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What people say .....
"Joe has the knack of making the complex appear simple and reinforces the obvious."
 
Vasanti Sundaram , Reporter, Gulf News, UAE
 
What people say .....
"Of all the writers I've worked with, Joe Strub is the fastest, the best."
 
Carolyn Lisle, Editor, TEC
 
What people say .....
"I read your off-shoring article in Technology Evaluation Center. Great job! Your research and evaluation are right on target and it seems that you have experienced first hand the real face of off-shoring software vendors in United States."
 
Thyagu Subramaniam,
Senior Business Analyst, Chennai, INDIA

 

 
What people say .....
"I look forward to reading Mr. Strub's articles. I have found his material to be reinforced with excellent analogies, practical experience, and, in many cases, material to implement the concept in my organization. It's like having an in-house consultant."
 
S.H. Ramakrishnan, President, CEM Business Solutions

 
 
Articles

 Joseph J. Strub, founder of Write Technology Plus, has written numerous articles for TechnologyEvaluation.com, (TEC), a well-respected and independent evaluator of software and technology. The articles focus on the following areas:
bulletProject Management
bulletSoftware Selection
bulletSystems Implementation
bulletEnterprise Software
bulletSoftware Development and Maintenance
bulletAudit and Control Procedures
bulletCompetitive Analysis
bulletIndustry Analysis and Trends
bulletCase Studies and White Papers
bulletMarketing and Communications
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Recently Published Article  (listed alphabetically)
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Topic of Article and Abstract     
Click on title to read article or click on icon for index.
Attributes of Sarbanes-Oxley Toolsets  <top of page>
In an earlier article, Audit Considerations for Enterprise Software Implementations, we included a brief discussion of the use of computer-based toolsets and repositories to facilitate compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX). In this research note we examine this issue in more detail. Of particular interest are the key characteristics that you should look for when selecting such toolsets. Read on to see how these toolsets can assist your company in meeting the new audit challenges facing corporate America.                   
Audit Considerations for Enterprise Software Implementations  <top of page>
Thanks, in part, to the fallout from the financial scandals of Enron, WorldCom, Tyco and others, the corporate spotlight is being re-focused on the audit function. However, by waiting until systems are live and in production before applying an audit regimen, you may miss an excellent opportunity to establish effective controls at the outset, when the enterprise software is being implemented. Read on to learn where and how, as an executive sponsor, project manager, or team member, you can instill audit procedures that can continue throughout the life of the software.                        
Best of Breed Versus Fully Integrated Software: The Pro's and Con's  <top of page>
After dealing with the over-hype of Y2K, companies have started to reconsider the best of breed as a viable solution to satisfy their software needs. This comes as a shock to the corporate systems culture when user communities were told that fully integrated software such as ERP, SCM, and EAM were the only way to meet their software needs.  After developing a level playing field, this article examines the pro’s and con’s of one alternative over the other. Read on to see if you agree with the merits of the best of breed or fully integrated software approach to software selection.          
Can Auditing & Project Management Co-exist in an ERP Environment?  <top of page>
It is hard to recall the last time an ERP implementation team included an auditor as an active member. Could it be because of availability? No defined role? Never been asked? No perceived benefits? This article explores key points in a project’s lifecycle where the audit function should be involved and the deliverables to be expected. Whether internal or external, an auditor, preferably experienced in IT matters, can provide benefits while the software is being implemented and, afterwards, when the software is being used.    
Catering to Small and Medium-Size Enterprises  <top of page>
With the opportunities in the large enterprise marketplace shrinking due to increased penetration, small and medium-size enterprises (SME’s) are starting to receive more attention and scrutiny. This article explores the special needs of the SME’s and asks, from a software standpoint, what companies can do to survive in this unique marketplace and what vendors can do to service them. Read on for the answers.        
Computerized Maintenance Management System  (CMMS) - A Tutorial  <top of page>
A number of recent articles have commented on how companies are looking for more areas to squeeze savings out of operations. One such area that may be fertile ground to explore is equipment maintenance. The class of software that can help to cultivate these savings is computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS). This article discusses the basics of CMMS and its key features, enabling you to determine whether your company should investigate this software as a potential source of savings.                       
Data Conversion in an ERP Environment  <top of page>
Converting data in any systems implementation is a high wire act. Converting data in an ERP environment should only be undertaken with a safety net, namely a well thought-out plan of execution. This article discusses the guidelines for converting data when considering manual or electronic alternatives.                       
Drug Pedigree Guidelines and How Software Can Help  <top of page>
Recent pronouncements by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) are causing drug manufacturers and retailers to tighten up their data collection and reporting processes. These pronouncements in the form of pedigree guidelines are aimed to detect counterfeit and adulterated drugs. Several states, led by Florida, California, and Indiana, have adopted their own FDA-like guidelines. Many more states are intensely watching the activities from the sidelines while formulating their action plans. This article reviews how software vendors can help drug manu- facturers comply with the new guidelines. Read on why this help can be a welcomed relief.                                               
EAM vs. CMMS: What's Right For Your Company?  <top of page>
As companies continue to look for more areas from which to squeeze out revenues and reduce expenses, Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) continue to receive good press as to providing an answer. And with justification. But what software makes the most sense for your company? Read on to understand the key differentiators.                            
Enterprise Process Improvement (EPI) Software - Customer and Vendor Collaboration  <top of page>
