Abstract: Getting the right content management system (CMS) to fit your needs is essential to the successful delivery of online communications and information management. Sadly, companies often find themselves with a CMS product that fails to meet objectives set for it. Don’t lose your way during the CMS solution procurement process—discover the seven cardinal sins of choosing CMS software and how to avoid committing them.

Abstract: Do you know what you need in a hosted content management system (CMS)? Have you pinpointed the security features and characteristics that are essential to compliance with internal and external policies, and industry best practices? Find out how a hosted CMS can take care of everything from user management to Web browser, Web server, database, and application security—and let you focus on your own business and content development.

Abstract: A common misconception when considering a Web content management solution (CMS) is that open source software will save you time and money. Just because you don’t have to pay subscription fees or shell out for licensing doesn’t mean there aren’t hidden costs with open source implementation. Find out the questions you should ask before choosing open source—and how to best evaluate and compare your CMS options.

Abstract: Superior order management can provide you with a competitive edge across the board. To move closer to order perfection and a truly loyal customer base, you must cost-effectively eliminate the issues preventing on-time, accurate order fulfillment. This involves every process, including planning and forecasting, acquiring and creating accurate orders and contracts, handling order changes, and resolving fulfillment and post-delivery problems.

Abstract: When raw materials providers, manufacturers, and retailers work together to calculate future order needs, they can all act on the best information available. Successful order forecast collaboration requires all members to share risks if forecasts vary, and to discuss issues as they arise. Accurate order forecasts drive sales increases, inventory decreases, and better decisions. With so many benefits across the entire demand chain, shouldn’t you look into order forecast collaboration with your partners?

Abstract: In today's competitive engineer-to-order (ETO) manufacturing environment, procuring components on time and within budget is crucial. With rising fuel costs and increased international trade, supply chain management software can help ETO organizations get—and stay—ahead of the competition.

Abstract: Engineer-to-order (ETO) manufacturing needs a high level of integration between ERP and PLM systems. This article points out that ERP and PLM solutions are moving toward each other to achieve more organic data and process connectivity.

Abstract: The requirements of the engineer-to-order (ETO) environment create special challenges for capital equipment manufacturers. Traditional material requirements planning (MRP) techniques don’t account for these manufacturers’ needs. Before you invest in manufacturing software, you should carefully consider 10 questions to ensure that software vendors are focused on your business and can deliver the solution you need.

Abstract: Engineer-to-order (ETO) and project-based companies look to information technology (IT) to improve processes and gain a competitive edge. However, building complex products to exact customer specifications requires unique software. But what exactly are the software requirements of ETO and project-based manufacturers? Remember, the wrong software can cost about the same as the right software—until you try to use it!

Abstract: Adaptiveness in the manufacturing sector depends on being able to push decision making to the shop floor. But that’s often easier said than done. However, manufacturing intelligence dashboards aggregate content from the full range of manufacturing systems into a single view of operations. These role-specific dashboards thus enable employees to manage manufacturing performance, and respond quickly to changes.

Abstract: Maintaining a competitive advantage is paramount, no matter what business you operate within. Engineer-to-order (ETO) companies that produce complex products, usually in low volumes, and with project control techniques, are no exception. A lean enterprise involves the reduction or elimination of any activity that does not add value to a customer. In order to effectively utilize lean, lean concepts must be taken from the manufacturing floor and used thorough the ETO enterprise. This paper demonstrates how IFS applications supports the principles of developing a lean enterprise for ETO organizations. It demonstrates how process improvements apply equally to office-based functions, manufacturing, installation, and service activities.

Abstract: Choosing between an open-source content management system (CMS) and a commercial product can have a strategic impact on an organization. This white paper outlines the advantages and disadvantages of open-source solutions compared to the Telerik Sitefinity solution in terms of installation costs, support, integration, usability, upgrades, standards compliance, user training, and return on investment (ROI).

Abstract: Businesses have a wide range of offerings to choose from when it comes to content management systems (CMSs). Among the many CMS selection criteria, ease of use is the most important. The easier a system is to use, the more adoption it will gain within the organization—especially when content management is becoming recognized as a marketing platform instead of being driven solely by IT. Find out more.

Abstract: Order-driven manufacturers—those who engineer-to-order (ETO), assemble-to-order (ATO), and make-to-order (MTO)—face numerous challenges. To stay competitive, they must contend with increased competition, more demanding customers, and the need to refine business processes. Learn how enterprise resource planning (ERP) software can help your company meet marketplace challenges and create sustainable competitive advantages.

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: Managing the demands of constant change is one of the biggest challenges facing the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) industry today. Collaboration between original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and contract manufacturers (CMs) can help both sides leverage the supply chain to manage change. Find out about a solution that can help you create a successful collaboration strategy that optimizes your supply chain.

Abstract: Regardless of size or purpose, business processes within a company rely heavily on the dependability of assets for successful operations. Enterprise asset management (EAM) solutions can help companies monitor their assets, including a feature that allows documents to be attached to a work order. But printing the work order and its attachments is not always so simple. Learn how automated work order software can help.

Abstract: An integrated steel plant’s manufacturing processes typically encompass three distinct types of manufacturing—flow manufacturing, process manufacturing, and mill manufacturing—making such a plant a mixed-mode manufacturer. Software systems that address the diverse needs these manufacturers have cannot be emphasized more.