Recently there have been numerous articles written about how advances in IT have been helping in the medical field. Two articles entitled "PatientKeeper Demos Medical System Interoperability" and "IBM To Acquire Initiate Systems", both recently published in Information Week, discuss how IT is helping to form connections between different medical establishments.
In "IBM To Acquire Initiate System" the article focuses around how IBM is going to attain Initiate System, a small but important vendor of master data management software (MDM). The importance of MDM software is that it "helps organizations ensure data consistency across dimensions such as customers, products, locations, and employees" (1). This type of technology is extremely important in the healthcare industry, where the quick exchange of information and patient profiles is crucial. Speaking about the aquisition, IBM's general manager of Informational Management, Arvind Krishna, emphasized the important role Initiate System's MDM software has been able to have in the healthcare industry. Krishna claimed "In the U.S. alone, there's $36 billion in government stimulus funds [available] to faciliate the adoption of electronic health records and health information networks, both being places where Initiate's solutions play strongly" (2). This technology helps with the ease and efficiency in which important medical information can be transferred.
Similarly, in the article "PatientKeeper Demos Medical System Interoperability" the author, Antone Gonsalves, discusses the progress that has been made to form a connected medical network. the article declares that there is an "ultimate goal of a unified view of patient health information that would span hospitals, clinics, and doctors' offices" (3). IT usage in the medical field has the potential to be very beneficial and can help with "healthcare standards for audit trail and node authentication, consistent time, patient demographic query, cross-enterprise document sharing, and content consumer" (4). The technology for this interoperability has been developing well. However, according to the article the healthcare industry has been slow in picking it up. Luckily, the government realizes how beneficial this technology could be and "approved more than $20 billion in health IT stimulus programs" (5).
After reading these articles I think it is very important for the healthcare industry to continue to put effort into new IT innovations. The ability to create a database of all the different medical information would be extremely beneficial for everyone involved. This collection of data would give patients the ability to have medical professionals access their information no matter what hospital, clinic, or office they were at. Additionally, it would be a great tool for doctors to use to get up to date information about not only their patients but also different procedures and medical results. I believe that it is extremely important for the industry to continue to put money and time towards creating these database systems. Also, I think it is a good thing that the government has realized the importance of these systems and is willing to contribute funds for their development. The creation of these databases should help to improve the healthcare industry's operations and effectiveness.
References
(1) Doug Henschen, "IBM To Aquire Initiate System," Information Week, February 4, 2010, http://www.informationweek.com/news/healthcare/interoperability/showArticle.html?articleID=222601119 (accessed February 9, 2010)
(2) Doug Henschen, "IBM To Aquire Initiate System," Information Week, February 4, 2010, http://www.informationweek.com/news/healthcare/interoperability/showArticle.html?articleID=222601119 (accessed February 9, 2010)
(3) Antone Gonsalves, "PatientKeeper Demos Medical System Interoperability," Inofrmation Week, February 2, 2010, http://www.informationweek.com/news/healthcare/interoperability/showArticle.html?articleID=222600875 (accessed February 9, 2010)
(4) Antone Gonsalves, "PatientKeeper Demos Medical System Interoperability," Information Week, February 2, 2010, http://www.informationweek.com/news/healthcare/interoperability/showArticle.html?articleID=222600875 (accessed February 9, 2010)
(5) Antone Gonsalves, "PatientKeeper Demos Medical System Interoperability," Information Week, February 2, 2010, http://www.informationweek.com/news/healthcare/interoperability/showArticle.html?articleID=222600875 (accessed February 9, 2010)
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
CRM: Keeping Airline Fliers Coming Back
Airlines have been experimenting with CRM systems through Frequent Flier Programs (FFP) for years and they are very popular amongst the airline industry. The basic concept being that a flier will earn more points as you travel, which then earns the flier rewards. However, FFPs do not guarantee that your luggage won’t be lost or that an apparent “free” flight is actually 100% free. Those who are a Frequent Flier expect a lot from their airlines, which don’t give back much in return (1). So how do the airlines increase the number of returning customers and guarantee satisfaction for their fliers? Well, implementing CRM systems is not enough; the airlines themselves much focus on the problems of the program, along with increasing their own capital from the use of the program.
