Abstract: Upgrading to CRM solution increases value of relationships for financial services firm. ScotiaMcLeod (www.scotiabank.com) is the investment arm of Scotiabank, one of Canada's largest financial organizations with over $280 billion in assets. ScotiaMcLeod's financial advisors specialize in helping individuals and small business customers plan financial solutions for trusts, estate planning, borrowing and banking services. ScotiaMcLeod has more than 800 financial advisors working in 84 branches across the country. According to Chris Carter, Associate Director and Branch Manager for ScotiaMcLeod's North Vancouver office, the financial services sector is a people-driven business where customer service is critical to success.

Abstract: Fax servers are essential for the financial services industry. Their reliability and security help transmit financial information quickly and safely. Financial institutions, however, also have workflow and document needs due to lots of back-office paperwork. Luckily, there are fax servers on the market that help financial institutions optimize workflow and business processes—organizing and reducing paperwork backlog.

Abstract: Initiatives to automate and streamline financial processes often focus more on reducing costs than adding value. Adding the kind of value you should have in your financial processes stands at the heart of a broader initiative known as governance, risk, and compliance (GRC). Learn why embedding the components of GRC within your financial processes can help you track financial flows and alert you when things might go awry.

Abstract: “Financial close” is a company’s ability to complete accounting cycles and produce financial statements for internal management and external legal reporting—and is still a key part of today’s global finance function. Do you know how to overcome the barriers to a fast, high-quality close? Discover solutions that can help you improve your close times and address the challenges of automating and testing internal controls.

Abstract: Adonix appears to be a force in the Southern European enterprise resource planning and supply chain management market since acquiring Gruppo FORMULA. There might be a greater buzz internationally, but the road to success might not be an easy Mediterranean sail.

Abstract: SAP is responding to the changing Internet marketplace in a multiplicity of ways. First, by restructuring to develop flexibility; then, by forming key partnerships and alliances to put content behind its extensive advertising campaign for mySAP.com, which started in full force on September 22. Will racing’s Formula One help SAP overtake Oracle’s high-flying marketing machine?

Abstract: Although CPM (aka EPM) starts with strong financial management, it will eventually extend beyond financial planning to almost all areas of corporate activity. Therefore, organizations choosing BI suites should consider both their financial management tools and future integration with key business-area solutions (for example, PLM, CRM, and SCM).

Abstract: To provide useful financial insight on projects, financial managers need to think about business strategy more like a series of options than a single projected cash flow. While the concepts of options are certainly familiar to most executives, the trick to valuing strategic choices lies in the complex and often overwhelming task of understanding the interaction between strategic options. This article provides a breakthrough planning approach for (1) rapidly realizing the business capabilities dictated by strategy (2) aligning process, technology and organization design and (3) through the financial lens of 'real options' shows how to quan

Abstract: Computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). Enterprise asset management (EAM) system. Computer-aided facilities management (CAFM) system. Integrated workplace management system (IWMS). Each type of facility management solution offers different functionalities and features, and one may be better than another for your company’s needs. Learn more about the differences and how an integrated solution is a “must have.”

Abstract: In addition to traditional duties like financial planning, reporting, and governance, chief financial officers (CFOs) and financial managers are being tasked with more strategic responsibilities. Learn how the right data, performance management applications, and resources can help finance managers improve operational efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and control performance for maximized profitability.

Abstract: Financial performance management—often categorized as one aspect of enterprise performance management—can help chief financial officers (CFOs) maximize their companies’ profitability, protect against non-compliance, and optimize efficiency by ensuring delivery of information when it is needed, in context. Learn more about a solution that can help you adapt to rapid business change and predict future financial performance.

Abstract: As competition in the financial sector increases, many financial services providers are seeking ways to improve customer service and profitability through process efficiency. By developing rich integration between customer data and allowing that data to be managed by the business users, customer process management (CPM) enables financial services organizations to adapt to changing market demands and maximize their competitive edge.

Abstract: When it comes to US Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) compliance, the role of financial information systems simply cannot be overlooked. This was recently underscored by a study naming 'financial systems and procedures' as the most common problem among companies disclosing material weaknesses. Indeed, this weakness has prompted organizations to take a deeper look at their business processes—and underlying financial systems.

Abstract: Even in tough economic times, innovative small-to-midsized companies can still find opportunities for growth. Technology and business software solutions like enterprise resource planning (ERP), supply chain management (SCM), customer relationship management (CRM), product lifecycle management (PLM), and supplier relationship management (SRM) can help your company ride out the global economic downturn. Find out how.

Abstract: The core components of a retail information system are inventory management, inventory optimization, revenue management, sales management, and reports and inquiries. Non-core components can include financial, supply chain management, enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management, and warehouse management systems.

Abstract: Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems are software systems that cover the range of interaction a company has with its current, or potential customers. Its functionality can include marketing automation, sales force automation, help desk, customer service and support, partner management, contract management and creation, project and team management, Internet sales, e-mail response management, analytics, and important technical criteria.

Abstract: Effective IP management requires proper allocation of address space for adequate address capacity as needed, as well as accurate configuration of DHCP and DNS servers. Along with flawless configuration and management of each of these foundational elements of Internet protocol (IP) address management, address managers must also integrate these management functions into the broader IT network management environment.

Abstract: Since our research-driven beginnings, Johnson & Johnson Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP) has continually improved the new product development (NPD) process. Detailed process mapping has revealed three tiers of business metrics, starting with drivers and moving up through execution metrics to business performance metrics. When driver metrics improves, so does business performance. Six Sigma tools helps identify specific metrics at all tiers and the causality linkages among them. Each NPD process step at ASP results in a deliverable, and each deliverable relates to a trade-off triangle (cost-time-resources) and, ultimately, to investment dollars. To track performance, ASP calculates how actual NPD decisions and what-if scenarios affect deliverables, alter investment triangles, and thereby influence business results. ASP uses similar process and tools, including the investment triangles and Six Sigma QFD, to make idea management decisions. The IDweb real-time software environment enables both the NPD and idea management processes at ASP. By deploying the strategic planning, idea management, portfolio and pipeline management, process management, and resource management modules of IDweb, ASP has increased throughput by 20 percent and reduced cycle time by 40 percent.