...Microsoft Business Solutions (MBS) and the UK-based the Sage Group plc (LSE: SGE.L) for the small-to-medium enterprise (SME) market segment, technology choices will be a major factor. The previous parts of this note detailed the strategies of these two major vendors and analyzed how the market would respond. But, going a mile further, there are some important areas where the synergy and a bridge between MBS and the rest of the "classic" Microsoft world could take place, such as the previously mentioned "user experience" mantra. The basic hypothesis is that Office (i.e., Word, Excel, and Outlook) constitute the core of the user experiences of many millions of existing and prospective desktop customers. Leveraging that ubiquitous look-and-feel acquaintance in the MBS product lines (and in those of rapidly increasing independent software vendors [ISV]) is something that can add tremendous clout to MBS sales efforts—with the supposedly minimal training for the information technology (IT)-resource constrained SME market. In fact, the ongoing Outlook, Excel, or Word user interface (UI) metaphor moves may speak volumes about where the entire market is going. Possibly the most vocal in that regard could be the recent announcement made by Microsoft and SAP that they are jointly developing a product that will integrate back-end SAP business processes and transactional data into Microsoft Office front-ends. The product, code-named Project Mendocino, whose beta release is due out in the fourth...
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...Base T which provides network access to many administrative and operational areas of the facility. Executive management, Human Resources, Operations, Facilities, Finance, as well as the IT data center are all connected directly to this side of the network backbone. The hospital side is connected via 1000 Base F which uses fiber optics to ensure the very highest speed data transmission as well as protection from RF and other possible interference from hospital and lab equipment in use throughout this area (Apollo Group, Inc. 2013). Apollo Group, Inc. 2013 The interconnections are tied together with a Network bridge, which seamlessly combines the two different network technologies to a unified bridge point. Data entering the bridge from the fiber side is easily converted to the standard CAT6 cable, and the same is true for the CAT6 signal being converted to fiber optic pulses. This allows the same data to be shared across the entire hospital network (Apollo Group, Inc., 2013). Network and application software upgrades and replacement The existing technology is aging, and on the verge of soon becoming inefficient and functionally ineffective. Suitable network infrastructure such as hardware and software are crucial for providing the utmost in health...
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...1. INTRODUCTION ERP has increasingly becoming popular among big and SMEs in today’s world. Tougher competition in the marketplace is generating the need to optimize resources, improve profitability and expand business requirements. Many companies are implementing ERP solutions to improve their day-to-day operations, improve response time on reporting to the Management and enhance capabilities. There are many solutions already established that can meet the specific business requirements of any organisations in any industry, hence choosing the right and the best solutions are essential to avoid wasting money and effort since ERP implementation could be excruciating and costly. Therefore, in order for a company to decide on which solution is the best for their business, they need to identify their existing processes and analyse in depth the existing flaws and their business requirements. This is supported by Travis (1999) who indicated that companies which put on greater efforts in ERP selection will achieve greater success. 2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY According to Lee, Moon, and Lee (2006), ERP systems can be used as an integration with existing business systems and processes to assist an organization maintaining its competitive advantage. Consistent identification of such ERP changes or upgrades is essential to improve business processes due to robust technology development. Existing systems could expire and should be upgraded from time to time as business grows considering...
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...To better understand erp systems and to be able to truly evaluate the most effective systems in the market today, you need to first ask the question, what’s an erp system? enterprise resource planning better known for its shortcut (erp)systems integrate internal and external management information across an entire organization, embracing finance/accounting, manufacturing, sales and service, customer relationship management, etc. ERP systems automate this activity with an integrated software application. The purpose of ERP is to facilitate the flow of information between all business functions inside the boundaries of the organization and manage the connections to outside stakeholders.[1] ERP systems can run on a variety of computer hardware and network configurations, typically employing a database as a repository for information. After extensive uses and application from thousands of corporation and companies both global and local from mid size to large , we were able to assess and evaluate the ten best current erp systems and they are in none specific order : First, Openbravo Open bravo is a web-based, open source ERP business solution for small and medium sized companies. Already in production, Open bravo ERP encompasses a broad range of functionalities such as finance, supply chain, manufacturing & much more. Open bravo ERP has been designed with broad business functionality to help businesses improve overall performance. It is based on a single, integrated database...
