Abstract: Any corporate executive can tell you that a strong brand can help achieve price premiums, promote customer retention, and more. Yet in times of economic instability, you may be tempted trim costs around efforts such as brand building. Downturns, however, can actually present opportunities to grow brand strength. Find out how you can maximize your brand value and take advantage of changing customer buying habits.

Abstract: The strength of a company can be traced to the value of its brands. Brand marketing managers seek to create and develop brand value by converting consumer insights into consumer loyalty. How can you overcome the challenge of developing effective marketing campaigns that convert consumer information into revenue and profit? Leverage the value of your brand with an integrated approach to brand management. Find out how.

Abstract: Recent accounting scandals, highlighted by cases at Enron, Arthur Andersen, WorldCom, and Qwest, have emphasized the need for corporate governance, especially responsible corporate accounting. Not only must businesses use responsible accounting methods, but they must know that their methods are accurate. Small and mid-sized businesses must know the limitations of their current accounting software; understand the possible ramifications of system accounting balance failure; and take steps to guarantee the integrity, reliability, and accuracy of their systems. This white paper highlights the need to recognize problematic software accounting methods; minimize errors in account balance integrity, ledgers, and sub ledgers; and reduce the need for expensive rectification, to avoid serious legal ramifications.

Abstract: Private label product sales have increased significantly over recent years, with the level of penetration and sophistication varying by country and retailer strategy. By owning the brand, the retailer must deal with complexities and issues more traditionally associated with the consumer packaged goods (CPG) brand manufacturer. Failure to establish adequate processes and systems to support the brand can have severe economic implications. Learn about the brand integrity strategies used today by some of the most successful private label retailers.

Abstract: Whether you’re familiar with the world of accounting or not, understanding the basic concepts and principles of accounting functions can give you an essential edge in the competitive manufacturing sector. This in-depth guide, complete with glossary, takes you through the step-by-step process of cost accounting for manufacturers—from prototype manufacturing, shipping, and full production, through to financial reports.

Abstract: Small businesses often become trapped by their outdated accounting systems, limiting their profits and arresting their growth. How can your business avoid this software trap? Planning and anticipating your business growth will help you minimize this costly mistake. Find the right accounting or enterprise resource planning solution to help your small business continue to expand and remain successful.

Abstract: Recent changes in accounting standards and compliance, along with greater emphasis on managing risk and value, have introduced new key measures of bank performance and made it more important to coordinate the internal and external reporting of financials and risk. To meet these challenges, banks must do their utmost to more fully integrate their accounting data and processes.

Abstract: Making a list and checking it twice is a particularly good practice when picking a finance and accounting software solution. If you don’t find the right product for your company, you’ll just pay for the mistakes on the back end. But first you need to know which features your small to midsize business must have and which you don’t want. Get some tips that will help you create your finance and accounting checklist.

Abstract: With its latest moves, SYSPRO seems to have braced itself well for the bigger brethren’s onslaught. The latest brand unification move may prove that the company is also changing its marketing approach, starting with clearer worldwide prominence and unequivocal identity.

Abstract: By further perfecting its mid-market value proposition and by also unifying its corporate and product brands (i.e., often conflicting IMPACT Encore product brand has been discontinued), SYSPRO should certainly give other incumbent mid-market players and intruders a run for their money.

Abstract: Many food companies are investing significant funds in building awareness for their brands in the market, which can pay off amply in competitive, commodity markets. One highly publicized recall, however, can turn an established brand asset into a liability.

Abstract: To ensure the safety of the domestic and global food supply, demands for brand protection assurance are on the rise, as are national and global food safety initiatives. Food processors and distribution warehouses up and down the supply chain now find automated traceability systems are a necessity. Learn about an automated approach to traceability that is both cost-effective and a good fit for existing business operations.

Abstract: To ensure the safety of domestic and global food supplies, demands for brand protection assurance are on the rise from customers in the food industry marketplace itself. To address these requirements, food processors and distribution warehouses now find automated traceability systems a necessity. Discover an automated approach to traceability that’s both cost-effective and a good fit for your current business operations.

Abstract: SYSPRO remains a stalwart vendor within the mid-market accounting, manufacturing, and distribution software markets. The current market trend is towards vendors that can provide comprehensive solutions for small and medium-sized companies with a justifiable return on investment (ROI), and SYSPRO seems to have a fair shot. Moreover, with its global coverage, multi-national product’s capabilities, suitability to diverse manufacturing environments, as well as with its cross-platform support and excellent service & support track, the vendor seems poised to give run for the money to almost any contender.

Abstract: Old-world quality is great for a chocolate manufacturer, but old-style business systems are not. Hauser Chocolatier learned this the hard way, struggling for years with DOS-based accounting software. Needing a seamless flow of information from a system that would accommodate Hauser’s unique pricing structure, the company chose Sage MAS 90. Find out how Hauser uses this accounting solution for more than just accounting.

Abstract: Not all integrated accounting and point of sale (POS) systems are created equal. If sales prices aren’t updated, or if on-hand stock isn’t managed properly, you will be at a major competitive disadvantage. Fully integrated accounting systems move information smoothly from one module to another—but what does integration as it applies to accounting and POS software really mean?

Abstract: For most companies, changing accounting software is a daunting challenge. Not only is transitioning the accounting function to a new software package tricky in itself, but it is usually catalyzed by one or more business challenges that are (hopefully) solved by the new system. Knowing that, how can you minimize the risks involved in selecting a new accounting application?

Abstract: The Public Company Accounting Reform and Investor Protection Act of 2002 (also known as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 0f 2002) was passed by US lawmakers to reinforce honest and transparent corporate practices in the wake of the various public accounting scandals and corporate failures of the 1990s. The Act, named after US Senator Paul S. Sarbanes and US Congressman Michael G. Oxley, has changed the way public companies do business. Although not specifically covered under the Act, non-public entities are also finding that bankers, investors, and acquisition candidates are now conditioned to expect increased transparency and real-time disclosures, in effect placing a greater accounting and reporting burden on companies that are not legally obligated to comply with this act. As with any far-reaching legislation of this magnitude, there is plenty of hype that has emerged in connection with this law. This document is designed to help companies large and small navigate some of the 'hype' that sometimes blurs the line between fact and fiction.