Abstract: Performance reviews are an essential and productive use of employee and manager time. A well-defined competency model can discover insights into individual, workgroup, and even entire workforce performance, helping enterprises gain true business advantage in their industries and marketplaces. Employee consultations and reviews, appraisals, and developmental decisions no longer need to exist as isolated business functions.

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: With business intelligence (BI), decision-makers can feel the organization’s pulse, evaluate the performance of key business functions, and take action based on their analysis. However, many organizations invest time, money, and resources in BI processes, only to waste their newfound capabilities. Why? And, more importantly, how do you ensure that your BI solution won’t be one of them?

Abstract: Today’s knowledge workers spend more time sorting though a huge amount of information and less time adding value to it. Enterprises have responded by moving to a self-service business intelligence (BI) model. But that often conflicts with efforts to control, secure, centralize, and optimize their BI environments. Learn how you can get the right data now, while maintaining information quality and operational security.

Abstract: If you’re not on top of the range of business intelligence (BI) functionality that has evolved over the past 15 years, this framework can help. There’s a fundamental shortcoming in most BI tools today, as a single architecture cannot support the full range of BI functionality—leading to excessive costs, delays, and user dissatisfaction. Learn about a solution that covers the five different styles of BI functionality.

Abstract: Boston, October 25 /CNW-PRN/-Hummingbird Communications Limited (TSE:HUM,NASDAQ:HUMC), announced the immediate availability of Genio MetaLink for SAP R/3. MetaLink features drivers that enable organizations to extract and transform SAP data. This is the first product in their new ERP-related electronic business strategy. Hummingbird also announced the rollout of the Hummingbird Enterprise Information Portal, which will be available in December.

Abstract: The textile industry is famous for its very different characteristics when compared to industries in either process or discrete manufacturing. Developing production planning and scheduling software for any textile mill is a real challenge even for seasoned industry experts. This article focuses on some of the unique challenges posed to master requirement planning and master production scheduling (MRP / MPS) software vendors by the textile industry.

Abstract: SAP has gained connectivity to virtually any source on the plant floor and analytical functionality through its acquisition of Lighthammer's products for plant intelligence. SAP users in the process of evaluating plant intelligence solutions should seriously consider Lighthammer.

Abstract: Sterling Software, Inc. (NYSE: SSW) announced general availability today of its new EUREKA:Intelligence product, a 100% Java, Web-Based Integrated, Query, Analysis and Reporting tool that allows users to easily query, manipulate and format data for personal or shared use. EUREKA:Intelligence is suited for large, distributed organizations that require general purpose analyses reporting requirements for a large portion of business users.

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: There is a presumption that enterprise performance management and business intelligence initiatives must be supported by data warehouses. Conceptually, the data warehouse provides a central point where a copy of data from multiple locations is stored and optimized for reporting. In practice, however, it is possible to access powerful business intelligence, analytics, and reporting, without relying on a data warehouse.

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: When it comes to marketing, sales and customer service there’s no question that the second approach delivers higher value—especially in an age when companies are combating unprecedented competition while being forced to do more with less. The reality is this: choose the second example or risk being second best. This white paper explores why actionable business intelligence is so critical in today’s business environment and how Maximizer Software’s customer relationship management (CRM) solution can be used to deliver actionable intelligence when and where it’s needed most.

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: No matter the size of your company, you need critical business information and integrated reporting. Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) shouldn’t discount the importance of business intelligence (BI). In fact, most SME owners make decisions based on a best guess, and don’t know the value of business intelligence (BI) systems. But you don’t have to empty your coffers—new BI software is Web-based and affordable. Learn more.

Abstract: If you’re considering investing in business intelligence (BI) software, you need to know about the features and functionalities BI solutions offer, and how to use them to improve your business performance. The Oracle Business Intelligence Suite Enterprise Edition Plus (OBIEE Plus) is a suite of BI products with a range of capabilities. Find out if OBIEE Plus offers your company the BI tools you need.

Abstract: Informix® Corporation, has announced an XML Document Type Definition (DTD) for Extraction, Transformation, and Transport (ETT) of metadata. The DTD is designed to allow metadata sharing between different vendors’ products using the open XML standard.