Abstract: Today, shipping complex products without documentation is not an option! As products become increasingly complex, product documentation has become a critical, constantly changing corporate asset. Content delivery processes must yield accurate, up-to-date information in more formats and languages. As such, organizations are adopting automated technologies that enable the dynamic creation and publishing of product content.

Abstract: An earlier article, Audit Considerations for Enterprise Software Implementations, included a brief discussion of the use of computer-based tool sets and repositories to facilitate compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX). Here we examine this issue in more detail. Of particular interest are the key characteristics that you should look for when selecting such tool sets. Read on to see how these tool sets can assist your company in meeting the new audit challenges facing corporate America.

Abstract: The quantity of business information is doubling at an alarming rate. How can a proactive manager keep on top of it? A tool that merges and unifies information from a variety of sources and formats can help. That tool should also analyze data and identify inputs as indicators of future actions or outcomes, so problems can be solved before they happen. The bottom line: better data analysis means better decision making.

Abstract: Typically, useful network documentation requires a significant investment in time and effort. But because enterprise networks are in constant flux, many companies do not document their network on a regular basis. However, by adopting a sole source, service-based solution for network shapes and stencils, organizations can perform mission-critical documentation more regularly—in ways that are simpler, faster and more effective.

Abstract: Tellabs is a $1.3 billion (US) corporation that designs, manufactures, markets, and services optical networking, broadband access and voice quality enhancement. Tellabs was faced with a high volume and high cost product returns process. Improper documentation, lengthy processing times, and insufficient returns documentation was affecting customer service and limiting profitability. It worked with Click Commerce to implement their product returns application. The solution provides an efficient and transparent process, which allowed the business to be realigned for significant savings and improved customer satisfaction. The savings include reducing in-transit inventory by $1.76 million (USD) per month and reducing spare parts stocking levels from $7.5million to $1.9 million (USD).

Abstract: A plethora of software estimation tools are available, each claimed to be better than the others, thereby confusing prospective buyers. An effective tool ought to provide for all four aspects of software estimation, namely, size, effort, cost, and schedule.

Abstract: Bristol Technology, Inc. has announced shipment of its Windows-to-Linux application-migration tool. Bristol's Wind/U for Linux product, which began shipping Tuesday, enables developers to compile Microsoft Win32 API and Microsoft Foundation Class source code directly on Linux, and create native, desktop and server-based Linux applications, according to Bristol.

Abstract: The merger of traditional brick-and-mortar manufacturer Illinois Tool Works with Internet-based Click Commerce is puzzling, but has some method to the madness. Only time will tell how easily and tightly their tools will

Abstract: Of all the points that you should focus on when planning ISO 9001 standards projects, corrective action and root cause analysis should rise to the top of your priorities list. Learn how to improve your approach to ISO 9001, how to implement a system that can help you ensure that your approach is feasible and effective, and about the one tool that you need help ensure your company becomes ISO 9001 2000 certified.

Abstract: Structured planning can make all the difference to your business’s growth. But are you using the right tools? Spreadsheets may not be meeting your financial management and budget planning needs. Find out the risks of using spreadsheets as a planning tool, and how enterprise performance management can help consolidate your departments’ financial information and budgets to give you real-time views of business performance.

Abstract: While it’s great to find ways to keep up with mountains of e-mail, organizations must remember that e-mail is not a lightweight communication tool anymore. For people and organizations swamped by critical information, throwing messages away is just not an answer. Increasingly, knowledge workers are turning to searching to manage the volume and value of information sitting in their in-boxes.

Abstract: For a full picture of the business environment and make the best decisions, middle managers must have access to business intelligence (BI). You can’t focus on only the functional level—you must see the relationships among various business components. And you can—with a BI tool that’s easily accessible no matter where you reside in the enterprise, and that’s flexible enough to meet each department’s reporting needs.

Abstract: Milwaukee Electric Tool, in business for 85 years, was using an electronic data interchange (EDI) solution that had been outsourced at very high cost. When the company chose a new EDI solution, the focus of the conversion was on reducing costs while improving accuracy and increasing trading partner adoption. Learn more about how the company put EDI order processing back in-house and reduced cost per order by 86 percent.

Abstract: Once the user defines compliance case boundaries and establishes the data criteria in Phases I and II, the HIPPA-Watch for Security tool begins Phase III by launching the risk analysis engine, and concludes with Phase IV, which generates the report. Using the HIPPA-Watch for Security tool can help an organization comply with the Final Security Rule and help companies understand which safeguards can generate a greater return on investment.

Abstract: A major consulting firm recently unveiled an E-Procurement selection tool that helps its clients select technologies that enable their business objectives. The tool combines the consulting firm’s knowledge of various E-Procurement solutions with TEC’s decision support technologies.

Abstract: Evolutionary Technologies (ETI) has announced the newest release of their flagship product, ETI•EXTRACT Tool Suite Release 4.2. ETI·Extract has long been well known as an ETL (extract/transform/load) tool, only recently have companies begun to realize that data extraction and consolidation are key underpinnings for EAI efforts, proven by the fact that ETI’s year-over-year Q4 revenue in the Americas increased by 20%.

Abstract: Many software applications are indispensable for the operation and management of the enterprise. They, however, may actually stifle creativity--arguably the most valuable aspect of human capital--by requiring the user to adapt to the tool rather than have the tool supporting the user.

Abstract: For many companies, a network analyzer with application analysis capabilities is the essential tool in the IT administrator’s toolbox. No other tool can provide you with the level of individual transaction detail that is often necessary for solving problems. Learn the concepts and technologies behind effectively managing application performance, so you can identify and correct issues before they affect your business.