The airline industry used to be commodity based, focusing on cost and adding customers (1). However, 9-11 drastically changed the airline industry, as many people were skeptical about flying and simply afraid to. This completely changed the industry to customer-based and CRM systems that have been directed towards cutting costs are no longer relevant. The airlines can now take advantage of the technology given to them from the CRM system they implemented by using the data they collect from the FFP to redirected the focus to loyalty and customer relations. "The advantage of all this data is that you can begin to determine different types of customers and then target your marketing to them”, says Raul Arce, the vice president of travel and transportation at IBM (1).
I completely agree with Mr. Arce when it comes to dissecting the data collected to focus on the customer’s needs. The FFP collects so much data from customers that can be used to remarket their airline. For instance, home addresses and businesses can help target a certain geographical area, along with destination and what kind of traveler you are – business trip, vacation, etc (1). All of this data can be used to increase customer experience and loyalty, which is so important in a service-based industry.
By appropriately using this CRM technology, airlines can enhance customer relations and better focus their market areas to their best customers in order to increase capital. Separating frequent fliers and best customers can even greater enhance capital and customer relations. The IT gathers information on all fliers and their specific needs. If all employees of the airline have access to this data, every customer can be treated specifically to their needs, which enhances customer relations. Better customer relationships increase customer loyalty and the percentage of returning customers, which in turn, increases capital.
I believe the best strategy for the airline industry is to take advantage of the CRM technology provided to them. Redirecting information brought in through the FFP can be utilized to increase customer loyalty by focusing on the frequent fliers and best customers of a specific airline. The use of a CRM system in a service-based industry can help companies focus on customer needs to then increase capital for the companies.
(1) Higgins, John. "Taking Airline CRM Efforts to New, Higher Altitudes." CRM Buyer. CRMBuyer: The Essential Guide for CRM System Purchasers. 1 Feb. 2010. Web. 7 Feb. 2010. .">
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Air Force Seeks Secure Cloud Computing
“In a 10-month project, the Air Force has contracted IBM to design a cloud computing environment that can recognize security threats and adapt on the fly.”[1] The main goal of this “cloud computing” will be to manage, monitor and secure information that flows through the military network in order to ensure safety and security. IBM’s InfoSphere Streams software, which was implemented by the Air Force last year, will be used to analyze the data that flows through the networks and will be able to provide insight about possible threats and prevent disruptions to the military’s software.
Cloud computing has been defined many different ways, and according to InfoWorld, cloud computing is basically just “virtual servers available over the Internet.”[2] What does this mean for the Air Force particularly? With this cloud computing available to the military, possible threats and cyber-scams can be monitored and then prevented. With the availability of the InfoSphere Streams software, this threat prevention will be possible because monitors and sensors will be able to detect the massive amounts of information that pass through the military’s systems and networks daily. These systems can then decide which information serves as potential threats to the military databases and such.
As far as IBM goes, this new cloud computing system they are providing for the Air Force may “help IBM win more contracts in the public sector, which contributes more than 15 percent of the company’s almost $100 billion in sales and was the only unit to increase revenue last year.”[3] If successful, this system could push IBM’s sales to even further heights this year which is crucial in an ever-changing, technological world. As a result, if this system is deemed a success by the Air Force, it is very likely that other branches of the military will contact IBM in order to ensure that their networks are secure and virus-free as well. This, in turn, could send IBM sales sky-rocketing even further.
On the other hand, if the Air Force decides that this system does not lead to a cost-saving situation, they may kick it to the curb in a sense. This could mean that IBM would suffer a loss in sales and potential sales because no other branches of the military would then want to utilize this cloud-computing system. Although this is a possibility, I believe that even if IBM fails to implement this new system successfully, they are better off taking a chance because results if it is successful will be much more rewarding than they would be detrimental if the system failed to work properly.
