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An ERP system is a major investment for any business, particularly a smaller one. A well-planned and implemented ERP system can change the way you do business and significantly improve profitability. But there are pitfalls if you have not prepared properly. In this white paper, Pronto Software outlines critical questions you need to consider in the search, evaluation, and implementation of an ERP solution for your business.

Though product recalls are never desired, they do happen. Your company?s response can make the difference between being the role model and losing market share or even being displaced from the market. In this white paper, PM War Stories, in collaboration with Pronto Software, examines how to effectively manage a product recall to mitigate liabilities, protect your brand and turn the crisis into an opportunity. Read more.

To increase profits, many companies are turning to imported goods and materials due to lower manufacturing costs. However, purchasing products from other countries contains many hidden costs. In this paper, PM War Stories, together with Pronto Software, examines how to effectively track the total cost of goods shipped to aid managers and executives in making faster, better sourcing decisions and improving profitability.

Glovia G2 is TEC Certified for online evaluation of discrete manufacturing enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions in the ERP Evaluation Center. The certification seal is a valuable indicator for organizations relying on the integrity of TEC research for assistance with their software selection projects. Download this report for product highlights, competitive analysis, product analysis, and in-depth analyst commentary.

There are three distinctly different approaches to solving the puzzle of getting the right people to the right place at the right time. This white paper describes the three strategies for better field service scheduling plans?manual processes, traditional scheduling automation, and real-time scheduling automation?and explains why each approach matches different needs. Which strategy is right for you?

In 2012, there is still no such thing as a true ?total solution provider? for energy and utility companies. These companies just have too many needs across the board that require robust industry-specific functionality and deep domain expertise for a single vendor to satisfy them all. But Ventyx, an ABB company, comes close to the mark. TEC principal analyst P.J. Jakovljevic discusses Ventyx?s strategy with its product marketing team.

Many companies don?t have adequate metrics or information technology systems to see how well growth strategies and activities perform in real time. This white paper addresses the lack of supply chain synchronization: the ability for a manufacturer to cost effectively respond to changes in demand and then signal everyone in the supply chain. Synchronization closes the gaps in a supply chain that lead to costly wastes.

A strategic planning process is critical for distribution companies. Not unlike personal financial planning, distribution executives have to select the best investments needed now to create profitable growth in the future. If you fail to make the right commitments at the right time, you will miss opportunities and increase your risk. This paper outlines a set of core analytics customized for wholesaler distributors.

Finance departments are uniquely qualified to lead the effort to optimize profitability because of their neutrality, numbers orientation, and analytical abilities. However, as finance departments move to implement profitability management they need to recognize the challenges they may face. This white paper discusses how to manage profitability more effectively.

All midsize and larger companies think they have systems in place to manage costs, so they give this issue little ongoing thought. They may be blind to the limitations of the systems they?re using and the improvements to cost management they can achieve. This paper identifies the information technology (IT) components used in cost management to enable finance executives to identify areas of improvement.

Forecasting is changing from a top-down process to a bottom-up one. High-level targets may be useful starting points, but they must be combined with input from line management and department heads before being rolled up into enterprise-wide financial goals. Some companies find it effective to ?embed? members of the finance function within other business units. Read this white paper to find out more.

Methods such as ad-hoc reporting and decision-making by gut feeling may be effective in the early phases of a business, but once past that crucial startup phase, neglecting to invest in appropriate business systems can significantly hinder continued growth and profitability. A well-executed enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution can enable change and provide on-going savings that can help you sustain and grow your business.

Performance management allows companies to align business activity with corporate objectives. This research examines the different levels of business performance achieved by mid-market companies compared with larger firms, as well as the differences in strategy, capabilities, and technologies used. Key recommendations are drawn for mid-market businesses to increase the value they derive from performance management.

These are challenging times for discrete manufacturing, especially for small to midsize companies. To stay competitive and meet rising expectations, manufacturers must seize every opportunity to grow?but wisely and profitably. This white paper presents clear strategies that can help these manufacturers achieve competitive advantage while giving clients the innovative, competitively priced products they demand.

Most high-tech firms need to do a better job of capturing and sharing corporate and supply-chain data. Lean manufacturing practitioners often use a process metric called ?right first time on time? (RFTOT). It not only applies to delivery of components and products moving through a value stream, but to delivery of information as well?product development, forecasting, sales and operations planning, etc. Find out more.

This white paper gives insight into the challenges faced by small to medium enterprises (SMEs), and how proven, predictable enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions can help organizations build a solid information technology (IT) foundation for the future. This paper discusses a low-risk, easy-to-implement solution tailored to the prospect?s industry through preconfiguration of the solution according to best practices.

As manufactures adopt lean principles, the process inevitably involves developing metrics for measuring their progress. But measurements are linked throughout the organization, not just on the manufacturing floor but in accounts payable and other back office processes. This white paper emphasizes the need to focus on strategy deployment.

To realize a competitive advantage, small-business leaders must address five common obstacles: inefficient operations, inability to support rapid growth or new markets, disjointed business processes, lack of visibility into daily operations, and limited resources. Read this white paper to learn how to overcoming these challenges and gain valuable insights into your business.

Embedding governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) management into all business process has become imperative. Companies need to adopt a holistic view when it comes to reducing and managing risks, and ensure better access risk management. This paper discusses the need for companies to take a proactive approach towards access risk management.

Managing end-user access to critical enterprise resources as part of an organization's IT governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC) initiative helps companies to control access risk, provide real-time visibility for multiple stakeholders, and streamline regulatory compliance. This research shows that the leading performers in controlling access risk also realize tangible financial benefits.