Abstract: If you're researching a software selection project, you need to take full advantage of the white papers available to you. Find out about the top 10 white paper buzzwords used today—and learn how to make solid sense of them.

Abstract: At Mohawk Fine Papers, a new Web-based enterprise asset management (EAM) system replaced a maintenance management system (MMS) to provide efficiencies for paper-making and converting equipment. Since implementing the new EAM, Mohawk has standardized its maintenance processes, streamlined work order flow, automated business rules, and achieved more detailed tracking of assets. Learn more about the EAM software’s modules.

Abstract: Managing growth is a monumental undertaking—and one that Valero Energy Corporation has mastered. But as one of the largest oil refinery companies in North America, with revenues exceeding $90 billion (USD), the company needed to find a way to fit new applications into its existing infrastructure in a quick and cost-effective manner. By switching to SAP’s NetWeaver platform, Valero saved $480,000 (USD) in the first month.

Abstract: Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems are software systems that cover the range of interaction a company has with its current, or potential customers. Its functionality can include marketing automation, sales force automation, help desk, customer service and support, partner management, contract management and creation, project and team management, Internet sales, e-mail response management, analytics, and important technical criteria.

Abstract: At the macro level, the fibre channel storage systems market is mature and slow-growing. However, the market is actually undergoing tremendous architectural and technological transition. This report provides a quantitative market-sizing analysis based on the direction and scope of the overall fibre channel storage systems market, and analyzes next-generation fibre channel storage systems segments and their growth prospects.

Abstract: The network attached storage (NAS) model, based on network file systems (NFSs), creates a number of issues for high-performance computing clusters (HPCC) systems. NFS is oriented toward access, not performance—which means that it does not scale as needed for growing HPCC systems. It also adds another layer of latency between the storage and the computing systems. In this white paper, we outline a new model for storage.

Abstract: Persistent delivered web-based sales support and customer service solutions to a broadband data and VOIP provider. We helped our client rapidly build and deploy web front end systems for order entry, self-care, and customer care and also integrated these systems with their fulfillment, inventory, and billing systems using service oriented architecture (SOA). This resulted in improved end customer acquisition and satisfaction and improved time to market and significantly reduced total development costs.

Abstract: The idea that tier-one systems are difficult to maintain and upgrade is based on outdated notions about their complexity and flexibility. Although tier-one systems are more complex internally than tier-two or tier-three systems, tier-one systems are often easier to maintain: for one thing, one enterprise system is easier to maintain than several. Learn more about this and other reasons for upgrading to a tier-one system.

Abstract: Information technology (IT) is the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware (source: Information Technology Association of America [ITAA]).

Abstract: Organizations spend millions of dollars in developing custom solutions to plug the gap between the demands of the business user and the available features of their enterprise systems. For this reason, it’s worth examining how the Microsoft SharePoint Server environment can help organizations efficiently deliver focused business solutions on a common business platform with a familiar interface and development methodology.

Abstract: Plastic suppliers require software systems that provide resources for multisite operations, including engineering, warehousing, and purchasing. However, most vendors solutions do not meet the specific needs of the plastics industry. IMPACT Encore solution gives plastics suppliers an encompassing solutoin that minimizes waste and streamlines process.

Abstract: Aspen Technology, Inc. recently announced plans to leverage IBM resources to provide solutions for supply chain management (SCM) customers in the chemicals, petroleum, plastics, paper, metals, pharmaceutical, and other process industries.

Abstract: On the heels of its win at Equilon, SCT Corporation recently secured another high-profile contract in the petroleum products sector with Valvoline, the $1.1 billion lube oil division of Ashland Inc.

Abstract: The storage industry provides an abundance of white papers discussing the ever-changing data management and retention regulations, the need for business continuity, and disaster recovery. The core of these data services is the ability to copy, move, and replicate data—locally and far away. Unfortunately, SANs only reach about 10 km. IT managers need to share, protect, and move data much farther than that. Find out how.

Abstract: Southern Pump & Tank Company (SPACTO), is a value-added distributor specializing in liquid handling equipment for the petroleum and industrial marketplaces. By using SAP Service Management to track equipment at its customers sites, receive incoming service calls, dispatch work, and track labor and materials, SPACTO was able to lower inventory by 28 percent, and reduce slow and non-moving items by 70 percent.

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.

Abstract: Fashion companies need to respond quickly and strategically to major changes occurring in today’s global supply chains. Implementing a lean supply chain management strategy can enable cost savings and more efficient operations by realigning process according to a demand-driven model. Lean supply chain management uses Web-based technologies to create and maintain dynamic supplier networks. Such networks are able to deliver the highest customer value at the lowest cost. It also lays the groundwork for the next level of hands-free, wireless radio frequency identification-enabled processes. 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 first of this series, “Lean Is Fashionable”, explores the impact of lean practices in the fashion and apparel industry during a period of momentous change.

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.