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: 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: 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: 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.