Abstract: It was precisely ten years ago, in early 1992, that Apparel Fabrics took possession of Datatex’s TIM package (Textile Integrated Manufacturing) and began the process of implementing an ERP system that had been specifically designed to meet the needs of a textile processing firm.

Abstract: The pharmaceutical industry is highly competitive, regulated, and in a permanent state of change. Customers demand instant attention, while suppliers require comprehensive leading edge services with regard to their products. Regulatory authorities require that the industry keep up to date with regulations, following them to the letter. Competitors are always inventing new ways to gain market share, while e-business presents new opportunities and challenges. All the while the pressure to reduce prices and to shorten order cycles is high. Pharmaceutical wholesalers comprise the lifeline within the pharmaceutical industry, providing continuity of supply and facilities for storage. They also offer a range of supporting services, such as information technology systems and product withdrawal notifications, which form an essential part of the total healthcare package. These companies and institutions all operate in an environment where speed and efficiency may mean the difference between life and death. However, the industry has a number of specific requirements that are critical for achieving success in the distribution sector.

Abstract: The challenges that face the manufacturing industry today are also opportunities. Manufacturing is being revolutionized in its processes, routines, and ways of doing business through the growing emergence of order driven production methods. This shift towards demand driven manufacturing is emerging in tandem with the larger currents caused by globalization. This cross industry brief focuses on the manufacturing industry from the standpoint of a demand driven IT solution and is aimed at manufacturing and distribution businesses. It describes some major market trends and issues, provides an overview of IBS supply chain solution, and offers details on how the IBS solution for demand driven manufacturing can address current needs of the industry.

Abstract: There’s a buzz in the automotive industry around the concept of “strategic workforce management”—getting the right people, for the right job, at the right time, to improve overall business results. Strategic workforce management goes beyond the traditional role of human resources: it’s a strategic initiative and competitive weapon to help today’s automotive companies drive corporate goals and objectives.

Abstract: Despite intense price competition for its volume products, the electrical products industry remains healthy and dynamic. World-class companies are succeeding by marketing innovative products, scaling up and outsourcing production, expanding into new geographic areas, implementing more efficient business systems, and focusing on ever-closer relationships with suppliers, partners, and customers. This white paper explores the issues of manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors and the current state and future of the industry. Industry specific technological are also discussed.

Abstract: Many oil and gas industry suppliers chose enterprise software prior to 1999, when software designed to meet the needs of the oil and gas industry didn’t exist. This affects the efficiency of these companies—and will prevent them from pursuing new revenue streams in the future. However, project-enabled solutions can now cater to the oil and gas industry’s needs, helping you adjust to current market demands. Learn more.

Abstract: This is an examination of EMR Innovations' ProcessPro ERP solution. Companies can begin determining if it is worthwhile to pursue a relationship with EMR Innovations by considering the selection criteria which are most supported by the vendor. We ask the question, all things being equal, which modules are the most complete in their contribution to the product's functionality.

Abstract: This is an examination of Metasystems ERP solution. Companies can begin determining if it is worthwhile to pursue a relationship with Metasystems by considering selection criteria, which are most supported by the vendor. We ask the question, all things being equal, which modules contribute the most to the product's functionality.

Abstract: Aligning information technology (IT) with corporate strategy is key to maximizing the business impact of IT investments. Tree Top's structured process of reviewing proposed IT investments will allow an enterprise to understand this alignment, and prioritize investments.

Abstract: Geac Computer Corporation Limited announced its financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended January 31, 2000. Geac also announced it has acquired RunTime, the Denmark-based e-Customer Relationship Management (eCRM) solutions provider to the apparel, footwear, and textile industries.

Abstract: This is an examination of Pronto Software's ERP solution. By looking at how areas where the Pronto product fulfills a large portion of selection criteria, companies can determine if it is worthwhile to pursue a relationship with Pronto. We ask the question, all things being equal, which modules contribute the most to the product's functionality.

Abstract: E-discovery is the extension of the discovery process to include identifying, preserving, collecting, reviewing, and analyzing electronically stored information. Today, it represents 35 percent of the total cost of litigation. Companies that fail to produce e-mail in a timely manner face paying fines and other risks. Learn how you can develop an e-discovery plan to better manage your electronic data discovery processes.

Abstract: Unfortunately, electronic documents are rarely categorized based on records management standards or retention policies. Organizations facing numerous claims, litigations, government investigations, or audits realize that identifying, locating, and reviewing electronic data is time-consuming and costly. A solution that helps archive and search for your vital electronic data can also ease your efforts to comply. Learn more.

Abstract: For dried fruit producer Sunsweet, a spreadsheet-based planning system just wasn’t working. After reviewing several solutions, Sunsweet selected the Zemeter supply chain planning suite to eliminate the repetitive work involved in spreadsheet management. Zemeter’s accurate forecasting and planning process ended up saving Sunsweet money by increasing production line efficiency and reducing overruns by 18 percent.

Abstract: Keeping track of your key business indicators is the difference between a thriving business concern and a business on life support. But even with this knowledge, one-third of chief executive officers (CEOs) feel they don’t spend enough time reviewing financial and operating numbers. But is spending more time agonizing over piles of data really the best solution?

Abstract: In 1988, Gulistan Carpet, one of America’s leading carpet producers, implemented a custom enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to understand its business planning issues. But management soon realized this was not enough, and wanted to find a way to link this information with actual plant floor production operations at its three main plants. For a solution, it turned to Adexa, Inc.

Abstract: St. Marys Paper Ltd. is a pulp and paper mill located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario (Canada). In 1989, it implemented a CHAMPS computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to help reduce costs and improve efficiencies. In 1998, St. Marys decided to investigate potential vendors for a maintenance system upgrade. After reviewing several vendors, the mill again turned to CHAMPS.

Abstract: As apparel and textile companies move to outsourcing production—relinquishing direct control in favor of a more cost-effective manufacturing model—a lean supply chain may appear to be the next logical step for further implementing cost and operational improvement. Not so, however. You can’t have a lean supply chain without lean manufacturing. Regardless of whether you or your partners engage in production, lean manufacturing is the lean engine that drives lean supply chain efficiencies. Accordingly, the business requirement for stability in a constantly changing demand environment motivates the fashion industry’s search for lean supply chain management principles and practices. Intentia, in cooperation with industry experts, have written a series of thought leadership white papers on the concept of implementing lean supply chain in the fashion industry. The second of this series, From Lean Manufacturing to Lean Supply Chain explains how lean manufacturing relates to lean supply chain management and where it differs and sometimes conflicts.