Sometimes we do things for one reason and not only get the desired results, but acquire additional results somewhere else as well. An example is converting paper documents to an electronic format in support of green initiatives. Paper is indeed reduced; but, making documents electronic also aids in minimizing lost items, enabling automated work flows, and generally completing the process faster. Continue reading
When data builds up it can affect SAP system performance. The best practice for this situation is data archiving. This moves the data out of the production system in order to manage database growth while allowing business users direct, transparent access to it. But what about data created by the GRC system? It is imperative that data needed for any audit or legal requirement be immediately available. Continue reading
In this series of short blogs, I would like to refute the conventional wisdom that only big projects result in bottom-line relevant results. While big initiatives do have big potential, they also carry big risk and companies often overlook opportunities to optimize what they already have. Introduce small gains in efficiency that have tangible bottom-line impact. In these blogs we will explore some real-life examples of organizations that have done just that. The focus of this blog is the AP (Accounts Payable) business process, but in the future I will provide similar case studies for other key business processes. Continue reading
Is a picture really worth a thousand words? I just Googled ‘What is an Infographic?’ I immediately received a very long list of hits. One of the first ones—and my personal favorite—is the Infographic that explains what an Infographic is. Pretty cool.
And this brings me to the topic of Data Archiving. A stretch? Maybe not if you look at data as a ‘picture’ as does the Infographic referenced above. In ERP systems there are great volumes of data that need to be tamed so that it can be sorted, arranged and presented. But in ERP systems, the data is more complicated and how to manage it can get dicey depending on the stakeholders involved and their requirements. For corporate databases, growth must be kept in check or it becomes unmanageable. And, for those using the data, it must be available instantly whenever and wherever it is needed.
So it begs the question: Why not archive it? After all, archiving saves money on a variety of levels! Isn’t that what the boss wants? Ahh. You have to build a Business Case for Data Archiving? Enough said. Let’s go back to the picture concept….. Click here or on the picture and let me know if this helps.
Green is the new Lean, so says Alix Stuart in CFO Magazine’s cover article by the same title. It goes on to say that “doing more with less is what many sustainability initiatives are all about. That’s why CFOs are embracing them.” Not only have companies jumped on the bandwagon of sustainability and actually been successful with it, but they are finding that going green has helped streamline their business, provided eligibility for government entitlements and tax breaks, and made them heroes in the eyes of stakeholders. Today even the supply chain is being given a closer look to see if suppliers are adhering to human-rights standards and environmental regulations. Continue reading
On my desk sits a black and white picture of myself and my father. I am perhaps no more than 7 years old in the photo, and I am standing next to a chair where my father sits. My hair is clearly in need of a comb, as I lean happily into his arms. A Toronto Maple Leafs jersey adorns my thin, bony torso. I love the picture for many reasons, not the least of which is that there simply aren’t many pictures of just me and my Dad when I was that age. I had 4 older, and dare I say, more photogenic sisters for whom the camera seemed a more natural fit. But there is also an odd happenstance in the photo. There is a double exposure that has taken place within the plastic casing of our old family Kodak, and growing out of our living room where my father and I share a light moment is an implausible forest of trees. Right beside him. I did not grow up in Jumanji, so I know this to be a trick of the photo. Continue reading
Virtually every technology report and blog discussing trends for 2013 proclaimed that the “nexus” of Big Data, Social, Mobile and Cloud is finally upon us. If you’re like me, I had to consult Webster’s to get an understanding of the word nexus. It means a connected series or group. According to Gartner’s October 2012 predictions and SAP’s Sanjay Poonen, the tightly connected and highly complementary group of technologies and trends will drive information technology (IT) spending through the next five years. Continue reading
Sociological studies of ancient civilizations tell us a lot about previous peoples based on their most prized possessions. Whether prioritizing gold, grains or other goods, what we own has often defined us and can offer insight into the way a culture works. Continue reading
An old adage in business suggests that it takes money to make money.
Undoubtedly business process improvement efforts such as automated data entry, optimized workflows and streamlined systems require time, effort and resources to make your company more efficient. New technology spending, investments in training, and downtime associated with system conversions all contribute to the total cost.
But new evidence reinforces our belief that business process improvement efforts can result in real financial gains. Continue reading
My friend has a cat named ‘Patches’. She is a sweet, adorable little nugget of goodness. But Patches can be demanding—she needs to be fed, have something cozy to nuzzle up against, and unlike most cats, she actually demands attention day and night. Stick with me, this is going somewhere. I promise.
Software, like Patches, is a wonderful thing. Continue reading