Personally, I believe that without this new and innovative technology, the system would not be able to adapt to incoming threats and scams on the fly which is extremely necessary for the military, especially during a time of war. Preventing these threats will lead to overall more efficient security for not only the Air Force networks, but for the country as a whole. Therefore, if this computing cloud that is being designed by IBM prevents threats and overall eliminates costs, success would be inevitable for both military network servers, and IBM.
References:
[1] John Foley, “Air Force Seeks Secure Cloud Computing,” InformationWeek, 4 February 2010, http://www.informationweek.com/news/government/cloud-saas/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=222601145, (accessed on 9 February 2010).
[2] Eric Knorr, “What Cloud Computing Really Means,” InfoWorld, http://www.infoworld.com/d/cloud-computing/what-cloud-computing-really-means-031, (accessed on 9 February 2010).
[3] Katie Hoffman, “IBM Develops Cloud-Computing Model For U.S. Air Force,” BusinessWeek, 4 February 2010, http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-02-04/ibm-develops-cloud-computing-for-u-s-air-force-adds-security.html, (accessed on 9 February 2010).
Cloud computing has been defined many different ways, and according to InfoWorld, cloud computing is basically just “virtual servers available over the Internet.”[2] What does this mean for the Air Force particularly? With this cloud computing available to the military, possible threats and cyber-scams can be monitored and then prevented. With the availability of the InfoSphere Streams software, this threat prevention will be possible because monitors and sensors will be able to detect the massive amounts of information that pass through the military’s systems and networks daily. These systems can then decide which information serves as potential threats to the military databases and such.
As far as IBM goes, this new cloud computing system they are providing for the Air Force may “help IBM win more contracts in the public sector, which contributes more than 15 percent of the company’s almost $100 billion in sales and was the only unit to increase revenue last year.”[3] If successful, this system could push IBM’s sales to even further heights this year which is crucial in an ever-changing, technological world. As a result, if this system is deemed a success by the Air Force, it is very likely that other branches of the military will contact IBM in order to ensure that their networks are secure and virus-free as well. This, in turn, could send IBM sales sky-rocketing even further.
On the other hand, if the Air Force decides that this system does not lead to a cost-saving situation, they may kick it to the curb in a sense. This could mean that IBM would suffer a loss in sales and potential sales because no other branches of the military would then want to utilize this cloud-computing system. Although this is a possibility, I believe that even if IBM fails to implement this new system successfully, they are better off taking a chance because results if it is successful will be much more rewarding than they would be detrimental if the system failed to work properly.
Personally, I believe that without this new and innovative technology, the system would not be able to adapt to incoming threats and scams on the fly which is extremely necessary for the military, especially during a time of war. Preventing these threats will lead to overall more efficient security for not only the Air Force networks, but for the country as a whole. Therefore, if this computing cloud that is being designed by IBM prevents threats and overall eliminates costs, success would be inevitable for both military network servers, and IBM.
References:
[1] John Foley, “Air Force Seeks Secure Cloud Computing,” InformationWeek, 4 February 2010, http://www.informationweek.com/news/government/cloud-saas/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=222601145, (accessed on 9 February 2010).
[2] Eric Knorr, “What Cloud Computing Really Means,” InfoWorld, http://www.infoworld.com/d/cloud-computing/what-cloud-computing-really-means-031, (accessed on 9 February 2010).
[3] Katie Hoffman, “IBM Develops Cloud-Computing Model For U.S. Air Force,” BusinessWeek, 4 February 2010, http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-02-04/ibm-develops-cloud-computing-for-u-s-air-force-adds-security.html, (accessed on 9 February 2010).
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
CargoNet: An “ERP” system and $30billion/year solution?
