Abstract: Founded in 1916, Oldfields is an Australian manufacturer of painting equipment, scaffolding, and garden sheds. To meet aggressive customer responsiveness targets, the company depends on up-to-date information and reliable communications. Learn how implementing PRONTO-Xi on a wide area network (WAN) helped Oldfields get quick access to data required for decision making, controlling costs, and improving customer service.

Abstract: Find out how an established lawn and garden product manufacturer transformed production processes, improved supplier communication and inbound delivery quality, and drove lower raw material inventories. The key? A collaborative web-based solution to manage critical inbound supplier forecasts, orders, and shipments.

Abstract: The Internet and big-box retailers have changed the way products from MP3 players to garden tillers reach the market. Customers now have a direct pipeline, via the Internet, to the name on the label of the products they buy. And those customers are going back in droves to the manufacturers instead of the retailers for product support. How can you distinguish your brand, given this new market dynamic? Find out now.

Abstract: DNA Group, Inc. is the North American distributor for Defond Manufacturing Limited, Inc, a major supplier of switches and electronics to the appliance, marine, transportation, power tools, white goods, lawn & garden, and consumer electronics industries. DNA Group serves the global marketplace by emphasizing responsiveness and the ability to focus on the needs of each individual customer and project.

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: Howard Johnson’s Enterprises, Inc. (HJE) is a provider of lawn and garden fertilizer products whose discrete manufacturing package assumed a discrete process. It took ProcessPro eight months to implement a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution that worked to address HJE’s unique needs.

Abstract: The CEO of Cahners Business Information, a publisher of Business to Business information with designs on creating an Internet publishing empire, steps down. The speculation is that he was forced out by the parent company, Reed Elsevier.

Abstract: To assure flexibility and lasting value, information system designs and product selection must be guided by an architectural plan for infrastructure and applications systems. The Art of architecture design is in extracting business requirements; the Science is translating them into technology solutions.

Abstract: Retail remains a very tactile industry, focused on the hand, drape, and durability of fabrics and trim—besides which, designs are still being sketched on paper and pinned on size models or mannequins.

Abstract: Perimeter computer-room air handlers and central air-handling units have been used to cool data centers since the launch of the mainframe. But as rack power grew, air delivery and heat removal challenges appeared. Row-based designs address issues of proper heat removal and cold air supply—and bring energy-efficiency advantages. Learn more about row-based solutions and the benefits they can deliver to your data center.

Abstract: American Crane & Equipment Corporation (ACECO) designs and manufactures electric overhead traveling cranes. Managing and tracking custom projects for accurate job costing is key—but ACECO’s legacy system involved labor-intensive, manual manipulation of data. ACECO saw that real-time job cost data was vital to operational performance. It found a solution with integrated functionality for all process operations. Learn more.

Abstract: New power and cooling technology allows for a simple and rapid deployment of self-contained high-density zones within an existing or new low-density data center. The independence of these high-density zones allows for reliable high-density equipment operation without a negative impact on existing power and cooling infrastructure—and with more electrical efficiency than conventional designs. Learn more now.

Abstract: The enterprise environment continues to evolve and change. Regardless of technology breakthroughs and system designs, storage area networks (SANs) continue to provide IT with severe administrative challenges. But by implementing a cost-effective and robust core-to-core solution, system administrators can reduce the management burdens and provide greater access to network resources.

Abstract: Tellabs is a $1.3 billion (US) corporation that designs, manufactures, markets, and services optical networking, broadband access and voice quality enhancement. Tellabs was faced with a high volume and high cost product returns process. Improper documentation, lengthy processing times, and insufficient returns documentation was affecting customer service and limiting profitability. It worked with Click Commerce to implement their product returns application. The solution provides an efficient and transparent process, which allowed the business to be realigned for significant savings and improved customer satisfaction. The savings include reducing in-transit inventory by $1.76 million (USD) per month and reducing spare parts stocking levels from $7.5million to $1.9 million (USD).

Abstract: Herstal designs, manufactures, and distributes a range of firearms, and has a long history of using product lifecycle management (PLM) and product data management (PDM) technologies. In 2002, the company implemented PTC’s product development suite for its product management needs. With PTC’s software, it reduced research and development (R&D) costs while delivering more products over a shorter period of time. Learn more.

Abstract: Tandy Brands designs, manufactures, and markets fashion accessories for the whole family. With five years of success using the Inovis TrustedLink solution to trade via electronic data interchange (EDI) with 80 retailers, Tandy was mandated by Wal-Mart to use the Internet to do business. Find out how the company integrated its existing solution with another one from Inovis to satisfy Wal-Mart’s demands—and save money.

Abstract: This article describes the author's experience with the development of the first Yugoslav Internet payment processing system. The system's architecture is very similar to the Three Domain (3D) model that started to emerge later. This success story is worthwhile sharing with a wider audience.

Abstract: This year, the market can be summed up as 3D: Dell Direct Desktop. In comparison, Compaq and IBM are looking a little flat.