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...Riordan Manufacturing Service Request SR-rm-022: Analyze HR System Tshombre Carter BSA310-Business Systems August 13, 2013 Susan Peterson Introduction In this paper I will describe each of the key stakeholders or stakeholder groups in Riordan Manufacturing who should provide requirements for the service request, describe two separate information gathering techniques that should be used during the proposed project identify two factors that are necessary to ensure that the information required for the project is gathered successfully, define the scope of the project by specifying business functions that will be included in the project describe the project’s operational, technical, and economic feasibility areas that are examined in the SDLC analysis phase summary of the main points of the entire paper. Service Request Riordan Manufacturing placed a service request for all locations to review existing business systems. All areas within the organization are using various business systems; all of which represent challenges. The organization needs to identify problem areas and integrate solutions. The current systems differ at each location creating compatibility issues; the Michigan plant's application system developer is no longer in business leaving no access to updates or troubleshooting. San Jose accounting application contains no source code eliminating the ability to modify the program. Scope Riordan Manufacturing has many issues regarding...
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...11FN-106 Sourabh Bhave 11FN-107 Microsoft | ERP Implementation in SMEs | Introduction In the post-liberalization and opening up of the economy business era, ease in international trade barriers, economic liberalization, globalization, privatization, disinvestments and deregulations have thrown several challenges to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the fast-developing economies like India. Compressed product development cycles, cut throat domestic and global competition, economic downturns, rapidly changing customer demands and volatile financial markets have increased the pressure on SMEs to come up with effective and competitive capabilities to survive and succeed. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is often considered as one of the solutions for their survival (Rao, 2000). Up to mid-1990s, SMEs sector in India had operated under much-protected economic regime characterized by limited competition and highly regulated business environment. This business atmosphere had resulted in limited focus on process efficiencies, centralized control structures, highly formalized business settings and lack of professional business practices (Ranganathan and Kannabiran, 2004). However, following the economic liberalization and opening up of the economy to foreign multi-national companies, Indian SMEs have to adopt modern business practices and strategies, which in turn can provide them a cutting edge over its competitors. ERP software integrates the various functional spheres...
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...Review for ERP/Systems Integration & Administration Lec. Dr. Abdullatif Ghallab ghallab@gmail.com أسئلة للمراجعة قبل امتحان نصف الفصل الدراسي الثاني – للعام الجامعي 5102-6102م اسم المقرر: تخطيط موارد المؤسسة/تكامل وإدارة النظم TYPES OF QUESTIONS A. END-OF-CHAPTER QUESTIONS B. ESSAY QUESTIONS C. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS D. CASE QUESTIONS E. TRUE & FALSE QUESTIONS F. MULTIPLE CHOICES QUESTIONS CH1 X X √ CH3 X X √ √ CH4 √ √ √ X X X X X X √ √ √ 1 CH2 X √ X √ √ Review for ERP/Systems Integration & Administration Lec. Dr. Abdullatif Ghallab ghallab@gmail.com CH01- INTRODUCTION TO ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS FOR MANAGEMENT A. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Refer to the Hershey case. What were the goals and details of the Enterprise 21 project? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 2. Establish a single supply chain across all divisions. Streamline all business processes by reengineering them across all functional areas. Increase the gross margin and maintain sales growth. Save $75 – 80 million through corporate restructuring and closing of older distribution sites. Fix their Y2K problem and replace existing mainframe environment. Refer to the Hershey case. What were some of the key problems that Hershey encountered when choosing, integrating and implementing their new ERP system? The implementation of the ERP for Hershey was beset with difficulties due to a number of failures: a. Project management issues...