A few days from now, a national database of truck theft information will be launched and introduced to the United States for the first time. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) and ISO (an insurance data provider) have teamed up to create CargoNet, an information system that will combine data from multiple sources regarding truck theft (1). Currently, there is no system that can produce the results CargoNet will be able to. Some say truck theft is a three billion dollar a year problem, where others say it can be up to thirty billion dollars a year. The problem with truck theft is simple: lack of information. The lack of a database that combines a detailed account of truck theft is why this has become a multiple billion dollar a year problem.
According to the managing director of ISO, "CargoNet will connect multiple data sources, so we'll get away from the fragmentation of having information in multiple databases and e-mails floating around from one task force to another” (2). This statement is crucial, because with the innovation of information technology, CargoNet can serve a purpose similar to an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). According to our textbook, an ERP is a collection of integrated software (3). An ERP combines all software and technology from a company, and its purpose is to provide the flow of information throughout a company. CargoNet is similar to this idea of a continuous information flow because all the data will be conveniently in one place instead of scattered in various places (4). Combining the information regarding truck theft and being able to locate it in one source will not only reduce the number of thefts that occur in a year, but also reduce costs that companies experience from loss of stolen goods.
According to the National Database, “CargoNet will collect up to 257 fields of data detailing everything from destination, plate number and carrier, to the time, data and location of the theft, to serial numbers and other identifying detail on the stolen goods” (5). This abundance of information in one location will not only help law enforcement, insurance companies, and the companies whose goods are on the truck, but will also benefit the customers. Customers will feel confident in purchasing goods in a store, rather than feeling the skepticism caused by someone who may be selling the item for a cheaper price on EBay. The number of goods stolen in the United States will decrease and companies will begin to feel control over the risk of loss that they may have previously experienced. Currently, truck and auto theft is the most costly property crime in the United States (6). With the current state of the economy, both customers and consumers cannot afford the cost of theft, therefore the implementation of CargoNet could not have come at a better time.
See Article:
“National Database Tracks Truck Theft” Information Week, January 26, 2010, http://www.informationweek.com/news/storage/systems/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=222500169 (accessed January 30, 2010).
References:
(1) “National Database Tracks Truck Theft” Information Week, January 26, 2010, http://www.informationweek.com/news/storage/systems/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=222500169 (accessed January 30, 2010).
(2) “National Database Tracks Truck Theft” Information Week, January 26, 2010, http://www.informationweek.com/news/storage/systems/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=222500169 (accessed January 30, 2010).
(3) Stephen Haag and Maeve Cummings, Management Information Systems for the Information Age, 7th ed. (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2008), 80.
(4) Stephen Haag and Maeve Cummings, Management Information Systems for the Information Age, 7th ed. (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2008), 82.
(5) “National Database Tracks Truck Theft” Information Week, January 26, 2010, http://www.informationweek.com/news/storage/systems/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=222500169 (accessed January 30, 2010).
(6) “Orange County District Attorney's Office” The Sheriff’s Blogger, August 26, 2009, http://capistranoinsider.typepad.com/the_sheriffs_blogger/2009/08/oc-task-force-nails-trucktheft-ring.html (accessed January 30, 2010).
According to the managing director of ISO, "CargoNet will connect multiple data sources, so we'll get away from the fragmentation of having information in multiple databases and e-mails floating around from one task force to another” (2). This statement is crucial, because with the innovation of information technology, CargoNet can serve a purpose similar to an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). According to our textbook, an ERP is a collection of integrated software (3). An ERP combines all software and technology from a company, and its purpose is to provide the flow of information throughout a company. CargoNet is similar to this idea of a continuous information flow because all the data will be conveniently in one place instead of scattered in various places (4). Combining the information regarding truck theft and being able to locate it in one source will not only reduce the number of thefts that occur in a year, but also reduce costs that companies experience from loss of stolen goods.
