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Abstract: Small businesses often become trapped by their outdated accounting systems, limiting their profits and arresting their growth.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: Is a total ban on workplace social networking a good idea? Companies should take more calculating points of view and look at how to turn the negative effects of social networking into positive effects. Employers can manage employee social networking to maximize the positives. The strategy combines employee education, well-thought-out acceptable use policies (AUPs), and—critically—effective Web filtering technology.

Abstract: The intangible or non-financial benefits of an integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) system can be viewed from several perspectives. For illustrative purposes, the discussion will focus on the benefits for accounting, product and process design, production, sales, and management information system MIS functions. From the overall company standpoint, ERP provides a framework for working effectively together and providing a consistent plan for action. Reprinted from Maximizing Your ERP System by Dr. Scott Hamilton.

Abstract: Customer relationship management (CRM) issues can often be traced to ineffective processes involving human communication. But you can overcome the limitations of marketing, sales, and service processes. With communication-enabled business processes—powered by communications systems integrated with business applications—you can have more visibility into interactions and improve your end-to-end performance. Learn more.

Abstract: Accounting and enterprise resource planning software are not interchangeable solutions. How do you decide which option is for you? Outlining your business structure and considering four key facets of your selection process will help you determine which software meets all your business needs. You can find the right product for your business, whether you need a bookkeeping or all-encompassing business software.

Abstract: Vendors of electronic report distribution and content management solutions typically emphasize the paper and related printing cost savings their products provide. But in fact, the real value of these technologies far exceeds these savings. Maximum benefits from electronic document and report management technologies derive not only from cutting obvious costs, but also from enabling dramatic improvements in business processes.

Abstract: Knowledgeable users of enterprise applications can improve the efficiency of entire business processes, not just of their individual contributions. But first, employees must know how to use their enterprise software systems—and how their activities support larger processes. Effective workflow learning platforms address both needs, and ultimately enable users themselves to improve the processes that provide a competitive edge.

Abstract: Emergent Game Technologies develops tools and technologies required to build interactive games. Faced with an accounting solution that was causing lost productivity and accounting inaccuracies, the company sought a replacement. Find out how Emergent’s new solution helped it reconcile multiple currencies across multiple subsidiaries, reduce manual data entry and consolidation processes, and streamline revenue management.

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: 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.

Abstract: When portable document format (PDF) documents are used for medical records, insurance policies, judicial statements—or anywhere that timely and efficient processing of documents is required— inaccurate or illegible characters are unacceptable. Learn how missing or incorrect metadata affects onscreen text rendering in PDF files, and find out how to minimize or prevent the effects of missing metadata.

Abstract: This reference guide provides insight into the accounting features and functions currently available on today's market for small to medium businesses (SMBs). It will help you determine which features your organization needs—and doesn't need.