Abstract: Today's usage of Decision Support Systems (DSS), combined with vetted knowledge bases, allows organizations to save time and money, achieving better and more reliable/fully-documented decisions, a quantum improvement over the widely-used subjective process of selecting complex enterprise software...

Abstract: After adopting two-dimensional computer-aided design (2D CAD) in the 1990s, Dalian Shipyard discovered that 2D technology didn’t meet the real-world challenges facing ship designers. For example, 2D CAD could not graphically reproduce real ship design challenges, such as collisions. Dalian Shipyard needed better product lifecycle management (PLM) tools. The solution: CADDS 5i—a complete 3D CAD tool for shipbuilding.

Abstract: Information management software from Business Objects, an SAP company, can be used for SAP data migration projects—either for upgrades from one version of SAP to a newer one, or from other environments to SAP. In practice, many considerations that apply to SAP migrations are the same as those pertaining to non-SAP environments. But a few requirements are particular to an SAP implementation. Find out what they are.

Abstract: Enterprises of all sizes today face common problems dealing with handling increasing business complexity while reducing costs. The solution continues to be the automation of business processes. SAP is an established leader in addressing the needs of large enterprises. Building on that performance and identified best practices, SAP built and launched SAP Business One. SAP Business One was designed to offer small and medium businesses the same business streamlining and efficiencies at a scale and scope appropriate to their needs. IDC recently interviewed a number of companies that have successfully deployed SAP Business One. The purpose of our interviews was to determine what impact the software had on their productivity and cost reduction.

Abstract: After dealing with the over-hype of Y2K, companies have started to reconsider the best of breed as a viable solution to satisfy their software needs. This comes as a shock to the corporate systems culture when user communities were told that fully integrated software such as ERP, SCM, and EAM were the only way to meet their software needs. After developing a level playing field, this article examines the pro’s and con’s of one alternative over the other. Read on to see if you agree with the merits of the best of breed or fully integrated software approach to software selection.

Abstract: So you are looking for software to support the critical functions of your company. Unfortunately, you can't go to your local Software'R'Us. This article discusses several sources and methods for identifying potential software vendors. It also examines the pro's and con's of each method.

Abstract: I'm Dylan Persaud, senior analyst at Technology Evaluation Centers. Due to the overwhelming response to our first ERP Showdown, we're pleased to present another head-to-head discrete enterprise resource planning (ERP) comparison. Here, then, is ERP Showdown, Round 2!—featuring Exact Macola ES vs. Infor SyteLine vs. QAD MFG/PRO.

Abstract: Chances are that SAP applications play a role in your enterprise. SAP’s prowess at managing large volumes of transactional data has made it the leader in enterprise resource planning (ERP). As of January 2003, SAP claims more than 56,000 installations. Yet despite their popularity, SAP applications in many organizations remain semi-isolated and untapped for the business intelligence (BI) they contain.

Abstract: Capstone Turbine Corporation, an energy innovator, needed to implement management, business model, and strategy changes. It also needed to improve product reliability, modularize configurations, and provide visibility. By using SAP products, such as SAP BI, SAP EP, and SAP Best Practices, it realized performance measures for key business activities, and improved sales and inventory management.

Abstract: Unencrypted communication between users’ workstations and the backend SAP servers is a significant vulnerability to your SAP environment. This can put the confidential data inside your SAP systems and your entire business activity at risk—and have a negative impact on your customers. Find out how to reduce business risks and improve audit results through encrypted communication and two-factor user authentication for SAP.

Abstract: Enterprises should consider collaboration as a core component of their IT infrastructure, and not simply as a set of tools that facilitate translation and communication. In this white paper, learn why SAP NetWeaver is the long-term integration platform of SAP; why business to business (B2B)integration is critical to SAP implementations; and how NetWeaver and SEEBURGER solve integration issues.

Abstract: SAP's manufacturing solutions are based on thirty years' experience of the processes that drive your business. When you choose SAP, you're assured of powerful, best-in-class solutions designed specifically for midsize manufacturing companies like yours. All from a single provider. SAP provides mission-critical solutions to more than 1,400 industrial manufacturing customers around the world. If fact, we're currently the market leader, with a commanding 54 percent share of the global market, compared to just 13 percent for our next closes competitor. Gain greater visibility across your enterprise, get closer to your customers, and reduce inefficiencies.

Abstract: After a year of silence surrounding SAP’s newest enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution, SAP Business ByDesign is back. During that year, many of its competitors pounced on SAP’s silence, even going so far as to spread rumors that the new product was dead. Find out what one Aberdeen analyst thought of Business ByDesign after taking it for a test drive at Sapphire 2009.

Abstract: SAP BusinessObjects XI 3.1 solutions are the next major release of business intelligence (BI) software from SAP. They include features ranging from reporting, query and analysis, and dashboards and visualization, to discovery and predictive analytics capabilities, as well as data quality and extract, transform, and load (ETL) functionality. Get a high-level overview of the new features in SAP BusinessObjects XI 3.1.

Abstract: Companies are under huge pressure to cut all SAP-related costs and are seeking every opportunity to exploit their huge investments in SAP to reduce total business expenses. A survey of 18 respondents reveals how companies are seeing the potential to squeeze further costs savings by exploiting SAP software investments, especially in enterprise resource management (ERP) and supply chain business process areas. Learn more.

Abstract: SAP AG has seemingly crossed a strategy chasm, from a strict, stodgy, Not-Invented-Here (NIH) approach to software development and delivery, to a seemingly quite open approach of broad development alliances, company acquisitions, Internet portals development, and a deep, new relationship with IBM for both technology sharing as well as bolstering IBM Consulting’s support for SAP’s new multiple mySAP.com™ initiatives. 'Collaborative' and 'SAP' were not two words you might have ever seen in the same article. You’re seeing it now.

Abstract: Although SAP’s recently announced tamed results for Q1 2002, which fit within the current market milieu, may add to some challenges moving forward, particularly seen from sharply reduced license revenue, and while some may question SAP’s justification of assimilating its two former subsidiaries, SAP has meanwhile become much more alert and diverse to spar with difficulties.

Abstract: SAP may benefit the most during Oracle's merger transition. Unlike most migration programs, SAP is offering to be responsible for maintaining the competitions implementation, as users transition to SAP alternatives, offering the stability that some will likely crave.

Abstract: As for the lower-end of the market, SAP has designed SAP Business One to meet the core management needs of dynamically growing small and midsize businesses, and is moving to better address the specific needs of small manufacturers through a planned strategic solution relationship with SoftBrands whereby the two vendors have initiated efforts to integrate SoftBrands' leading manufacturing software product Fourth Shift with SAP Business One.