According to the National Database, “CargoNet will collect up to 257 fields of data detailing everything from destination, plate number and carrier, to the time, data and location of the theft, to serial numbers and other identifying detail on the stolen goods” (5). This abundance of information in one location will not only help law enforcement, insurance companies, and the companies whose goods are on the truck, but will also benefit the customers. Customers will feel confident in purchasing goods in a store, rather than feeling the skepticism caused by someone who may be selling the item for a cheaper price on EBay. The number of goods stolen in the United States will decrease and companies will begin to feel control over the risk of loss that they may have previously experienced. Currently, truck and auto theft is the most costly property crime in the United States (6). With the current state of the economy, both customers and consumers cannot afford the cost of theft, therefore the implementation of CargoNet could not have come at a better time.
See Article:
“National Database Tracks Truck Theft” Information Week, January 26, 2010, http://www.informationweek.com/news/storage/systems/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=222500169 (accessed January 30, 2010).
References:
(1) “National Database Tracks Truck Theft” Information Week, January 26, 2010, http://www.informationweek.com/news/storage/systems/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=222500169 (accessed January 30, 2010).
(2) “National Database Tracks Truck Theft” Information Week, January 26, 2010, http://www.informationweek.com/news/storage/systems/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=222500169 (accessed January 30, 2010).
(3) Stephen Haag and Maeve Cummings, Management Information Systems for the Information Age, 7th ed. (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2008), 80.
(4) Stephen Haag and Maeve Cummings, Management Information Systems for the Information Age, 7th ed. (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2008), 82.
(5) “National Database Tracks Truck Theft” Information Week, January 26, 2010, http://www.informationweek.com/news/storage/systems/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=222500169 (accessed January 30, 2010).
(6) “Orange County District Attorney's Office” The Sheriff’s Blogger, August 26, 2009, http://capistranoinsider.typepad.com/the_sheriffs_blogger/2009/08/oc-task-force-nails-trucktheft-ring.html (accessed January 30, 2010).
Saturday, January 30, 2010
CRM -- Key to Recovery?
In the article "Transforming Financial CRM from Retention Mode to Growth Mode," the author, Darryl Pratter, discusses how the financial sector of businesses will be affected in the next year and how a solid CRM system will be the key to increasing profits. The article states that in the last year call volume has increased to financial institutions based on the complexity of the current economic situation. For organizations to keep up with this call demand, and the strain on its systems, they must find ways to speed up the process. The solution to this is a CRM system.
There are many companies that are making CRM systems specifically designed for financial companies. These systems help track client habits, i.e. where they bank, how often they bank, and how often a person call the institution. The CRM has also enabled some companies to implement IVR systems, or interactive voice response, to help customers get answers to basic questions and complete minor transactions.
Over the next few years as the economy recovers and more people begin to invest again, these banks will have to compete to win customer loyalty. These CRM systems can help to focus on what the client want and how the company can achieve these goals in the most efficient manner. All members of the company must know how to use the system, and know what goals the company is trying to work towards. The article talks about how in the past the main reason for customer satisfaction in the financial sector was to maintain clients, and how as we move forward the CRM systems will allow institutions to use customer care to generate increases in revenue.
The article also talks about how using the CRM system, call center representatives will be able to offer new products to the customer based on their profile, and past transactions. This will help the companies to increase the number of mortgages, and investments that it is able to sell. For instance, when a customer calls to ask about their saving account, a representative will be able to offer the client a Certificate of Deposit based on the current balance of the account.
The cost of these CRM systems will also be a major factor in how they are used. A company must see that they will gain more from the system than it will cost to install or upgrade. If the system reduces the call volume to its center or increase the ease of access for clients to their information, this should lead to sales and a greater profit for the institution. If they do not see a large profit gain, some smaller firms may choose to not implement the system or phase the system in over time.
I think overall the CRM systems will help financial institutions to recover and to serve their clients better. If when I, the customer, have a question and I have to wait twenty minutes on hold for a customer service agent, I will think about whether to bank with the company in the future, but if I call and the wait is minimal I will be more likely to stick with this institution. Reducing the call wait time seems to be one of the major advantages to these CRM specifically designed for the financial sector. The road to recovery for the banks may be long, but the CRMs will help to eliminate some of the obstacles in the road.
