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: 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: The newest trend in human capital management is employee performance management (EPM). Unlike traditional HR evaluations, EPM links employee performance to a company's goals. While there are no strong EPM vendors, European-based Cézanne Software is moving to broaden its appeal.

Abstract: Past experience shows us that the vast majority of enterprise technology evaluations run over time and budget, and once selected, the majority of the implementations fail to meet functional, return on investment (ROI) and total cost of ownership (TCO) expectations. Many companies have consequently been stuck with under-performing software products and dejected users, and are still unable to gauge their system to determine how far they are from the ideal solution for their business requirements.

Abstract: Past experience shows us that the vast majority of enterprise technology evaluations run over time and budget, and once selected, the majority of the implementations fail to meet functional, return on investment (ROI) and total cost of ownership (TCO) expectations. Enterprise technology selections for ERP, CRM, SCM, and other enterprise applications provide valuable lessons that can be applied to selecting PLM software, but there are some key differences that need to be recognized.

Abstract: To view the latest information on oracle and to access software evaluations and reports, please visit. tec oracle resource center.

Abstract: During the course of product evaluations for a customer, the Technology Evaluation Center has uncovered a potential security hole in SAP R/3's three-tier architecture. SAP has revealed that they expect the database or third party products to handle security between the application server and the database server. If the client does not take these extra measures, the master password for the SAP database instance travels over the network in the clear, and can be captured. PeopleSoft has the same issue.

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 businesses become increasingly dependent on the effective delivery of IT services over global networks, technologies that optimize application performance over wide area networks (WANs) become more competitive. But how do you know which WAN to choose when there are so many solutions on the market? By learning about WAN best practices and principles, and by making comparative evaluations of competing vendors’ offerings.

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: When considering adopting cloud computing or software-as-a-service (SaaS), a question most potential customers ask vendors is “How secure will our data be in your hands?” Customers are right to ask this question and should closely examine any vendor’s security credentials as part of their cloud/SaaS evaluations. This document is intended to give a broad overview of one vendor’s security policies, processes, and practices.