Abstract: A growing number of smart suppliers have recognized the competitive high ground to be seized as they deepen their connections to retail customers. By adding value in the replenishment process through vendor-managed inventory (VMI), small- and midsize manufacturers can differentiate themselves from larger brands. Most importantly, they can develop more profitable relationships with their retail clients. Find out how.

Abstract: Tandy Brands designs, manufactures, and markets fashion accessories for the whole family. With five years of success using the Inovis TrustedLink solution to trade via electronic data interchange (EDI) with 80 retailers, Tandy was mandated by Wal-Mart to use the Internet to do business. Find out how the company integrated its existing solution with another one from Inovis to satisfy Wal-Mart’s demands—and save money.

Abstract: Testing a system well is harder than building it. In the face of new risks introduced by the ever-increasing complexity of software and hardware, test tools may be your only practical way to be confident that you've got just what you paid for. From gathering the initial requirements to supporting the system after it has been deployed, test tools are available to support all phases of a project. This article looks at the ways that test tools can be used to design, code, and (of course) test a system.

Abstract: Most companies recognize that business intelligence (BI) is critical to business process improvement and decision making, because these BI tools turn data into actionable information. However, many companies fail to put BI tools into the hands of users who would most benefit from them. Find out how IT executives can leverage today’s less complex BI tools to empower your company from top to bottom.

Abstract: Commerce One has partnered with Sagent Technology to add analytic tools to its enterprise e-purchasing application. Also, Ariba has partnered with Informatica to add analytic tools to its enterprise e-purchasing application.

Abstract: Tools under the business intelligence (BI) umbrella combine to convert data into information, and information into decisions for action. Dashboards and scorecards are two such tools. Though often confused, they have functional difference, especially in modern BI suites.

Abstract: This tutorial, part 2 of a two part series on Knowledge Based Selection, demonstrates the selection processes and capabilities of Knowledge Based Selection Methods and Tools. These tools, integrated with business decision making procedures, can arguably reduce selection risk and improve chances for success in IT projects. Given the appalling rate of IT project failures, selection can potentially help reduce risk in some 30% of cases, with an associated estimated cost of about $30B annually to industry according to some sources. In this tutorial, we illustrate a number of the procedures for rapid decision processing through the real-life selection of a PDA device. The process gave confidence to the argument to wait for the solution, while weighing risk against return.

Abstract: In going through a business decision process for complex technology selections, more and more use is being made of technologically driven processes using Decision support tools and captured knowledge. The use of these systems and the capability to drive a solution from them assumes an ability to accurately express business requirements and business value within these tools. In this article, we explore the marriage of knowledge management and decision support in forming knowledge based selection systems and procedures that can assist in reducing the current appalling record of IT project failures. This is illustrated by the process to select a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).

Abstract: This article continues the examination of tools that a vendor may supply that can make the implementation of an ERP package easier for your project team, end users, and IT department. Read on to see what tools you may want to have in your toolbox before proceeding with the implementation.

Abstract: Microsoft development tools will help developers and independent Microsoft software vendors integrate Microsoft Dynamics GP with existing applications. This accounting and business management system includes many features and benefits, as well as guidelines to help developers choose the right tools for various development tasks and create custom applications that integrate with Microsoft Dynamics GP.

Abstract: Conventional business intelligence (BI) tools are often not available to decision makers and are typically designed for use by trained business analysts. Learn about software-as-a-service (SaaS) BI tools designed to help non-IT people who struggle with the task of mining Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and other unstructured data sources to make sales forecasts, plan for resource utilization, or service customer accounts.

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: With business intelligence (BI), decision-makers can feel the organization’s pulse, evaluate the performance of key business functions, and take action based on their analysis. However, many organizations invest time, money, and resources in BI processes, only to waste their newfound capabilities. Why? And, more importantly, how do you ensure that your BI solution won’t be one of them?

Abstract: Today’s knowledge workers spend more time sorting though a huge amount of information and less time adding value to it. Enterprises have responded by moving to a self-service business intelligence (BI) model. But that often conflicts with efforts to control, secure, centralize, and optimize their BI environments. Learn how you can get the right data now, while maintaining information quality and operational security.

Abstract: If you’re not on top of the range of business intelligence (BI) functionality that has evolved over the past 15 years, this framework can help. There’s a fundamental shortcoming in most BI tools today, as a single architecture cannot support the full range of BI functionality—leading to excessive costs, delays, and user dissatisfaction. Learn about a solution that covers the five different styles of BI functionality.

Abstract: SAP has gained connectivity to virtually any source on the plant floor and analytical functionality through its acquisition of Lighthammer's products for plant intelligence. SAP users in the process of evaluating plant intelligence solutions should seriously consider Lighthammer.

Abstract: Sterling Software, Inc. (NYSE: SSW) announced general availability today of its new EUREKA:Intelligence product, a 100% Java, Web-Based Integrated, Query, Analysis and Reporting tool that allows users to easily query, manipulate and format data for personal or shared use. EUREKA:Intelligence is suited for large, distributed organizations that require general purpose analyses reporting requirements for a large portion of business users.

Abstract: Despite significant investments in data collection and integration, few companies can redeploy accumulated data to drive business performance. To succeed, they need new business intelligence (BI) tools that can integrate and analyze huge amounts of internal and external data. Learn how such tools can help your company understand customer needs, identify trends, and use the resulting lead time to seize opportunities.