See Article:
“Transforming Financial CRM From Retention Mode to Growth Mode,” TechNewsWorld, January 19, 2010, http://www.technewsworld.com/story/69138.html (accessed January 29, 2010).
There are many companies that are making CRM systems specifically designed for financial companies. These systems help track client habits, i.e. where they bank, how often they bank, and how often a person call the institution. The CRM has also enabled some companies to implement IVR systems, or interactive voice response, to help customers get answers to basic questions and complete minor transactions.
Over the next few years as the economy recovers and more people begin to invest again, these banks will have to compete to win customer loyalty. These CRM systems can help to focus on what the client want and how the company can achieve these goals in the most efficient manner. All members of the company must know how to use the system, and know what goals the company is trying to work towards. The article talks about how in the past the main reason for customer satisfaction in the financial sector was to maintain clients, and how as we move forward the CRM systems will allow institutions to use customer care to generate increases in revenue.
The article also talks about how using the CRM system, call center representatives will be able to offer new products to the customer based on their profile, and past transactions. This will help the companies to increase the number of mortgages, and investments that it is able to sell. For instance, when a customer calls to ask about their saving account, a representative will be able to offer the client a Certificate of Deposit based on the current balance of the account.
The cost of these CRM systems will also be a major factor in how they are used. A company must see that they will gain more from the system than it will cost to install or upgrade. If the system reduces the call volume to its center or increase the ease of access for clients to their information, this should lead to sales and a greater profit for the institution. If they do not see a large profit gain, some smaller firms may choose to not implement the system or phase the system in over time.
I think overall the CRM systems will help financial institutions to recover and to serve their clients better. If when I, the customer, have a question and I have to wait twenty minutes on hold for a customer service agent, I will think about whether to bank with the company in the future, but if I call and the wait is minimal I will be more likely to stick with this institution. Reducing the call wait time seems to be one of the major advantages to these CRM specifically designed for the financial sector. The road to recovery for the banks may be long, but the CRMs will help to eliminate some of the obstacles in the road.
See Article:
“Transforming Financial CRM From Retention Mode to Growth Mode,” TechNewsWorld, January 19, 2010, http://www.technewsworld.com/story/69138.html (accessed January 29, 2010).
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
CRM system in the Cloud
The article specifically addresses the fact that many businesses are trying to focus on customer service. Tony Castle, CEO of Castle CRM, explains that the new cloud computing program, along with Castle CRM, is focusing on improving and increasing customer benefits instead of focusing on making things easiest for the companies themselves. However, that is not to say that all company conveniences should be dismissed. In order for a program to work properly, I believe, a company must be able to successfully implement it. If the program disregards the ease of implementation, it will not be profitable. A program that is too difficult to use will not be utilized.
In order to promote Sage SalesLogix, Castle CRM is offering to implement the new cloud computing program at no additional cost when replacing competing CRM systems. This data migration tool allows for companies to upgrade their CRM systems without having to pay out of their pockets for the new technology. Also, Sage SalesLogix provides a CRM program that is easy to implement. Steve Cloud, president of M. Frank Higgins and Co., Inc, a commercial flooring contractor that has applied the Sage SalesLogix version 7.5.2, explains that this program can be executed without numerous amounts of IT personnel and infrastructure.
Cloud computing is changing the technology world by bringing “together all the elements of hardware, software and services in a single package.”[v] This new programming will allow for all business operations to be done online and will eliminate the need for excessive purchases as well as larger labor forces. This is a benefit that M. Frank Higgins and Co. recognized as stated earlier. Cloud computing is still being defined in the technological world but is being recognized for its growing importance.
See Article:
“Castle CRM Developing Cloud Computing Practice Based on Sage SalesLogix,” Marketwire, January 26, 2010, http://sap.sys-con.com/node/1260469 (accessed January 26, 2010).
