Abstract: Today's usage of Decision Support Systems (DSS), combined with vetted SCM 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: The conventional unit of measurement for software size is the point. Unfortunately, the point-based measurement system fails to account for many of the complexities of software development. This paper proposes software size units (SSUs) as an alternative to points, defines their component elements, and explains how to use SSUs for more accurate software estimations and easier productivity assessments.

Abstract: This guide to supply chain management (SCM) functions/features will help you determine which SCM features are a high priority for your organization. Learn about SCM functions and features for WMS, TMS, international trade logistics (ITL), supplier relationship management (SRM), demand management, supply chain analytics, order management, service parts planning, and more.

Abstract: Supply chain management (SCM), a critical part of your enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, means more than getting the right resources to the right place at the right time. It also means optimally tuning the sequence of events involved in producing goods and distributing them to customers. And if your chief financial officer (CFO) isn’t actively involved in analyzing your ERP/SCM system, it’s about time to start.

Abstract: Customizing third-party “vendor” source code is becoming increasingly common. But managing the incorporation of vendor application releases alongside customizations requires an additional layer of software configuration management (SCM) to integrate subsequent vendor releases. Traditional branch-based SCM tools require an unnecessarily complex branch-and-merge process. However, there is a more intuitive and efficient parallel development model for managing customizations to vendor code.

Abstract: Most software configuration management (SCM) systems rely on metadata annotations to support basic system operations, such as computing the contents of software configurations. With AccuRev, configurations are first-class objects called 'streams,' whose contents aren't defined in terms of metadata annotations at all. AccuRev relies on the chronology of SCM operations, enabling users to leverage the incremental nature of the process.

Abstract: The specialized material resource planning module for cut-to-size/shape industries must be able to recognize when current demand cannot be satisfied by the in stock inventory due to dimensional issues, and include that unsatisfied demand in its reorder messages.

Abstract: With opportunities in the large enterprise marketplace shrinking due to increased penetration, small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) are starting to receive more attention and scrutiny. This article explores the special needs of the SMEs and asks, from a software standpoint, what companies can to do survive in this unique marketplace and what vendors can do to service them. Read on for the answers.

Abstract: When Newport Corporation needed an integrated business system, it enlisted CSCG to help evaluate existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions. CSCG leveraged innovative software assessment tools to help make a selection decision at a savings of $50,000 in project costs, mitigating risk by delivering key reporting capabilities based on impartial data. This case study shows how it was done.

Abstract: This article summarizes the findings from a study of why customers failed to attain the full value potential of their SCM projects. Most SCM projects continue to focus much of their energy on technology implementations and simply pay lip service to end-user training and executive alignment. Learn the pitfalls causing SCM project failures and how to avoid them.

Abstract: SCM vendors are adding best of breed solutions to ERP product suites and are aggressively marketing this new functionality. The SCM market has been growing so strongly that where SCM was once viewed as a means to gain competitive advantage, companies now see it as a necessary extension of an ERP system, especially Inventory Management and Optimization solutions.

Abstract: While the recent initiatives by Microsoft Business Solutions to piecemeal bolster its product lines' SCM capabilities should benefit users, a lot more cohesive SCM strategy is needed for Microsoft to truly permeate the SCM mid-market.

Abstract: Collaborative supply chain solution vendor, Logility, recently partnered with ebaseOne, which will use its ASP infrastructure to deploy Logility's supply chain management applications to customers. The deal is the first in what is expected to be several partnerships with ASPs for supporting Logility's i-Connection announced last July.

Abstract: On December 16, Netherlands-based Baan Co. said the Boeing Co. has signed an enterprise-wide licensing deal that could expand its use of Baan's business applications.

Abstract: Web analytics has never been an exact science—which can make the process extremely frustrating. How can you be 100 percent certain that the data you’re working with is always accurate? To deal with this and many other questions that will arise, businesses must gain a better understanding of how well their analytics tools work with their existing data integration solutions, and how using testing platforms will help.

Abstract: Due to ever-changing business, market, and economic conditions, shippers cannot afford to rely solely on a certain size of carrier—and often it’s the smaller regional or family-owned carriers that can fill the unique needs of a shipper. But can those smaller carriers provide the level of communication you expect and get from larger carriers? Learn about a solution that offers integrated communication for any size carrier.

Abstract: In today’s market, customers have no patience for companies that let their size and complex product lines slow them down. The challenge for communication service providers (CSPs) is to leverage their size and complex service offerings to keep pace with competitors. Discover how a next-generation configuration solution can provide you with the tools and the service agility you need to meet and exceed customer expectations.

Abstract: New developments in telephony solutions have left some small businesses reeling; smaller organizations incorrectly assume there’s a steep learning curve for new products. However, there is no real reason for any business to be left behind. One-size-fits-all telephony is a thing of the past, and new flexibility can level the playing field for any size of business.

Abstract: Primarily due to rapid development of technology in the past thirty years, the market structure throughout the world has changed considerably. Local markets have become accessible to foreign manufacturers, who are able to perform well in their newly established territories in part due to their superior application of technology. In this light, most companies, including small and medium size, have embedded globalization in their expansion strategies, consistently seeking for new markets abroad. Consequently, local manufacturing companies are facing global competition, forcing them to adopt new concepts with respect to people, process and technologies. This document describes these approaches to production planning in detail as well outlines a software solution. The software solution (Production/3) combines both pull and push techniques and enables small to medium size organizations to fully automate their production system while retaining their investment in their legacy enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.