Abstract: Companies that are not already offering the capabilities of meeting the exacting, stringent requirements of federal agencies will likely not be able to tap the recent surge in the federal and defense markets. Conversely, those vendors and their users--government contractors--who can deliver comprehensive solutions that satisfy the requirements of federal agencies are in the driver's seat to capture that market segment.

Abstract: In this economy, enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is a critical business asset and key driver of lean practices. According to Aberdeen Group, best-in-class manufacturing companies are 35 percent more likely than other companies to operate on a current version of ERP. Discover the key considerations?and the potential benefits?that you should keep top-of-mind as part of an overall application lifecycle strategy.

Abstract: Companies often overlook telesales as a vital source of core revenue. In fact, telesales can be a major driver of software sales and can make an impact far more quickly than field-based enterprise selling. Find out how IT telesales can assist with revenue growth, discover the keys to improving your IT telesales success, and learn why telesales usually involves identifying smaller, more product-focused opportunity.

Abstract: As a fast-growing company, you have the same objectives as any business. But you’re probably finding it challenging to gain the control you need to achieve these goals without sacrificing your IT budget. And when you try to achieve control, it’s often at the risk of slowing down your business. Find out how having enterprise-wide visibility of your business processes and activities can put you back in the driver’s seat.

Abstract: The critical difference between industry leaders and laggards is a focus on the consumer experience. Search is a fundamental bridge between an enterprise and its stakeholders, and the quality of the search experience is a core driver of experiential perceptions. Delivering a powerful search experience builds a brand perceived as responsive, empathetic, and knowledgeable. Sounds good, right? So where do you start?

Abstract: Do you spend all your time chasing new customers instead of taking care of the ones you already have? Most customer relationship management (CRM) projects focus on customer relationships but fail to address customer experience as a loyalty driver. In part two of a two-part series, learn about best practices recommended by customer experience management (CEM) experts, and how they can help you improve long-term loyalty.

Abstract: Since our research-driven beginnings, Johnson & Johnson Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP) has continually improved the new product development (NPD) process. Detailed process mapping has revealed three tiers of business metrics, starting with drivers and moving up through execution metrics to business performance metrics. When driver metrics improves, so does business performance. Six Sigma tools helps identify specific metrics at all tiers and the causality linkages among them. Each NPD process step at ASP results in a deliverable, and each deliverable relates to a trade-off triangle (cost-time-resources) and, ultimately, to investment dollars. To track performance, ASP calculates how actual NPD decisions and what-if scenarios affect deliverables, alter investment triangles, and thereby influence business results. ASP uses similar process and tools, including the investment triangles and Six Sigma QFD, to make idea management decisions. The IDweb real-time software environment enables both the NPD and idea management processes at ASP. By deploying the strategic planning, idea management, portfolio and pipeline management, process management, and resource management modules of IDweb, ASP has increased throughput by 20 percent and reduced cycle time by 40 percent.

Abstract: Contemporary firms must recognize a fundamental shift in the management of distribution activities as a strategic driver of their competitive success. Instead of the traditional focus on pushing products to customers through distribution channels, there is a need to migrate toward adaptive distribution networks. Such networks focus on managing the flow orders from customers by providing them with high levels of convenience while preserving attention to responsiveness and total distribution costs.

Abstract: Integrating actuals into the planning cycle is usually a zoo. Financial and operating results are spread across multiple databases. Actual results and plan details are at different levels. Lack of underlying volumes and rates makes meaningful causal analysis difficult. Discover financial planning and analysis software that lets you fully integrate actuals, and plan using driver-based planning and reporting.

Abstract: To stay ahead of the competition, medical device manufacturers must find ways to speed product development, create manufacturing efficiencies, and increase the effectiveness of sales and marketing investments—while addressing product safety and regulatory compliance. Read about a solution that incorporates best practices while maintaining the flexibility to support the evolving needs of your growing medical device company.

Abstract: For today’s medical device manufacturer, today’s world is complex. The convergence of technology and implanted medical devices has led to some of the most innovative and effective new medical therapies in history. Unfortunately, that convergence has created tremendous complexities in the development, manufacture, and implantation of those devices. One area that continues to undergo transformation is patient device tracking (PDT).

Abstract: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires pharmaceuticals and medical device companies to comply with numerous standards. Medical device manufacturers have long embraced enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM), but primarily use them to achieve operational efficiencies. However these systems can play a significant role in their abilities to comply with strictly FDA regulations.

Abstract: In the medical device manufacturing industry, errors can cost more than money—they can cost lives. In order to meet safety regulations, manufacturers are turning to enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions. Discover the five features any medical device manufacturer should look for in an ERP system in order to meet compliance requirements, produce high-quality products, operate efficiently, and maximize profitability.

Abstract: The initial Pilot test of the BlackBerry Handheld e-mail device will be limited to 500 users for a cost of $34.95 (USD) per month, including unlimited messaging and the lease cost of the wireless device.

Abstract: Networked printers and multifunction peripherals often require a high level of support and manual intervention. Secure remote monitoring platforms reduce device downtime by automating service alerts and meter reading, and providing proactive toner replenishment. Users benefit from improved device uptime, and manufacturers and their service partners can build proactive service relationships that can drive customer loyalty.

Abstract: UreSil, a manufacturer of specialized health care products, feared its legacy manufacturing resource planning (MRP) software was hindering efficiency and compliance. The Sage ERP X3 enterprise resource planning (ERP) came to the rescue, and after a formal ERP training program, full implementation required only one week. All processes, including tracking and inventory, are now streamlined, flexible—and compliant.

Abstract: Confused about RFID middleware? RFID middleware has a critical role to play in cleaving together and clarifying the signals and intelligence, bidirectionally from the device layer to the business applications, or out to the communications infrastructure, to the web or satellites. This article explains it all.

Abstract: Expect Compaq to vigorously market the iPAQ Blackberry device line along with its messaging based hardware. This new strategic relationship will bode well for price conscious consumers due to increased production and therefore reduced costs, to meet the existing (and growing) demand for wireless messaging.