Endnotes:
[i] Castle CRM Developing Cloud Computing Practice Based on Sage SalesLogix,” Marketwire, January 26, 2010, http://sap.sys-con.com/node/1260469 (accessed January 26, 2010).
[ii] Jeremy Geelan, “Twenty-One Experts Define Cloud Computing,” Cloud Expo, January 24, 2009, http://cloudcomputing.sys-con.com/node/612375, (accessed January 26, 2010).[iii] Jeremy Geelan, “Twenty-One Experts Define Cloud Computing.”
[iv] Jeremy Geelan, “Twenty-One Experts Define Cloud Computing.”
[v] “Cloud Computing Ushers in a New Business Age,” The Economic Times, January 28, 2010, http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/infotech/ites/Cloud-computing-ushers-in-a-new-business-age/articleshow/5506654.cms (accessed January 27, 2010).
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Enterprise Resource Planning Plus Knowledge Equals a Successful Organization
A recent article titled, “Microsoft Unveils ERP For Midsized Retailers,” published by InformationWeek, discusses a new Microsoft program called Dynamics AX for Retail. This program allows midsized, specialty retailers to perform multiple functions such as “integrate point-of-sale, store management, supply chain and finance in a single platform.”1 Furthermore, Dynamics AX for Retail is compatible with other Microsoft products. An organization that has employed this program claims it has increased information sharing minus the high costs.
Without a doubt, information is an extremely important part of business. In a society where globalization reigns, one must be omniscient. As a result, technology has developed Enterprise Resource Planning, commonly referred to as ERP. ERP “[allows] companies to implement a single integrated system.”2 The reason Microsoft’s ERP has been publicized is that it is making ERP much easier and more cost effective. It is important to realize that Microsoft has not released the final price of this product. Speculation indicates that this cost effectiveness comes from the fact that less employee training may be required in addition to the lower administrative costs. This point can be substantiated by HDS Retail’s CFO who lauds over this product since he believes that Dymanic AX for Retail “eliminates the need for back-end customizations, eliminates duplication of data and effort, and reduces training time.”3
If HDS’s CFO is being honest then it is fair to say that Microsoft has hit the nail on the head. Research indicates that ERP’s success is “subject to proper implementation, training and use… It is alarming to note the time taken to implement the system in the organization”4 Ignoring the need for ERP will only raise costs and decrease the efficiency of an organization.5
Like anything, despite the negative side there is usually a positive. A majority of ERP programs provide the core functions of accounting, financials, manufacturing, production, transportation, sales and distribution, human resources, supply chain and e-business.6 Generally, ERP will reduce costs over the long term, providing “reliable information access” while allowing for “global outreach.”7 ERP provides the knowledge that is needed to build a successful organization. Knowledge is a must have in a global society in order to be at the top of the market.
As Microsoft releases this product to more retail companies it will definitely be a success. According to Microsoft, this program is a solution that will lower costs while making ERP much easier for the retail industry.8 Common sense dictates that efficient organizations must be directly related to happier customers. Why? Simply put, efficiency, especially in the retail industry, allows operations to run smoothly. Therefore, well-organized operations provide little frustration to management and clients. Essentially, this is what will make Dynamics AX for Retail successful. An inclusive ERP program that is potentially easier to use will benefit the value chain of the retail industry.
See Article:
Paul McDougall, “Microsoft Unveils ERP For Midsized Retailers,” InformationWeek, January 11, 2010,
http://www.informationweek.com/news/software/erp/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=222300398&subSection=ERP (accessed January 23, 2010).
References:
1 Paul McDougall, “Microsoft Unveils ERP For Midsized Retailers,” InformationWeek, January 11, 2010, http://www.informationweek.com/news/software/erp/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=222300398&subSection=ERP (accessed January 23, 2010).
2 Stephen Haag and Maeve Cummings, Management Information Systems for the Information Age, 7th ed. (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2008), 80.
