Abstract: Today's usage of Decision Support Systems (DSS), combined with vetted CRM knowledge bases, allows organizations to save time and money, achieving better and more reliable/fully-documented decisions, a quantum improvement over the widely-used subjective process of selecting complex enterprise software...

Abstract: A combination of manual data entry processes and the sheer volume of invoices it received every day was causing Northeast Utilities major backlogs in processing—as well as added payroll expense. To automate its processes and free up its staff resources, the company adopted AnyDocINVOICE. Since its implementation, Northeast has reduced its backlog by more than 90 percent and saved $240,000 (USD) in labor costs.

Abstract: For years, utilities have seen a growing need to enable a smarter electric grid, promote cleaner power sources, and replace aging structures. These issues came into sharper focus when US President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This legislation provides funding for many energy initiatives—however, strict compliance guidelines come with the stimulus plan. Find out more.

Abstract: Performance reviews are an essential and productive use of employee and manager time. A well-defined competency model can discover insights into individual, workgroup, and even entire workforce performance, helping enterprises gain true business advantage in their industries and marketplaces. Employee consultations and reviews, appraisals, and developmental decisions no longer need to exist as isolated business functions.

Abstract: Microsoft is about to start charging US$149 for its limited collection of Unix-compatible utilities for Windows NT/2000 clients. We forecast a minimal market for this product.

Abstract: For over a decade, SAP has offered industry-specific applications, starting with oil and gas and utilities solutions. Media, insurance, chemicals, banking, and public sector offerings have followed, highlighting SAP's lesser-known side as a market-oriented provider of industry-tailored solutions.

Abstract: CrossWorlds Software, an enterprise application integration vendor, is making it easier for customers to acquire components and utilities with specific functionality. The vendor will create a CrossWorlds Exchange site on a subscription basis, for $50,000 per year with additional fees for some components.

Abstract: Utilities are under intense pressure to improve corporate performance despite increasing costs, regulatory pressures, and enhanced customer expectations. The need to supplement existing cash flows with the low-risk, low-investment, high-impact option of plugging revenue leakage has never been more critical. Find out how you can plug revenue leakage by using technology to make improvements across the utility revenue chain.

Abstract: Traditionally, utilities have leveraged robust meter, network, and customer service infrastructures. These technologies served the needs of largely regulated energy and utility markets characterized by price regulations, easy access to energy resources, and sufficient infrastructure capacity. There are few examples of 'old' technologies that make such a compelling argument against replacement. All that’s about to change.

Abstract: Registry cleanup is inarguably an integral component of PC maintenance. However, many PC users may be wasting time and effort cleaning their registries more often than necessary, depending on the age of their computers, as well as how often software and other utilities are installed. In order to save time and get the most out of your PC, there are a number of myths about registry cleanup you ought to dispel.

Abstract: Utilities have always held information about their assets, but traditionally this has been held in different parts of the business and not integrated into single coherent systems. Good asset management is increasingly about being able to feed information from business processes across the company into an asset management system, and using information from that system for financial and operational improvement.

Abstract: To improve efficiency and reduce overall workload on financials personnel, California (US)-based utilities company South Coast Water District (SCWD) needed a new financials system with integrated human resources (HR) functionality. Find out how Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC) helped SCWD define its financial and HR requirements, evaluate its short list of solutions, and shorten the software selection process.

Abstract: Investing in a customer relationship management (CRM) system can increase sales productivity and represent an addition to, not a subtraction from, your company’s bottom line. But a return on investment (ROI) from CRM software depends on whether you’ve identified strategies that leverage the CRM system’s sales productivity. Find out how to formulate CRM strategies before you choose a CRM solution, and compare CRM products.

Abstract: Hearing confusing messages from your customer resource management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) vendors? You may be dealing with dozens of software vendors and system integrators, each one praising the benefits of his solution. Among these proposals, one claims not only to efficiently manage the entire customer life cycle, but also to take full advantage of your previous technology investments. Your incumbent ERP system vendor also has a CRM solution, and praises the benefits of the tight integration of both systems. The question then is, how do you know whether this solution is the best for you? Request your copy of Integrating CRM with ERP compliments of Baseline Consulting. The report gives you the criteria to use when formulating your strategy of integrating CRM with ERP, best practices of CRM implementation, dealing with ERP integration, and how to integrate CRM with ERP impacts the value chain.

Abstract: Customer relationship management (CRM) is rapidly morphing from a customer management model to one of customer engagement. Social networks, podcasts, blogs, and wikis are enabling customers to become advocates, and not simply the targets they were in the traditional CRM process. The same techniques are also being used within the CRM industry itself to create a content-rich, social media environment for CRM professionals. Find out what these sweeping changes mean to businesses and CRM professionals alike, as TEC's director of research Wayne Thompson sits down with Paul Greenberg and Bruce Culbert of BPT Partners, a leading CRM consulting firm.

Abstract: Microsoft's foray into the CRM arena has not been a bed of roses, despite its indisputably large marketing muscle and R&D investment, its strong channel, traditionally attractive pricing policies, and the aura and experience within the market segment. Microsoft CRM remains both a threat and an opportunity for the most nimble mid-market CRM vendors. Microsoft’s entry with CRM evangelism through an array of seminars nationwide has bolstered the market’s awareness of the need for CRM applications.

Abstract: Since the last recession in 2001, customer relationship management (CRM) systems have gained greater acceptance. Though CRM systems haven’t been widely tested under adverse business conditions, results achieved by CRM strategies indicate that businesses with an effective CRM approach will have a vital competitive advantage in recessionary conditions. Discover three key strategies to using CRM as a tool against a recession.

Abstract: Customer relationship management (CRM) solutions can help you achieve success by managing your company’s customer-facing processes and implementing a customer-centric vision. But to make the most of CRM’s benefits, you should weigh and consider the options by answering key questions about your processes and CRM solutions’ capabilities. Find out key CRM principles, and how to best mitigate the cost of CRM implementation.

Abstract: Why do some customer relationship management (CRM) implementations fail? The answer: companies’ lack of understanding of their current CRM environments, and of what areas need modification or improvement. Companies with a clear understanding of what they need from a CRM solution—as well as of what CRM means to their business—are more likely to succeed. To clinch that success, some key elements should be assessed first.