Abstract: Want to really frighten someone? Invite the poor soul to a meeting titled “Marketing Integration Planning.” Because when marketers hear “integration” they imagine the goal is total, perfect integration, and lose heart—not realizing smaller victories can be achieved along the way with big payoffs. Demystify integration: discover what’s really achievable based on the needs and capabilities of your company and suppliers.

Abstract: Small and medium businesses (SMB) generally purchase integration solutions that conform to plans of their larger business partners. Their decisions are reactive, rather than proactive. Understanding the SMB market can help integration solution providers better understand SMB needs. This white paper addresses integration in the SMB market in two parts: the first deals with understanding the nature of the SMB market; the second deals with what SMB integration solutions should address.

Abstract: Data integration is a key enabler for supply chain modernization. Competition is driving increased integration of the supply chain, both due to direct cost pressures and to increased globalization. There can be little doubt that well implemented supply chain integration saves labor costs and improves inventory control. This has often been a complex and costly proposition. Standards, improved products and a common understanding of best practices for distributed systems are reducing the price of entry to supply chain automation. This will, in turn drive broader integration of manufacturing and distribution endpoints.

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: “Last-mile supply chain services” is an evolving segment of the supply chain industry, but a cutting-edge segment that has evolved as supply chain managers across the US struggle to cope with the inadequacies of the current globalized supply chain model. Learn five reasons why current supply chain models are flawed and how you can use a new architecture to balance supply chain risk, globalized sourcing, and economics.

Abstract: So, whether the need for integration arises from the proliferation of business applications within your own enterprise, the results of mergers and acquisitions, or from the demands of e-business, integration emerges as a significant challenge in responding to the demands of business today. What then constitutes integration and how do you go about meeting these challenges? This is an excerpt from the book ERP Optimization (Subtitle: Using Your Existing System to Support Profitable E-Business Initiatives).

Abstract: E-Pad deployment will skyrocket and make your fax machine obsolete. But don't expect all security experts to embrace electronic signatures as PKI solutions continue to be deployed. Nonetheless, even if electronic signatures are arguably less secure than PKI, less than optimal embedded security on E-pads will not likely affect the demand.

Abstract: As the growth of electronic records continues, two major trends in the world of document and content management have now become intertwined. In view of these trends, companies are beginning to assess their current record management practices, and what has resulted is the clear need for electronic records management (ERM). Discover how ERM can provide a cost-effective solution for your growing business.

Abstract: Your customers, service technicians, and equipment maintainers need an intelligent cataloging solution to help them find the parts they’re looking for. The ever-increasing amount of technical content and parts information is making an electronic one-stop-shop tool essential. An electronic parts catalog can help your company attain two critical business goals—an increase in customer satisfaction and aftermarket parts sales.

Abstract: Integration of business processes between your enterprise and others presents unique challenges beyond the trials you face with enterprise application integration alone. And this 'B2B integration' becomes even more challenging as your trading partner community grows to include more partners and collaborative business processes. But what if we start over and take a fresh look at the problem?

Abstract: The potential value of centralized data integration is enormous. Once implemented, integration systems promise to deliver more accurate and higher quality data. However, for those who venture into the world of implementation, the promise rarely matches the reality. Avoiding the “data integration migraine” requires careful planning to reduce the risks associated with data relationship, transformation, and map discovery.

Abstract: In a world that’s constantly demanding better communication to improve the level of perfect orders, while optimising working capital and reducing supply costs, it is vital to provide an electronic trading network across all customers and trading partners quickly, easily, and at low cost. But how to go about establishing a single integrated electronic supply network for collaboration and trade?

Abstract: November 2, 1999 05:30 PM BARNEVELD, Netherlands and HERNDON, Va., Nov. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Baan Company N.V., a global provider of enterprise business solutions, today announced the release of two major new additions to its Supply Chain Solutions suite: Baan Supply Chain Solutions Planner 2.0 for factory planning, and Baan Supply Chain Solutions Order Promising 1.0 for order acceptance. The two solutions provide advanced supply chain and logistics capabilities that enable manufacturing professionals to increase throughput, reduce inventory, improve supply chain visibility, and improve response time and service levels to customers.

Abstract: 'I recently had lunch with a colleague from a major international consumer goods manufacturer and we looked at the results for his company. There were a handful of vendors touting solutions for his company s integration requirements. The colleague works right at the heart of these processes with good visibility into both the business side of the house and IT. And he was shocked at the results.'

Abstract: Historically, companies have invested in tactical and operational supply chain technology solutions. These solutions helped model and operate existing supply chains, without addressing overall supply chain design and strategy. Companies are increasingly turning to strategic solutions such as supply chain design and optimization (SCDO) to help satisfy customer demand while balancing limitations on supply and the need for operational efficiency.

Abstract: As companies struggle to control costs, the supply chain and management of supply resources have come under scrutiny. The supply chain is one area where a company can achieve quick gains and receive a fast return on investment.

Abstract: Optimizing supply chain management processes to work more closely with trading partners, requires enterprises to act together as interdependent supply networks. The development of service oriented architecture will be crucial in achieving the necessary flexibility characterizing such networked supply chains.

Abstract: Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions have to work with many other systems, not just ERP, so integration is not a new issue for PLM vendors. Most PLM vendors recognize the need for integration and have addressed the need in their toolkits. The additional work comes from integrating the concepts and semantics of one system to the next, if this business level integration has not already been provided between the two systems. This can be a big challenge for best of breed vendors, who may need to rely on systems integrators for much of this conceptual and semantic integration.