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...Chapter 8 E-Supply Chain, Collaborative Commerce, and Intrabusiness EC Learning Objectives Upon completion of this chapter, you will be able to: 1. Define e-supply chain and describe its characteristics and components. 2. List supply chain problems and their causes. 3. List solutions to supply chain problems provided by EC. 4. Define c-commerce and list its major types. 5. Describe collaborative planning and Collaboration, Planning, Forecasting and Replenishing (CPFR), and list their benefits. 6. Define intrabusiness EC and describe its major activities. 7. Discuss integration along the supply chain. 8. Understand corporate portals and their types and roles. 9. Describe e-collaboration tools such as workflow and groupware. Content How General Motors Is Collaborating Online 1. E-Supply Chains 2. Supply Chain Problems and Solutions 3. Collaborative Commerce 4. Collaborative Planning, CPFR, and Collaborative Design 5. Internal Supply Chain Solutions, Intrabusiness, and B2E 6. Integration Along the Supply Chain 7. Corporate (Enterprise) Portals 8. Collaboration-Enabling Tools: From Workflow to Groupware Managerial Issues Real-World Case: Portal Speeds Product R&D at Amway Appendix 8a: Intranets Answers to Pause/Break Section Review Questions Section 8.1 Review Questions 1. Define the e-supply chain and list its three major parts. A supply chain that is managed electronically, usually using Web technologies...
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...Advancements in ERP for FMCG Introduction Prior to a discussion of the advancements in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) for the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, it is important to first take a look at some of the environmental impacts to understand the context in which we need to place our discussion. The FMCG industry is currently functioning in an uncertain political and economic environment. All of this is impacting the industry in a climate where corporate accounting practices are being heavily scrutinized and anything perceived to be discretionary spending is queried. In addition, the industry is seeing dramatic consolidation via merger and acquisition activity with leaders increasing their market share and dominance in the supply chain. Traditional product lifecycle management is being challenged with the frequent introduction of new products and services with shorter lifecycles and a focus on brand extension. All of the above is placing intense pressure on conventional manufacturing and supply chain practices. IT Trends Recent research conducted by SSA Global Technologies shows that there is an increased emphasis on cost saving and efficiency, with demands on IT to do more with less, and for new IT investments to deliver significant returns on investment than were expected in the past.1 1 SSA GT Global Manufacturing Survey 2002 Not surprisingly, in the context of the above environmental factors, research conducted by AMR Research2 found that for 2003...
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...Information Technology Implementation Plan for ProComm Technology Solutions, an IT Consulting Company George Lisboa Jr. American Public University System Abstract Companies must constantly search for new advantages, make smart entrepreneurial decisions, and orchestrate strategic change in order to stay ahead of the competition. Most of the world’s leading companies make regular use of consulting services to help them build and strengthen their competitive advantages. In responding to uncommon situations or those not previously encountered, companies often do not have the time, expertise, or experience to develop solutions or prepare important decisions internally. In situations that go beyond the day-to-day IT management of the company, an IT consulting firm can be highly valuable. Experienced consultants can help facilitate and drive a major endeavor. Outside experts can also serve as a functioning partner, challenging management with a keen, impartial view. This paper attempts to analyze the IT implementation requirements of an IT consulting company and the services offered, products served and the clients that need them. The IT requirement needs of this business is a collection of facts, resources, ideas, planning methods and processes that form the basis of a business plan implementation. In researching this paper, I have compiled resources from various books, literature and journals that enabled me to put together the IT requirement needs of an IT consulting...
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...Outline INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................... 2 I. DATA BASES............................................................................................................................................... 2 I.1. Definitions ............................................................................................................................................................... 2 I.2. Major Methods and DBMS...................................................................................................................................... 3 I.3. Information-related issues........................................................................................................................................ 4 II. COLLABORATION TOOLS (GROUPWARE) ..................................................................................... 4 II.1. Introduction & Definition ....................................................................................................................................... 4 II.2. Electronic Document Management (EDM) ............................................................................................................ 5 II.3. Process Management (Workflow) .......................................................................................................................... 6 II.4. Electronic Data Interchange (E.D.I...
