Abstract: Small and midsized companies may need help configuring Google Analytics installations to aid their clients in the real estate, vacation rental, and resort markets—and to measure and enhance the effectiveness of their online marketing programs. If you’re tired of being kept in the dark about the effectiveness of your Internet marketing programs, then it might be time to implement a comprehensive Google Analytics program.

Abstract: The Linc Group, provider of infrastructure and technical services, knows that client prospecting and retention are key to long-term success. To optimize the success of company and franchise offices, the company implemented customer relationship management (CRM) software from Microsoft Dynamics, recently upgrading to version 3.0 for enhanced workflow features. Learn more about how the company benefits from the solution.

Abstract: CourseUp!—a developer of computer-based training solutions for franchises—chose SumTotal to provide technology for delivering instruction on how to best launch and run a franchise. CourseUp! needs a platform that manages the transfer of information from corporations to their franchises, and software for developing online assessments and scenario-based training. Find out how SumTotal helps deliver cost-effective solutions.

Abstract: The client: a US-based provider of reusable rack rental, recovery, and closed loop logistics management for bulk shipping and display of live goods, from nurseries to retailers. Faced with growing demand for its racks, the distributor required an enterprise-wide application that allowed flexibility for growth, while reducing operational complexity and maintaining the company’s excellent track record.

Abstract: Application Service Provision (ASP).There has been a trend in recent years towards the use of remote software services through application service providers. These are companies who make software applications available via the Internet to users who, rather than buying software, pay rental fees for it. The software does not have to be installed locally, the application being available through any web browser, and all support and maintenance is handled by the service provider. CMMS vendors are not the only ones offering these solutions. CAD modelling, engineering design, finance packages, purchasing, ERP and even your company Intranet can now be rented. This is an expanding sector and the signs are that major growth is about to take place. Earlier problems with slow data transfer speeds, communication costs and data security have largely been eliminated and this has made ASP a very attractive proposition. This is clearly illustrated by the proliferation of systems that have become available over the last three or four years with most of the major CMMS vendors now offering an ASP option.

Abstract: Customer service is more than a department; it's an essential strategy for growing a business. No one knows that better than TruServ Corporation, an organization formed in 1997 by the merger of Cotter & Company and ServiStar Coast to Coast. Today, the $2.2 billion Chicago-based cooperative supports over 6,400 independent retailers worldwide working under identities like True Value, Taylor Rental Center and Home & Garden Showplace.

Abstract: National Equipment Services (NES), a leader in the equipment rental industry, experienced the concomitant growing pains associated with 47 acquisitions spanning an 18 month period beginning in 1998. In this case study, learn how NES saved $250,000 annually in payroll and administration costs.

Abstract: An earlier article, Audit Considerations for Enterprise Software Implementations, included a brief discussion of the use of computer-based tool sets and repositories to facilitate compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX). Here we examine this issue in more detail. Of particular interest are the key characteristics that you should look for when selecting such tool sets. Read on to see how these tool sets can assist your company in meeting the new audit challenges facing corporate America.

Abstract: The quantity of business information is doubling at an alarming rate. How can a proactive manager keep on top of it? A tool that merges and unifies information from a variety of sources and formats can help. That tool should also analyze data and identify inputs as indicators of future actions or outcomes, so problems can be solved before they happen. The bottom line: better data analysis means better decision making.

Abstract: A plethora of software estimation tools are available, each claimed to be better than the others, thereby confusing prospective buyers. An effective tool ought to provide for all four aspects of software estimation, namely, size, effort, cost, and schedule.

Abstract: Bristol Technology, Inc. has announced shipment of its Windows-to-Linux application-migration tool. Bristol's Wind/U for Linux product, which began shipping Tuesday, enables developers to compile Microsoft Win32 API and Microsoft Foundation Class source code directly on Linux, and create native, desktop and server-based Linux applications, according to Bristol.

Abstract: The merger of traditional brick-and-mortar manufacturer Illinois Tool Works with Internet-based Click Commerce is puzzling, but has some method to the madness. Only time will tell how easily and tightly their tools will

Abstract: Of all the points that you should focus on when planning ISO 9001 standards projects, corrective action and root cause analysis should rise to the top of your priorities list. Learn how to improve your approach to ISO 9001, how to implement a system that can help you ensure that your approach is feasible and effective, and about the one tool that you need help ensure your company becomes ISO 9001 2000 certified.

Abstract: Structured planning can make all the difference to your business’s growth. But are you using the right tools? Spreadsheets may not be meeting your financial management and budget planning needs. Find out the risks of using spreadsheets as a planning tool, and how enterprise performance management can help consolidate your departments’ financial information and budgets to give you real-time views of business performance.

Abstract: While it’s great to find ways to keep up with mountains of e-mail, organizations must remember that e-mail is not a lightweight communication tool anymore. For people and organizations swamped by critical information, throwing messages away is just not an answer. Increasingly, knowledge workers are turning to searching to manage the volume and value of information sitting in their in-boxes.

Abstract: For a full picture of the business environment and make the best decisions, middle managers must have access to business intelligence (BI). You can’t focus on only the functional level—you must see the relationships among various business components. And you can—with a BI tool that’s easily accessible no matter where you reside in the enterprise, and that’s flexible enough to meet each department’s reporting needs.

Abstract: Milwaukee Electric Tool, in business for 85 years, was using an electronic data interchange (EDI) solution that had been outsourced at very high cost. When the company chose a new EDI solution, the focus of the conversion was on reducing costs while improving accuracy and increasing trading partner adoption. Learn more about how the company put EDI order processing back in-house and reduced cost per order by 86 percent.

Abstract: Once the user defines compliance case boundaries and establishes the data criteria in Phases I and II, the HIPPA-Watch for Security tool begins Phase III by launching the risk analysis engine, and concludes with Phase IV, which generates the report. Using the HIPPA-Watch for Security tool can help an organization comply with the Final Security Rule and help companies understand which safeguards can generate a greater return on investment.