3 McDougall, “Microsoft Unveils ERP For Midsized Retailers.”
4 ERPwire.com, Advantages and Disadvantages of ERP, http://www.erpwire.com/erp-articles/erp-advantages-disadvantages.htm (accessed January 23, 2010).
5 Exforsys Inc, The Advantages and Disadvantages of ERP,
http://www.exforsys.com/tutorials/erp/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-erp.html
(accessed January 23,2010).
6 Stephen Haag and Maeve Cummings, Management Information Systems for the Information Age, 81.
7 Stephen Haag and Maeve Cummings, Management Information Systems for the Information Age, 317.
8 McDougall, “Microsoft Unveils ERP For Midsized Retailers.”
Without a doubt, information is an extremely important part of business. In a society where globalization reigns, one must be omniscient. As a result, technology has developed Enterprise Resource Planning, commonly referred to as ERP. ERP “[allows] companies to implement a single integrated system.”2 The reason Microsoft’s ERP has been publicized is that it is making ERP much easier and more cost effective. It is important to realize that Microsoft has not released the final price of this product. Speculation indicates that this cost effectiveness comes from the fact that less employee training may be required in addition to the lower administrative costs. This point can be substantiated by HDS Retail’s CFO who lauds over this product since he believes that Dymanic AX for Retail “eliminates the need for back-end customizations, eliminates duplication of data and effort, and reduces training time.”3
If HDS’s CFO is being honest then it is fair to say that Microsoft has hit the nail on the head. Research indicates that ERP’s success is “subject to proper implementation, training and use… It is alarming to note the time taken to implement the system in the organization”4 Ignoring the need for ERP will only raise costs and decrease the efficiency of an organization.5
Like anything, despite the negative side there is usually a positive. A majority of ERP programs provide the core functions of accounting, financials, manufacturing, production, transportation, sales and distribution, human resources, supply chain and e-business.6 Generally, ERP will reduce costs over the long term, providing “reliable information access” while allowing for “global outreach.”7 ERP provides the knowledge that is needed to build a successful organization. Knowledge is a must have in a global society in order to be at the top of the market.
As Microsoft releases this product to more retail companies it will definitely be a success. According to Microsoft, this program is a solution that will lower costs while making ERP much easier for the retail industry.8 Common sense dictates that efficient organizations must be directly related to happier customers. Why? Simply put, efficiency, especially in the retail industry, allows operations to run smoothly. Therefore, well-organized operations provide little frustration to management and clients. Essentially, this is what will make Dynamics AX for Retail successful. An inclusive ERP program that is potentially easier to use will benefit the value chain of the retail industry.
See Article:
Paul McDougall, “Microsoft Unveils ERP For Midsized Retailers,” InformationWeek, January 11, 2010,
http://www.informationweek.com/news/software/erp/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=222300398&subSection=ERP (accessed January 23, 2010).
References:
1 Paul McDougall, “Microsoft Unveils ERP For Midsized Retailers,” InformationWeek, January 11, 2010, http://www.informationweek.com/news/software/erp/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=222300398&subSection=ERP (accessed January 23, 2010).
2 Stephen Haag and Maeve Cummings, Management Information Systems for the Information Age, 7th ed. (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2008), 80.
3 McDougall, “Microsoft Unveils ERP For Midsized Retailers.”
4 ERPwire.com, Advantages and Disadvantages of ERP, http://www.erpwire.com/erp-articles/erp-advantages-disadvantages.htm (accessed January 23, 2010).
5 Exforsys Inc, The Advantages and Disadvantages of ERP,
http://www.exforsys.com/tutorials/erp/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-erp.html
(accessed January 23,2010).
6 Stephen Haag and Maeve Cummings, Management Information Systems for the Information Age, 81.
7 Stephen Haag and Maeve Cummings, Management Information Systems for the Information Age, 317.
8 McDougall, “Microsoft Unveils ERP For Midsized Retailers.”
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