Abstract: Helsinki (Finland)-based Rautaruukki Oyj is a leading supplier of metal-based components, systems, and integrated systems to the construction and mechanical engineering industries. The company has a wide portfolio of metal products and services, with operations in over 20 countries. Find out how the company found a solution to manage inventory, manufacturing productivity, and delivery performance.

Abstract: For the coffee producer Mother Parkers, scheduling coffee production across two plants was an ever-increasing challenge. Mother Parkers decided to take proactive steps toward consolidating its day-to-day scheduling data by engaging Supply Chain Consultants (SCC) to help. SCC applied its scheduling algorithms to improve schedule attainment, visibility, and stability—exactly what Mother Parkers needed.

Abstract: Recent findings by the SEC prompted global management consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to dismiss a number of its consultants, including five partners, and discipline a larger group from its U.S.-based staff of 39,000 consultants.

Abstract: Among all customer relationship management (CRM) user groups, the sales organization is often the most important—and challenging—to win over. With sales force automation (SFA) one of the primary drivers for a CRM initiative, and one of the primary measures of its success, user adoption among the sales force is crucial. Learn the principles you can use to select a CRM system that sales users feel was built just for them.

Abstract: Continuous process simplification of inherently complex enterprise applications should be the primary goal. Apptricity believes that the primary focus for business- technology managers should be on achieving a rapid application integration and deployment to guarantee measurable return on investment (ROI). Business technology and business managers should not have to constantly recalibrate solution delivery objectives or re-scope project deliverables with reduced functionality because of finger pointing or other rationalized justifications. How can ROI be assured and achieved more rapidly? What are the major decisions faced by organizations relative to their information technology (IT) strategy, and how does this impact ROI? And why would a company choose an (application suite) versus extending in-house legacy systems?

Abstract: When it comes to disaster recovery (DR) software, companies should think of it as an insurance policy—not just software that recovers lost data. Being prepared for disaster makes good business sense, but oddly enough, few companies are. Because Linux distributions don’t include DR tools, companies must look to a file-based recovery solution that can recover the entire system and eliminate the need to rebuild.

Abstract: ERP Plus provides tools that metal fabricators need to streamline their quoting, order entry, inventory control, production, labor collection, shipping, and invoicing processes.

Abstract: As a world class supplier of metal stampings, automated assemblies, lamination stamp¬ings, and die castings, Orchid International’s products can be found in virtually every home or automobile. Its challenge was to find a way—with an IT staff of three people—to run five manufacturing facilities operating varying manufacturing processes as a tier-one and tier-two supplier to demanding customers in a variety of industries.

Abstract: The complexity of the metal manufacturing process often poses problems when it comes to planning and scheduling production. The sector’s many different processes often cause bottlenecks that slow down production—not only within plants, but throughout entire supply chains. With an industry-specific production planning and scheduling system, manufacturers can improve productivity, reduce lead times, and increase revenues.

Abstract: Carefully tracking components and assemblies throughout the manufacturing process can prevent costly production and sequencing errors, but executing these procedures can be difficult. While bar codes provide accurate, efficient product identification, they are not viable in many common industrial processes. Specialized RFID tags, however, are optimized for use on or around metal, and are an effective and viable alternative.

Abstract: Based in Vancouver, Washington (US), TigerStop LLC is the global leader in stop/gauge and pusher systems designed to improve the efficiency of manufacturing processes in the plastics, woodworking, and metal industries. Having experienced business-jeopardizing technical issues with the company’s initial customer relationship management (CRM) system, TigerStop went to the market in search of a viable CRM system.

Abstract: Learn how Fabcon, once a small manufacturing company and now the premier sheet metal shop in Southern California catapulted its 55 percent on-time rate in 1993 to a 97 percent on-time rate a year later through business vertical integration and the help of Global Shop Solutions enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions.

Abstract: Learn how Harvey Vogel Manufacturing Co., a metal stamping and value-added assembly company, improved job costing and reporting.

Abstract: Interface Software, a provider of relationship intelligence to professional services firms, introduces InterAction 5 with three additional modules aimed at facilitating collaborative work in both legal- and project-based environments. InterAction 5 reinforces Interface Software's customer relationship management offering in response to its customer requirements and work processes. Interface Software targets particularly accountants, financial services, law firms, and management consultants.

Abstract: This is the transcript of an audio conference conducted by TEC on May 22 and again on May 30. The conference discussed the recent experiences of TEC consultants in conducting an ERP Selection.

Abstract: To improve supply chain operations with a fresh look and new ideas, Harris Tea worked with a consulting firm, Supply Chain Consultants. The objective was to optimize the entire supply chain, not just the pieces.

Abstract: Most consultants agree that there are three stages that precede a software implementation project: research, evaluation, and selection. This three-part article will describe each of them, providing tips and real life examples that will help small businesses better understand what they need and how they can find the best product and vendor for them.

Abstract: Many consultants, vendors, and analysts today define CRM in terms of being a customer-centric business strategy that is enabled by a set of applications that support customer-facing functions and management decision making. That may capture the essence of what CRM is, but it does not begin to capture why an end user organization should invest significant resources to pursue such an initiative.