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 free cartoon character cursor provided by Comet Systems Inc. tracks and stores the web visits of millions of people. This potential privacy issue was discovered and announced by the same security consultant who discovered, in March of 1999, that Microsoft Windows was inserting unique serial numbers into many documents created within Office 97 programs like Word and Excel.

Abstract: Consultant Paul Mitnick chose the Training Partner learning management system (LMS) to help a real estate firm consolidate its learning management program. In addition to a breakdown of the steps involved in his LMS software selection process, you’ll also discover how the LMS implementation went—including the testing and timing involved in ensuring that all data was in the new LMS before it was accessed by users.

Abstract: When times get tough, some decision makers reduce costs, and cut corners. In some situations, that doesn’t work. An economic downturn may actually be the perfect time to invest in a significant IT expansion—especially in areas where a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and improve competitiveness. Just make sure you choose the right ERP vendor and consultant. Learn more.

Abstract: New Avenue Solutions is a consultant for small to medium businesses (SMBs) in network setup and installation, security, data backup, and more. As part of New Avenue’s service offering, it rents rack space in a data warehouse to manage customers’ network and backup solutions. As storage demands grew, transfer rates slowed, and maintenance became increasingly time consuming. Learn how New Avenue overcame the problems.

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: Deciding that acquisition is the better part of valor, Numetrix cancelled its IPO to combine fortunes with ERP vendor J. D. Edwards & Company. Though technologically adept in the areas of supply chain planning and optimization, Numetrix has lacked a successful marketing strategy, a primary factor in its demise as an independent company. Now, the marketplace scrutinizes the new combination, strategies for integration of Numetrix, and the growing footprint of J. D. Edwards.

Abstract: RIM’s primary focus is wireless e-mail, which has evolved into a mission critical application for most users over the past several years, leading to tremendous success for RIM’s 850 and 950 versions of their wireless Blackberry e-mail device line.

Abstract: Selecting package software can have long-term benefits or long-term regrets. To avoid the latter, your approach needs to be sound, logical, and prudent. It also has to be completed in your lifetime. Read about an approach to software selection that helps an organization get to the primary objective of identifying the best software solution quicker but with the necessary due diligence.