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...TOP 40 2011 Edition CRM SOFTWARE VENDORS REVEALED Profiles of the Leading CRM Software Vendors For more information, visit Business-Software.com/CRM CRM Solutions For businesses of all sizes, acquiring, retaining, and supporting customers is more challenging than ever before. Activities that were already complex have become highlycomplicated, multi-faceted workflows and procedures that are difficult to coordinate, track and manage. Marketing teams must plan and develop an increasing number of sophisticated campaigns, and deliver them through multiple mediums. Sales reps must follow-up on hundreds of new leads, while juggling existing sales cycles. Support staff must rapidly resolve a growing volume of customer problems and issues. And, management must oversee customer-facing operations across all departments, and ensure that all client interactions are handled in a responsive and professional manner. Customer relationship management (CRM) systems has emerged as a way for businesses to streamline customer-related processes across functional areas, increase the efficiency and effectiveness of customer transactions at all levels, and optimize service quality at each touch-point. Within the CRM world, there are many types of solutions, each having their own flavor, and each meeting different business needs. What is Enterprise CRM? Enterprise customer relationship management is a family of tightly-integrated applications that span both front- and back-office operations...
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...International Business GITAM UNIVERSITY (Declared as Deemed-to-be-University U/S 3 of UGC Act, 1956) Visakhapatnam – 45 A report on Warehousing & Functioning of ERP in TVS LSL, Pune Under the guidance of Mr.Pavan Nair Regional head TVS LSL, pune (Internal guide) M.V.Kameshwara Rao Professor,GSIB,GITAM university (Faculty guide) Submitted By Anand Vuppalapati (1226112104) Acknowledgements I ‘am pleased to have associated with TVS Logistics Services Ltd. In the Internship project on Warehousing & functioning of ERP, a project of significance to both, TVS Logistics Services Ltd. and me. I take this opportunity to thank Mr. Pavan Nair, Regional head, TVS Logistics Services Ltd, Pune for giving me the opportunity to work on this project and also for his guidance as project guide. We are deeply grateful to Professor M. Kameshwara Rao, GITAM School of International Business for providing insightful and rich mentoring support for this project. The results of this study reflect the thoughtful input of all participants including the views of the eminent professionals in the company, solicited during the course of the interviews we had with them. Thank you to all who gave time to make this study useful. It was a most rewarding experience to work on such a challenging project. We believe that the results of this study would be helpful to TVS Logistics Services Ltd. in making thoughtful changes in the Third party logistics sector. Sincerely, ...
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...Chapter 6 E-Supply Chains, Collaborative Commerce, and Corporate Portals Learning Objectives Upon completion of this chapter, you will be able to: 1. Define the e-supply chain and describe its characteristics and components. 2. List supply chain problems and their causes. 3. List solutions provided by e-commerce (EC) for supply chain problems. 4. Describe RFID supply chain applications. 5. Define c-commerce and list the major types. 6. Describe collaborative planning and collaboration, planning, forecasting, and replenishing (CPFR) and list the benefits of each. 7. Discuss integration along the supply chain. 8. Understand corporate portals and their types and roles. 9. Describe e-collaboration tools such as workflow software and groupware. 10. Describe Collaboration 2.0 technology and tools. Content Opening Case: Boeing’s Global Supply Chain for the Dreamliner 787 6.1 E-Supply Chains 6.2 Supply Chain Problems and Solutions 6.3 RFID as a Key Enabler in Supply Chain Management 6.4 Collaborative Commerce 6.5 Collaborative Planning, CPFR, APS, and PLM 6.6 Supply Chain Integration 6.7 Corporate (Enterprise) Portals 6.8 Collaboration-Enabling Environments and Tools Managerial Issues Closing Case: How Wal-Mart Uses EC in Its Supply Chain Answers to Section Review Questions Section 6.1 Review Questions 1. Define the e-supply chain and list its three major parts. It is...
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...focus must be maintained to ensure the success, profitability and continued growth of Riordan Manufacturing as an industry leader. Riordan Manufacturing corporate headquarters is in San Jose, California with plants in Albany, Georgia, Pontiac, Michigan and Hangzhou, China. The company acquired several of its assets through planned expansions and acquisitions. This growth has left Riordan Manufacturing with three separate operating organizations in Georgia, Michigan and California. There is also a joint project with the People’s Republic of China managed of the Hangzhou facility with its own operational and financial concerns. Each organization operates on different finance and accounting. This is one of the challenges Riordan Manufacturing faces with the financial and accounting departments. For example, in the San Jose office the financial and accounting department has a fully integrated Windows-based software management application it uses. An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) application is designed to automate business processes, reduce cost and improve productivity; however the software license agreement does not include application source code. The Michigan office...
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