Abstract: Swedish-based PIAB is a global leader in industrial vacuum technology, and develops and sells solutions for improving productivity in the graphical, medical, and automobile industries, among others. Established in the 1950s, PIAB has subsidiaries and distributors in over 50 countries. In the early 2000s, PIAB sought to replace its aging enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Find out which system it chose, and why.

Abstract: LeasePlan Norway, a large automobile fleet management company, needed an alternative to manual entry of incoming invoice data, while still maintaining complete accuracy. The company implemented AnyDocINVOICE for invoice data capture, because of its ease- of- use and ability to capture data without templates. Find out about all the other functionalities that prompted the company to install the solution in its Swedish office.

Abstract: As a world class supplier of metal stampings, automated assemblies, lamination stamp¬ings, and die castings, Orchid International’s products can be found in virtually every home or automobile. Its challenge was to find a way—with an IT staff of three people—to run five manufacturing facilities operating varying manufacturing processes as a tier-one and tier-two supplier to demanding customers in a variety of industries.

Abstract: Just uttering the term 'blade server' creates confusion and spawns many questions. That’s because the term is applied to a wide range of hardware and software products that can vary greatly in terms of value, functionality, and fit in the enterprise. This is akin to using the term 'automobile' to describe everything from a three-cylinder compact car to an eight-passenger SUV. In this buying guide, we’ll sort out the confusion and provide you with a practical checklist for evaluating current market offerings. There is a place for blade servers in your enterprise, but not every enterprise needs every offering available.

Abstract: In PLM, there is no single vendor that can meet all of the requirements, and the market is still immature, so almost every product can be the right solution provided a certain set of requirements. In this part of the article we review 3 vendors who offer products to the PLM market - IDe, Thetis, and PDMware - as a demonstration that selecting the appropriate solution is highly dependant on the prioritized needs of the business.

Abstract: I'm Larry Blitz, editor of Technology Evaluation Centers’ (TEC) Vendor Showdown series. Welcome to our latest: ERP - Distribution Showdown. You’ll notice this one has a broader focus than Showdowns we’ve done in the past. Again we’ll be comparing three vendor solutions head-to-head, but not just on functionality. This time we’ll also look at the industries these solutions support, how well they cover different portions of the mid-market segment, and how their installed bases break out geographically. Of course, functionality is again a key component of this Showdown, broken down into four main distribution areas and 13 subareas. We hope you find today’s Showdown helpful and informative, and invite your comments and questions at showdown@technologyevaluation.com.

Abstract: There are two types of extract transform and load (ETL) vendors. Business intelligence (BI) vendors integrate ETL functionality into their overall BI framework, while best-of-breed data integration vendors, who provide enhanced ETL functionality, have an increased focus on data cleansing and integrity.

Abstract: This part illustrates how selecting the right ERP product depends on each client's requirements. Epicor, QAD, and Ramco Systems' rank can change with different sets of client requirements.

Abstract: Here's a handy checklist to make sure you cover all the bases and ask all the right questions when you go about comparing banks.

Abstract: Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is an approach to decision making that involves structuring multiple choice criteria into a hierarchy, assessing the relative importance of these criteria, comparing alternatives for each criterion, and determining an overall ranking of the alternatives

Abstract: Decision matrix: a decision-support tool allowing decision makers to solve their problem by evaluating, rating, and comparing different alternatives

Abstract: Decision matrix: a decision-support tool allowing decision makers to solve their problem by evaluating, rating, and comparing different alternatives

Abstract: Customer relationship management (CRM) functionality can fall into four categories: core functionality; non-core functionality; vertical, industry-specific features; and accounting-related features. When evaluating and selecting a CRM solution, enterprises must be aware of the potential issues associated with functions and features that are not part of core CRM functionality.

Abstract: To be successful today, companies must form and maintain strong profitable relationships with their customers. Failing to maintain a complete 360-degree view of all customers’ interactions can leave a company in a weakened competitive position. While customer relationship management (CRM) can improve customer interaction, it’s important to know which system will provide you with the best total cost of ownership (TCO).

Abstract: The 802.1x protocol should be the obvious choice when implementing user-based authentication in enterprise networks. So why doesn’t everyone use it? Because it doesn’t give a complete solution for authentication and policy requirements, even when it’s integrated with a network access control (NAC) solution. But if you integrate 802.1x with a local area network (LAN) secure switch, you get a more complete secure solution.

Abstract: Spam considerably lowers user productivity, as it delivers unwanted, irrelevant, or anonymous e-mail messages. The best way to manage the incidence of spam is to measure it. The Spam Index—a tool for measuring improvement in spam control systems and for comparing spam control performance with competitors—is a method used by businesses worldwide to achieve lower spam levels and improve business performance.

Abstract: A recent report by the European Commission noted that Europe is not investing in productivity-enhancing information technology and communications (ITC) as much as the US. The report also claimed that the situation is still worse for small to medium businesses (SMBs). Comparing the data from two recent Quocirca studies underlines the problem, and shows the price European SMBs are paying.

Abstract: Every supply chain professional must consider certain factors when comparing enterprise resource planning (ERP) and best-of-breed warehouse management system (WMS) solutions for warehouse management. Effective management of warehouse, fulfillment, and distribution operations is key to business success. With so much riding on your decision, you need to thoroughly compare ERP warehouse modules and best-of-breed WMS.