion of capital from ComVest will enable Catalyst to become a consolidator and rejoin its mightier direct competitors in the industry's upper echelon.

Abstract: As marketing budgets shrink and companies in the corporate services industry aim to leverage their Web sites as less expensive alternatives to traditional marketing tools, Web-site strategy is becoming more important. Web-site strategy must focus on enhancing credibility, strengthening existing relationships, generating leads, and more. Get tips on how to create a Web-site strategy that will help you achieve these goals.

Abstract: Over the last year, Ardent Software (NASDAQ: ARDT) has announced a number of initiatives to strengthen their DataStage data warehousing product, most recently a partnership with NEON Systems (NASDAQ: NESY), a provider of OS/390-MVS mainframe access through their NEON Shadow Direct middleware. On October 18, Ardent reported record financial results for their third quarter ended September 30, 1999. Pro forma earnings were reported to have increased 64%. Total revenues for the third quarter increased 53% to $45.3 million from $29.7 million in the same quarter of 1998.

Abstract: Aligning your business plans with your method of execution requires more than a peek at financial metrics. Initiatives, tasks, people, and metrics must be aligned with corporate goals. Find out how strategy management software, alone or as part of a performance management solution, can provide clear visual links between individual initiatives and broader goals, and ultimately enhance your business’s overall performance.

Abstract: It may come as a surprise to you, but every organization that brings a product to market already has a product lifecycle management (PLM) system in place. And the choices as to which software tools or system an organization should employ in its initiatives should be entirely based on the review and assessment of its current PLM system.

Abstract: Companies everywhere have realized the need for greater efficiency and improved quality within the enterprise to stay productive and competitive in today's business environment. In order to obtain these efficiencies, corporations have turned to the successful model used by manufacturers for years known as lean, just-in-time (JIT), or kaizen. The fundamental goal of lean manufacturing includes the reduction of waste increase in productivity and improved quality. Most manufacturers launch their lean initiatives in order to maximize work flow and obtain dramatic improvements in performance.

Abstract: Catalyst serves customers in several different industries, representing several major vertical market categories, and it targets industries that have the most demanding supply chain requirements, hoping this should enable it to leverage its expertise and experience for competitive advantage.

Abstract: Information is one of your greatest assets—helping your organization stay on top of regulatory requirements, close to customers, and ahead of the competition. But managing that information isn’t easy when it is scattered across many isolated silos. A good information management strategy can help you get a complete view of your data, reduce the risk of inaccurate reporting, and keep costs under control. Find out more.

Abstract: J.D. Edwards believes in the possibilities (both in terms of technology and sell-ability) of Collaborative Commerce. How far have they gotten in that vision? Are they a good bet if you also have visions of C-Commerce dancing in your head?

Abstract: IT initiatives driven within silos, where each department maintain its own project management office, inhibits the overall cohesiveness and effectiveness of corporate strategy. This document outlines best practices to centralize and deliver a scalable and robust project management framework strategy.

Abstract: A customer relationship management (CRM) system is inherently valuable for supporting customer acquisition and retention by gathering data from each contact with customers and prospects. Collecting data, however, cannot be isolated from a strategy for actually using that data. Here is an overview of how to evolve the focus of a data strategy to specifically suit both the acquisition and retention phases.