Abstract: Today's usage of Decision Support Systems (DSS), combined with vetted ERP 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 requirement that enterprise software vendors deliver a measurable return on investment (ROI) has never been greater than right now. Customers are demanding that ROI analysis be a critical factor in their decisions to acquire new enterprise software. Without a demonstrable return, few customers are willing to invest scarce capital and human resources in new enterprirse software. A more complete analysis of return can be had by looking at the overall payback that enterprise software can offer to a company. Enterprise software payback includes not only quantifiable improvements in bottom and top line functionality, but also more qualitative measures-—such as new business opportunities, improved customer and partner relations, and improved time to market—-that contribute significantly to the success of a company's enterprise software implementation and use.

Abstract: Information Builders Inc., (IBI) has released a new suite of business intelligence tools designed to support e-business. Release 4.3 of the product has been re-engineered and enabled for wireless and XML, in addition to integration with Microsoft Office 2000 and BackOffice 2000. Announced at their Summit 2000 User Conference, IBI hopes the product will appeal to non-technical users of business intelligence technologies.

Abstract: If planetary life is to be found outside our solar system, the W. M. Keck Observatory will play an important role in discovering it. Perched on the summit of Hawaii’s dormant Mauna Kea volcano, the Observatory’s twin telescopes probe our solar system and the deepest corners of the universe. But, how does such a sophisticated system get built? And, how does the engineering team ensure it’s done right? Find out more.

Abstract: In an enterprise with multiple operating divisions, should the enterprise standardize on a single set of software? Recent broadening of major ERP products’ scope and the advent of Web-based product architecture may tempt corporations to consider deploying this concept. Although the enterprise can generate many benefits from standardization, they may also create other issues that often result in disruptions.

Abstract: How can you leverage your current IT infrastructure without increasing complexity—and cost? Creating the next generation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) via enterprise services architecture (ESA) outsourcing can make your IT system leaner, less expensive, and more adaptive. Read more for a clear picture of how to avoid difficulties when adopting an enterprise services approach for your back-office processes.

Abstract: Changing business practices, especially those that consolidate business and IT functions, requires careful research and decision making. For companies needing to move beyond traditional enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, enterprise service applications (ESA) can help reduce the complexity of having disparate IT systems. Find out about the benefits of ESA and how it can help you achieve operational excellence.

Abstract: Maintaining a competitive advantage is paramount, no matter what business you operate within. Engineer-to-order (ETO) companies that produce complex products, usually in low volumes, and with project control techniques, are no exception. A lean enterprise involves the reduction or elimination of any activity that does not add value to a customer. In order to effectively utilize lean, lean concepts must be taken from the manufacturing floor and used thorough the ETO enterprise. This paper demonstrates how IFS applications supports the principles of developing a lean enterprise for ETO organizations. It demonstrates how process improvements apply equally to office-based functions, manufacturing, installation, and service activities.

Abstract: Workers spend on average close to 80 percent of their workday with some combination of enterprise applications and desktop tools. Best-in-class companies have already found ways to improve productivity. Learn more about the convergence of enterprise applications with desktop tools, and the role it plays in providing visibility to enterprise data, improving communication, and facilitating real-time decision making.

Abstract: Enterprise applications can't provide value unless they work within the realities of the business they are trying to support. The current generation of enterprise architecture, while reflecting the best thinking at the time they were designed, does not address key realities of business and does not address the support gap their absences generate. In this paper, we introduce the concept of The Three Realities of Enterprise Solutions, which are fundamental truths about the way that businesses use enterprise solutions.

Abstract: Because product lifecycle management (PLM) offers a host of benefits to manufacturers, it has become one of the fastest growing categories of enterprise applications. But a PLM system needs to work hand-in-hand with an enterprise resource planning system, so how can an organization integrate these two enterprise applications, which

Abstract: Having just completed implementing your enterprise-wide software, you are about lean back, put your feet up on the desk, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Not so fast! While you were completing your implementation project, a new release of the software may have already hit the street or, for sure, there is one in the pipeline. Now you are faced with the decision as to if and when to take on the new release. Maybe now is the time to look at how a new class of software tools, enterprise process improvement (EPI), can assist you in the upgrade decision.

Abstract: Enterprise applications become easier to use with the addition of powerful search capabilities. There is a distinction to be made, however, between stand-alone search tools and true enterprise application search that is built into and tightly integrated within an application.

Abstract: Today, the issue of regulatory compliance touches every enterprise, and process manufacturers are no exception. To answer the challenge of this new reality, vendors now offer enterprise resource planning systems with far more features and functionality than ever before. But how can an organization choose the right system to meet its business needs?

Abstract: We take the liberty to expand further on the findings of a report, which was recently released by a renowned research organization, and which pinpoints enterprise applications implementations’ dissatisfactions in no uncertain terms. One may expect even more bad news in the future given the intricacy of collaborative inter-enterprise business.

Abstract: Enterprise performance management (EPM) and business intelligence (BI) supplier, Vanguard Solutions Group's business strategy focuses on selling with and through enterprise resource planning (ERP) and other enterprise application vendors. Over the last few years, the strategy has proven to be successful; however, the ongoing industry consolidation continues to shrink the prospective partner list—is this an opportunity or a challenge to Vanguard and its partners?

Abstract: Once we cross the border of the enterprise, traditional enterprise-centric systems fail to provide visibility or a way to understand and act, all in sync with our supply chain partners. This is why the delivery architecture of an application is critical, especially for addressing multi-enterprise interactions.

Abstract: As the market shifts from sophisticated enterprise CRM implementations to the more competitive and overcrowded mid-market-large enterprise vendors tend to step on mid-market vendor's toes. The real concern is to determine whether the mid-market cultural and functional differences are well understood and acted upon or do the large players simply offer a smaller mockup of their existing enterprise solutions. This article, which evaluates the PeopleSoft mid-market CRM solution, is the first of a series of research articles that focus on the mid-market applications provided by large CRM vendors.

Abstract: I'm Dylan Persaud, senior analyst at Technology Evaluation Centers. Welcome to another in our ongoing series of enterprise software Showdowns. Today's Showdown pits three of the top ERP - Distribution solutions against each other in a head-to-head contest: Microsoft Dynamics vs.Retalix vs. Epicor Enterprise! We hope you find this Showdown helpful and informative, and invite your comments and questions.