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: It’s crucial to define the scope of an electronic medical system implementation, as well as to outline each stage of the project and the resources that will be needed. A failed implementation will paralyze the operational capabilities of a health care organization, but the right methodology will help ensure a successful implementation.

Abstract: Because of the risks inherent in any financial implementation, it’s essential to get back to business basics. These implementations need to be understood and planned for. Thus, there are a few premises that must be addressed in the planning stages of a financials implementation. If these premises are followed in a disciplined manner, the nosebleed of implementation can be avoided.

Abstract: The Microsoft Dynamics NAV Rapid Implementation Methodology (RIM) automates standard processes, speeds up implementation time, and drives the sharing of best practice knowledge and solutions between partners. But in order to understand how RIM can be used in an implementation project to get implementations up and running smoothly and quickly, it is important to understand the different components of RIM.

Abstract: White papers offer no shortage of advice about what best practices can lead to enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation success. But equally important is a thorough understanding of what practices are to be avoided during an implementation. This white paper reviews four “worst practices” that should be avoided at all costs—unless you want to go out of your way to cause your ERP implementation to fail.

Abstract: It’s a sad but well-known fact that many software implementation projects run out of time and money. Certain crucial activities tend to have striking effects on the cost of an implementation. But it’s possible to stick to plans and budgets, provided that you do the right things and avoid the traps. Discover which parts of a software implementation are worth spending extra money on in order to minimize risk and cost.

Abstract: Are you preparing to oversee an enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation project? Are you worried about the statistics that report less-than-successful ERP implementations? While there are many reasons a given implementation project may be less than perfect, there are a few steps you and your ERP implementation team can take to increase your chances of success. Learn about the five steps to a positive outcome.

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: Implementation of a radio frequency identification system is best approached in four phases to ensure its success. Discussed here are the second and third phases, which deal with testing and validation, and the importance of setting up a pilot implementation.

Abstract: Product lifecycle management (PLM) implementation brings its own set of challenges, whether considering vendor selection, employee perception management, or actual implementation. However, based on experience and study, it is possible to describe the best practices for overcoming these challenges.