Abstract: The focus on process improvement continues to grow, and adoption of business process management (BPM) technology continues to rise despite slow-downs in other areas of business information technology. Discover how process improvement addresses common business issues that negatively impact operations at all levels of an organization, and learn about the increasing imperative to accelerate process improvement initiatives.

Abstract: Process improvement efforts often go hand in hand with a balanced scorecard (BSC). A BSC provides management with a set of key result indicators (KRI) to assess how the company is progressing toward strategic goals, such as “increase customer base.” For this type of goal, the KRI are tied to key performance indicators (KPIs). Explore how an application intelligence platform (AIP) can support a process improvement program.

Abstract: What is an Acquisition Plan (AP)? Acquisition Plan Definition: "An Acquisition plan (AP) is the comprehensive document that sets forth the acquisition strategy, defines the efforts required to implement it, and ensures coordination of all human and organizational resources involved in fulfilling the organization's needs in a timely manner and at a reasonable cost.". Who Should—or Shouldn't—Write the Acquisition Plan? When is a Written Acquisition Plan Required? Informal vs. Formal Acquisition Plan Template. How Does The Acquisition Plan Contribute to Acquisition Process Improvement? Writing an acquisition plan is a procedure referenced and defined by several software engineering (SE) standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 12207, IEEE 1062), software acquisition improvement models (e.g., CMMI for Acquisition [CMMI-ACQ]), and IT governance frameworks (e.g., CObIT) that organizations implement as part of their acquisition process improvement initiative. How to Write an Acquisition Plan? Acquisition Plan—Online Resources.

Abstract: Defining a systematic and repeatable COTS acquisition process (CAP). COTS Acquisition Process Method and References. Siemens COTS Acquisition Process Case Study. This paper introduces and describes a well-defined, systematic, and repeatable COTS acquisition process (CAP) and experience of using a tailored version of the process in a Siemens Business Unit.

Abstract: Business process management notation (BPMN) is an initiative to increase standardization within process modeling. What are the principles of BPMN, and what is the value of BPMN to vendors and organizations using business process modeling?

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: Process industry companies could benefit from many of the PLM concepts that have accrued to discrete industries. But PLM has had minimum penetration into the process industries. Why?

Abstract: Business process analysis (BPA) vendors are trying to enter the business process management (BPM) market by marketing themselves as BPM solutions. This article discusses the differences between BPA and BPM vendors, and examines the benefits of each.

Abstract: Many discrete manufacturers have adopted lean manufacturing approaches, but haven’t pursued lean improvement methods. Even those that have report only small, local benefits. A holistic approach is needed to see the long-term benefits of lean. To find out if your company is ready to make lean improvements, you need to ask key questions. Discover what they are, and how to start down the path to leaner manufacturing.

Abstract: A superior lead-to-order (LTO) process is essential in today's environment of mass customization. Companies striving to build and maintain market share require an LTO process supported by robust IT and product configuration capabilities. Learn how optimizing your LTO process can help you implement a successful mass customization strategy, and how the benefits of an optimized LTO process relate to lean manufacturing.

Abstract: In today’s changing, competitive world, companies must adopt a continuous improvement methodology to support sustainable and profitable business models. Processes must be seen as a lever for analyzing and optimizing the way firms works. Before you initiate any project involving process automation and management, discover five key points that can help you make continuous improvements in the life cycles of your processes.

Abstract: Most businesses today depend on their own IT departments to satisfy corporate governance objectives and meet increasing customer demand. Unfortunately, many have failed to clearly demonstrate to themselves—and to their customers—that they are truly managing their business. Only when the IT department understands what the business wants can it benchmark itself and build continual improvement plans that can meet these demands.

Abstract: Installing a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is both challenging and exciting. Yet many organizations do not recognize that one of the largest threats to such a project is a failure to focus on process improvement. If process change is not seen as a necessary element of the project, it will never be as successful as it should be.

Abstract: Life cycle development can be a complicated and intimidating process for many organizations. Are you struggling to adapt the development process successfully to your own projects? Do you want to use various formal life cycle processes such as Agile, Incremental, Spiral, and Waterfall, or various informal processes, such as extreme programming (XP) and others? Are you burdened by the development process? This paper will explain how you can simply and easily adopt any life cycle process.

Abstract: In today’s hyper-competitive markets, the process manufacturer/distributor faces extremely challenging opportunities that require re-visiting the once-thought basics in their industry. Global competition, with information technology riding on a backbone of totally new communications infrastructure can return great rewards for the early adoptors, users, and masters. We will explore the set of economic drivers specific to process manufacturing/distribution and how important that they be satisfied for an appropriately fitting ERP solution. We are not discussing common process/discrete ERP features or functionalities, only the major ones needed for process manufacturer and distributors.

Abstract: Companies require an agile enterprise performance management (EPM) strategy to ensure they have information to support effective decisions. The more information companies generate, the more they need software that places the information in the right context and optimizes the decision-support process. Learn to identify software that can help your organization find the best path to continual performance improvement.

Abstract: As a process manufacturer, if you’re actively searching for the right enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, you should focus on those ERP solutions that have a strong process manufacturing foundation. These ERP applications support many industry best practices to which you can align your business processes. Discover how a process-oriented ERP system can help you successfully manage your process manufacturing needs.

Abstract: Part 2 of a series on Business Process Reengineering: Long Live Business Process Reengineering. In this Part, we discuss some practical steps for actually performing business process analysis and fostering change in your company.