William Atkinson, contributing editor
Articles
Supplier communication: eXpresso SaaS simplifies Excel collaboration in Covisint automotive community
Automotive portal provider Covisint is making its data more accessible by automating certain information-sharing processes using eXpresso’s SaaS-based communication platform.
Helped wanted: B2B expert rallying support for federal e-commerce czar
When it was originally presented last year, President Obama's multi-point technology plan didn't mention anything about increasing e-commerce adoption. Steve Keifer, a VP of with B2B e-commerce solutions provider GXS, noticed. Now he's trying to cement the idea of Obama appointing an e-commerce czar... and he's having some success.
Recession advisory: In today’s economy, cash management is king
These days, companies in every industry—especially manufacturing—are struggling with finances as the economic downturn puts a stranglehold on lending capital. That’s why manufacturers need to adopt treasury management systems that integrate finance, supply chain, and operations to remain solvent in the short and long term.
To SaaS or not to SaaS
There's no doubt on-demand applications represent a viable option for many businesses, particularly start-ups or smaller organizations that need to get new systems up and running quickly. But considerable debate wages on as to whether the on-demand model—also known as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)—will ever be the predominant method of delivering enterprise applications.
Supply chain strategies: Forrester, GM offer best practices for going green
A lot of companies are interested in building green supply chains, but scattershot information makes it difficult to get started. A new report from Cambridge, Mass.-based Forrester Research—and the example set by General Motors—now offers some help.
Green manufacturing: Production can be environmentally friendly and cost-effective
Many manufacturers have hesitated to adopt green initiatives out of fear that it would raise production costs. Nabil Nasr, director of the Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies at the Rochester Institute of Technology, is among the experts who say that fear can be alleviated by injecting the right technology into the manufacturing process.
Pinpoint tracking: e-registration stops fraudulent returns without comprising consumer privacy
Manufacturers and retailers have long sought a method of tracking products through their lifecycles—to ensure only authorized returns and in-warranty work—without infringing on consumer privacy concerns. One company finally offers the technology to do just that.
The right prescription: Pharma manufacturers use PLM to swallow bitter regulatory pill
Regulatory compliance pressures and increased competition have pharmaceutical manufacturers focusing much more attention and resources on adopting product life-cycle management solutions, according to a report out of London-based Datamonitor.
Master data management evolves from software technology to enterprise strategy
Like the people who use its products, premium golf club maker PING constantly works to improve its performance. In recent years, the company slashed the time it takes to get new products to market from two years to nine months, while also shrinking delivery time for a custom-made club from six weeks to two days.