Abstract: The sales lead generation process for technology companies is very different from lead generation in other industries. Technology sector needs are more precise, and the target market is almost exclusively business-to-business (B2B), with the individuals often being decision makers high up the corporate ladder. Find out how to reach this difficult target, with prospecting methods and tips for making more complex sales.

Abstract: Analog Devices was the first company to implement a balanced scorecard company-wide on an Executive Information System. In fact, it has been running for 13 years. One of the major lessons that Analog learned was to trust the lead and lag relationship between non-financial and financial measures. This note was based in part from an interview with Art Schneiderman, pioneer of the balanced scorecard concepts at Analog Devices and Bob Stasey, VP of Quality at Analog Devices.

Abstract: A superior lead-to-order (LTO) process is essential in today's environment of mass customization. Companies striving to build and maintain market share require an LTO process supported by robust IT and product configuration capabilities. Learn how optimizing your LTO process can help you implement a successful mass customization strategy, and how the benefits of an optimized LTO process relate to lean manufacturing.

Abstract: Effective game plans lead to improved firm performance and bottom line results. Metrics include reductions in stock-outs, delivery lead-time, missed shipments, partial shipments, expediting efforts, and improvements in customer service. This is an excerpt from the book Managing Your Supply Chain Using Microsoft Navision.

Abstract: Many buy cycles start months before sellers are even aware of them. A system that provides reps with immediate awareness of a lead’s interest is critical, as is linking marketing’s and sales’ efforts, coordinating campaigns, and consolidating access to information and reporting—including manager dashboards. Learn how eliminating the gap between sales and marketing can increase lead quality and increase sales performance.

Abstract: Manufacturers and service companies are facing a blackhole in sales lead management: costing sales. By using a workflow for lead and opportunity management, that efficiently routing and tracking sales, sales efficiency will increase and produce a bigger pipeline, and more sales will be closed.

Abstract: EaglePicher’s Wolverine Gasket Division was overwhelmed when sales grew 10 to 13 percent per year from 2002 to 2004. Its manual systems for raw material orders, inventories, shipping, and scheduling couldn’t keep up with the demand, and lead times grew to 10 weeks. Learn how a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system helped EaglePicher achieve accurate inventory, cut lead times, and double its aftermarket business.

Abstract: Every record that fails to meet standards of quality can lead to lost revenue or unnecessary costs. A well-executed data quality initiative isn’t difficult, but it is crucial to getting maximum value out of your data. In small companies, for which every sales lead, order, or potential customer is valuable, poor data quality isn’t an option—implementing a thorough data quality solution is key to your success. Find out how.

Abstract: The desktop PC market is turning from a five-way fight into a three-way horse race, led by Dell, Compaq, and HP.

Abstract: The anticipated advancements in cellular wireless technologies allowing far faster connections means that the global wireless market will break the 600 million user mark and break 10 billion (USD) in market value.

Abstract: Original News & Educational Review Course Summary Ernst & Young, has put together the quintessential course for security engineers looking to improve their ability to protect their organization's website, systems, and network. Dubbed eXtreme Hacking, and carrying a price tag of $5,000 a slot, this course is for anyone but hacks. With an impressive course book that fills a two-inch thick binder, leading Ernst & Young security engineers take you step-by-step through all the ways that bad guys try to subvert your mission critical servers and network configurations. Using dual-bootable NT-Linux laptops, and an accompanying network setup for practicing subversive attacks and exploits, attendees will leave the course with an entire new bag of tools and tricks that help them understand how bad guys identify target IP addresses, collect information about the systems they plan on compromising, and exploit weaknesses without being noticed. The idea is to learn how to figure out what the weaknesses are in your organization's network before the bad guys do.

Abstract: To maintain a leadership position in the high-tech complex equipment industry, electronic equipment manufacturers need reliable solutions to improve order accuracy, optimize fulfillment, and increase revenue for value-added services. Does your solution quickly commercialize new technology, integrate software with systems, and differentiate those systems with value-added services? Find out about what you might be missing.

Abstract: Companies require an agile enterprise performance management (EPM) strategy to ensure they have information to support effective decisions. The more information companies generate, the more they need software that places the information in the right context and optimizes the decision-support process. Learn to identify software that can help your organization find the best path to continual performance improvement.

Abstract: For many life sciences organizations, a key impediment to compliant manufacturing operations remains the disconnect between enterprise and plant systems. This results in unsynchronized business processes and inadequate use of resources, which in turn increases the risk of non-compliance and inadequate quality of finished products. Find out why simply connecting systems is not enough to fully overcome these challenges.

Abstract: For decades, solution-selling and marketing methodologies have used the principle of identifying pains associated with business processes, in order to create urgency and demand for products and services. With the foundational premise that marketers need to drive more revenue while optimizing marketing investments, successful business-to-business (B2B) companies have focused on four critical pillars needed to optimize the lead-to-sale process.

Abstract: R.G. Barry, a leading developer and marketer of accessory footwear, lacked real-time visibility into production schedules at its factories. As a result, the company built more safety stock, required long lead times, and could not quickly update customers on the status of their orders. Find out how a new Web-based global sourcing solution helped R.G. Barry free up cash and minimize the risk of carrying excess inventory.

Abstract: The enterprise life cycle is often misunderstood, which can lead to complications during the selection, implementation, and maintenance phases. Knowing what to expect during each phase will allow an enterprise to get better money for value from the solution.

Abstract: If service parts and service personnel management are well managed, manufacturers can significantly improve their profits from service operations. This will lead in turn to significant overall profit margins.