Abstract: At the macro level, the fibre channel storage systems market is mature and slow-growing. However, the market is actually undergoing tremendous architectural and technological transition. This report provides a quantitative market-sizing analysis based on the direction and scope of the overall fibre channel storage systems market, and analyzes next-generation fibre channel storage systems segments and their growth prospects.

Abstract: Small to medium businesses (SMBs) can benefit from the expansive use of IT just as much as their larger counterparts. And in many cases they have to, because of their interactions not only with remote users, but with suppliers and customers as well. To this end, an SMB’s IT infrastructure needs to be resilient and secure. To ensure end-to-end care of data assets, businesses need to adopt the right strategy. Find out how.

Abstract: Mine business planning is a time-consuming and complex task involving many participants, systems, and separate processes. It is often extremely difficult to precisely replicate a planning process from budget to budget, or to trace the origin of figures in consolidated reports. However, a sensitively deployed and fully integrated end-to-end solution can go a long way toward solving these problems.

Abstract: Channel master business is good. Everyone likes increased volume. But the impact of this business can be bad for the bottom line. How can manufacturers meet the demands of the channel master and preserve their business?

Abstract: Jamcracker, an ASP providing business services for HR management, expense management and sales force automation solutions has announced a new program to increase sales. Jamcracker’s Channel Program offers sales and implementation training to its new channel partners.

Abstract: Consumer packaged goods manufacturers have to measure the most important metric of all: orders delivered on time, in full. To accomplish this requires sophisticated inventory management and optimization tools for the consumer goods supply chain.

Abstract: If there's a disconnect between your channel and your marketing team, neither will reach their full potential. In this column, you’ll see how involving your channel in the positioning process is a key ingredient in successful marketing and sales.

Abstract: The new competitive differentiator in retail is the ability to effectively sense, shape, and fulfill customer demand through the customer’s channel of choice. The seamless shopping experience—providing what customers want, when they want it, in the way they want it—has come to the forefront. That’s why well-executed cross-channel retailing is essential to success, no matter what your vertical.

Abstract: Adaptiveness in the manufacturing sector depends on being able to push decision making to the shop floor. But that’s often easier said than done. However, manufacturing intelligence dashboards aggregate content from the full range of manufacturing systems into a single view of operations. These role-specific dashboards thus enable employees to manage manufacturing performance, and respond quickly to changes.

Abstract: The challenges that face the manufacturing industry today are also opportunities. Manufacturing is being revolutionized in its processes, routines, and ways of doing business through the growing emergence of order driven production methods. This shift towards demand driven manufacturing is emerging in tandem with the larger currents caused by globalization. This cross industry brief focuses on the manufacturing industry from the standpoint of a demand driven IT solution and is aimed at manufacturing and distribution businesses. It describes some major market trends and issues, provides an overview of IBS supply chain solution, and offers details on how the IBS solution for demand driven manufacturing can address current needs of the industry.

Abstract: The strength of a company can be traced to the value of its brands. Brand marketing managers seek to create and develop brand value by converting consumer insights into consumer loyalty. How can you overcome the challenge of developing effective marketing campaigns that convert consumer information into revenue and profit? Leverage the value of your brand with an integrated approach to brand management. Find out how.

Abstract: An integrated steel plant’s manufacturing processes typically encompass three distinct types of manufacturing—flow manufacturing, process manufacturing, and mill manufacturing—making such a plant a mixed-mode manufacturer. Software systems that address the diverse needs these manufacturers have cannot be emphasized more.

Abstract: Hiring the former APICS president to head its manufacturing industry efforts a year ago, the high profile acquisition of renowned manufacturing ERP provider J.D. Edwards this summer, and most recently, the acquisition of demand flow and lean manufacturing software solutions from JCIT, might indicate that PeopleSoft has finally gotten its manufacturing creed. Will these moves finally and lastingly establish it as a serious contender in the manufacturing enterprise resource planning (ERP) and supply chain management (SCM) space?

Abstract: As apparel and textile companies move to outsourcing production—relinquishing direct control in favor of a more cost-effective manufacturing model—a lean supply chain may appear to be the next logical step for further implementing cost and operational improvement. Not so, however. You can’t have a lean supply chain without lean manufacturing. Regardless of whether you or your partners engage in production, lean manufacturing is the lean engine that drives lean supply chain efficiencies. Accordingly, the business requirement for stability in a constantly changing demand environment motivates the fashion industry’s search for lean supply chain management principles and practices. Intentia, in cooperation with industry experts, have written a series of thought leadership white papers on the concept of implementing lean supply chain in the fashion industry. The second of this series, From Lean Manufacturing to Lean Supply Chain explains how lean manufacturing relates to lean supply chain management and where it differs and sometimes conflicts.

Abstract: Traditionally, the consumer packaged goods supply has been driven to market mostly by upstream manufacturers. But progressive companies are realizing the enduring value of being driven by the market, and they are starting to use demand as a guiding light.

Abstract: Business process automation is all very well and good. After all, nothing succeeds like success, especially automated success. But what is the effect of automation on the consumer, that most unpredictable of systems?

Abstract: End-user companies should track the financial health of their vendors to see if the vendor will be a collector or one of the collected. If the end-user company has a focused vendor, think of that vendor's health and help them become even better in your type of business. If your vendor is acquired, meet the new owners. The new owners motivation in buying your product and vendor was the install base and that's you. Showing interest is your part in keeping the relationship the way you want it.

Abstract: One of the most effective and efficient ways to develop a successful marketing position for B2B software is to begin with the sales channel, especially if you have limited time and resources.