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: This tutorial points out the significance of buyers researching PLM technology vendors before determining the short list and vendors researching the viability of the opportunity before committing time and money to a sales effort. Since a 'one-size-fits-all' product is still not quite a viable possibility, almost every product can win provided certain set of requirements. The Catch 22 for both buyers and vendors/VARs is to pinpoint the right opportunity in this ongoing 'dating game'.

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: If you're researching a software selection project, you need to take full advantage of the white papers available to you. Find out about the top 10 white paper buzzwords used today—and learn how to make solid sense of them.

Abstract: This tutorial identifies the significance of researching technology vendors to both buyers and vendors/VARs. Buyers require research to determine the short list and vendors/VARs can use research to assess the viability of opportunities before committing time and money to a sales effort. Since a 'one-size-fits-all' product is still not a viable solution for most clients, the ability of technology products to meet clients' needs depends on client requirements. The Catch 22 for both buyers and vendors/VARs is to pinpoint the right match in this ongoing 'dating game'.

Abstract: 10 questions to ask before you buy erp lays out the most important questions to ask when researching erp vendors and their products.

Abstract: RFPs and selection tools typically focus on features and functions. The business process protagonists consider this focus old fashioned. However, users want and need an inventory or check lists of the functions to understand if the business process will work. One always has to start from somewhere, and there is no better place to start researching enterprise software than from its functional and technical capabilities.

Abstract: Researching over 200 companies using more than 250 PCs and one or more Microsoft Dynamics applications, Microsoft found several key pain points. One was rapid growth and how it’s hindered by systems that can’t scale to support it. Another point was integration problems, especially with customer and partner systems. Find out how these companies used Microsoft Dynamics to support rapid growth and drive business success.

Abstract: What’s the difference between the right enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and the wrong one? What it’ll do to your bottom line. Knowing which questions to ask when researching your options, however, can help mitigate this risk. Here are five essential criteria that should top your list when evaluating ERP vendors. Find out how exercising due diligence can help you choose a system that won’t drain your IT budget.