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: ERP will be redefined as a platform for enabling e-business globally. Originally focused on automating internal processes of an enterprise, ERP systems will include customer and supplier-centric processes as well. The conclusive evidence of this redefinition is the move of all major ERP players into CRM and SCM applications.

Abstract: With so much frenzy surrounding e-business and CRM applications, ERP may be a far cry from its halcyon days. However, ERP implementation skills are still in demand, particularly as a foundation and a facilitator to other sexier applications.

Abstract: Now that PeopleSoft has a pure Internet platform, a new set of products and a new assertive attitude, it faces strong retaliatory actions from the competition. Can it achieve number two in the ERP space?

Abstract: Mercator Software, formerly known as TSI International Software, reported higher than forecasted marketing expenses, a new CFO, and missed their earnings estimate by 4 cents a share (predictions were 8 cents a share). Despite the resultant sharp drop in market capitalization, Mercator’s capabilities in the areas of XML and enterprise application integration are still solid.

Abstract: The US is the largest debtor nation in the world, with the largest per capita consumption of energy, and its currency is in decline. Does that mean a decline in America's wealth and super power status? This article makes some sobering observations, predictions, and recommendations.

Abstract: After 9/11, the analyst community optimistically predicted a sharp rise in the demand for global trade management (GTM) software. While initially vendor shares rose, pre- and post-9/11 barriers have prevented the profitability and ubiquity of GTM software.

Abstract: Despite predictions that it would be subsumed by enterprise resource planning (ERP) vendors encroaching from above and automation vendors encroaching from below, the manufacturing execution systems (MES) market has been growing steadily. This guide from TEC and Flexware Innovation provides state-of-the-market analysis, success stories from your peers, in-depth information on solutions, and a spotlight on leading vendors.

Abstract: The first six months of 2007 continued a trend of rapidly mutating virus and spam campaigns. Small targeted attacks were favored over large-scale attacks. The Web in particular continued to be a growing source of threats, being overrun with Trojans, spyware and adware, potentially unwanted applications, and undesirable web sites. Protect yourself: learn about our predictions for the upcoming threat landscape.

Abstract: Predictions of the death of software are overstated. In reality, businesses are becoming more reliant on technology, not less. What’s changing, however, is the number of options available for managing, delivering, and paying for software applications. Many independent software vendors recognize the benefits of offering software as a service--a delivery alternative that can present long-term benefits for all parties.

Abstract: E-mail inquiries for the customer service sector are expected to explode from 2.9 billion messages in 2005, to 7.2 billion by 2010. This means that a company’s online relationship with customers will be increasingly critical to customer satisfaction and retention. That’s why managers need new tools to manage their corporate e-mail assets and better service the e-mail customer.

Abstract: E-commerce technology continues to evolve rapidly. Research conducted in 2008 indicated that 46 percent of retailers interviewed expected to upgrade their implementation of e-commerce technology by the end of 2010. This report identifies and evaluates e-commerce platform vendors on the basis of functionality and market impact, calls out key issues in e-commerce for retail, and provides a quantitative ranking of vendors.

Abstract: When the term “enterprise resource planning” (ERP) was introduced, it applied primarily to the planning and management of resources needed to manufacture goods. Today, however, most business decision makers realize that their enterprises rely upon resources, and that planning is essential to optimize how those resources are acquired, allocated, and used. Learn how the definition of ERP has evolved, and what it means today.

Abstract: Hosted voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) services are proliferating, and small to medium businesses (SMBs) now have a better range of choices for IP telephony. But making decisions around hosted services is different than for premise-based systems. This SMB Phone Systems Comparison Guide has been developed to help you survey the field and narrow down the best choices for the specific needs of your business.

Abstract: As global economic conditions continue to improve, human resources (HR) leaders have an opportunity to take an active and strategic role in preparing their organizations for future growth and prosperity. Discover the significant business impact of organizing around people management, and find out how to limit top performer flight, facilitate growth, and get the most out of your HR technology investments.

Abstract: It’s up to human resources (HR) to ensure that hiring, discipline, and termination practices are compliant with the law. Otherwise, you could put your company at risk of incurring fines, penalties, and employee lawsuits. Find out all about the latest workforce compliance and safety laws and regulations that may affect your organization so you can train management and employees, and avoid expensive employee lawsuits.

Abstract: Get insight into manufacturing production metrics and best practices in the US, and benchmark your operations to better understand how to improve in today’s difficult economic climate. The Manufacturing Performance Institute (MPI) presents its findings, comparing and contrasting the responses of plants that rate themselves closest to—and furthest from—world-class status. See how your manufacturing facility stacks up.

Abstract: Hearing confusing messages from your customer resource management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) vendors? You may be dealing with dozens of software vendors and system integrators, each one praising the benefits of his solution. Among these proposals, one claims not only to efficiently manage the entire customer life cycle, but also to take full advantage of your previous technology investments. Your incumbent ERP system vendor also has a CRM solution, and praises the benefits of the tight integration of both systems. The question then is, how do you know whether this solution is the best for you? Request your copy of Integrating CRM with ERP compliments of Baseline Consulting. The report gives you the criteria to use when formulating your strategy of integrating CRM with ERP, best practices of CRM implementation, dealing with ERP integration, and how to integrate CRM with ERP impacts the value chain.

Abstract: I'm Larry Blitz, editor of TEC’s Vendor Showdown series. With enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems being the information backbone of the organization, we decided to take a closer look at three of the more popular discrete ERP solutions for the mid-market. Using TEC's ERP Evaluation Center, we compared Infor ERP LN 6.1, Epicor Vantage, and Lawson M3 Discrete Manufacturing Solutions head-to-head, based on the most recent data supplied to us by the three vendors.