Having just completed implementing your enterprise-wide software, you are about lean back, put your feet up on the desk, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Not so fast! While you were completing your implementation project, a new release of the software may have already hit the street or, for sure, there is one in the pipeline. Now you are faced with a decision as to if and when to take on the new release. However, dare we suggest that this situation may be an opportunity for you, as a customer, to work with your software vendor in a collaborative and beneficial partnership? Read on how a new class of software tools, enterprise process improvement (EPI), can assist you in the upgrade decision.                         
ERP and SCM Implementations: Doing Too Much Too Soon  <top of page>
In an attempt to get ahead for the systems development power curve, companies are attempting what is equivalent to executing a quadruple jump in ice skating; running a sub 3:50 minute mile in track; and winning the Tour de France in cycling, all in the same year. How? By attempting to implement enterprise resource planning (ERP) and supply chain management (SCM) software at the same time. Read on why this is an ill-advised course of action with an extremely low probability of success.                   
ERP and WMS Co-Existence: When Software Worlds Collide  <top of page>
You are currently using enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. You want to improve your warehouse management and operations and are considering a warehouse management system (WMS) solution. However, there is significant overlap between ERP software and a WMS regarding inventory-related functionality. Read on to learn about some of the considerations and decisions that need to be made to ensure that the maximum benefits are obtained from each software solution.                          
So your software vendor says that they can do fashion. You better make sure that the software features go far beyond styles, colors, and sizes. The requirements for the fashion industry are some of the most demanding and unforgiving in the world of manufacturing. If you’re not careful, you may find your profits falling on the cutting floor and money being swept out with the scraps. Read on to find out why running with a pair of scissors is not the only dangerous thing when selecting software for the fashion industry. And even if you’re not into fashion, learn what hurdles another industry has to jump to remain competitive. You may feel fortunate to be in the industry you are.                           
Food and Beverage Industries: Overview of Software Requirements  <top of page>
The food and beverage industries have very special needs, many of which are externally regulated. Picking just any enterprise-wide software, even software targeted at process manufacturing, may not be an adequate solution. Read on to discover some of the unique challenges and software requirements for these industries.                    
3i Infotech’s North American Strategy for Success  <top of page>
You may not yet have heard of 3i-Infotech or its ERP offering, ORION. Well, for some time the rest of the world has. 3i-Infotech is starting to make its presence felt in North America and raise some ERP eyebrows. Read on as to why you may want to take a closer look at this vendor and its product. In this research note, you’ll also learn about the company’s strategy to target small and medium-size enterprises in order to enlarge its footprint in North America.             
In the News  <top of page>
Read a recent interview that appeared in the Gulf News of the United Arab Emirates concerning a wide range of topics from technology, innovation, and the effects of change.             
Implementation Tools: You Need More Than Functions and Features to Implement an ERP Package  <top of page>
It stands to reason that, when selecting an ERP package, you must be sure that the software has the functions and features to support your organization. But once that assurance is obtained, now you have to worry about implementing the software. This article looks at four categories of tools that a vendor may supply and can make the implementation easier for your project team, end users, and IT department. Read this article to see what tools you may want to have in your toolbox before proceeding with the implementation.                   
Jack Link’s Beef Jerky Case Study: Wal-Mart Didn’t Make Me Do It  <top of page>
Companies have been implementing RFID technology at the not-too-subtle but benign pressures being applied by their largest customers. Customers like Wal-Mart, Department of Defense, and Target, just to name a few. This case study looks at one company who did not wait to be dragged into an RFID environment. Their approach and rationale may spur others to take a similar, proactive position. Read on to see if this idea applies to you and your organization.           
KPI's: Key Project Impeders  <top of page>
Paying attention to the human nature factors of a project will not overcome poor software selection or poor software design. However, being aware of these factors can minimize project delays, frustrations of team members, and not delivering expected results. Learn about some of these factors and how they can be avoided.                                
Off-Shoring: Are You Getting Your Money’s Worth?  <top of page>
We have all heard stories of how companies are off-shoring activities to save money. Software development, call center operations, and remote implementations are the common examples. But are these companies really saving money and are their customers and end users realizing the benefits. This article looks at four areas where savings can be misstated and, more importantly, how you can protect yourself against disappointments. Read on why it may be dangerous to wander too far from friendly shores without a safety line or, in our case, safe practices.                   
Process Manufacturing: Industry Specific Requirements  <top of page>
As with any manufacturing operation, process manufacturing has special system requirements such as formulas, unit of measure conversions, and packaging recipes.  However, within the realm of process manufacturing, specific industries have needs that are more critical than others. This article explores these critical needs for the food & beverage, chemical, and a hybrid industry - textiles, so that you can focus on these requirements when evaluating enterprise-wide software.                
Process Manufacturing Software: A Primer  <top of page>
This article looks at ERP software with a very narrow focus, namely that of process manufacturing. Understanding the differences between process and discrete manufacturing can assist you in emphasizing and concentrating on those functions and features that matter most in the process world. This emphasis may clarify your choice of software or, more importantly, help you avoid being saddled with ill-fitting concepts and procedures. If you are a process manufacturing expert, you may find this article somewhat basic. However, for those of you just getting into a process manufacturing project or those thinking that process and discrete manufacturing, like the poetic line, “a rose is a rose is a rose,” are the same, read on. For experts, feel free to disagree with my premises as your viewpoint would be of interest.                     
Rapid Prototyping or Simply Over-hyping  <top of page>
Having to install an entire suite of software before the strike of Y2K may have made rapid prototyping impractical. However, because we now have the luxury of taking on projects with narrower scopes and a return to popularity of the “best of breed” solutions, rapid prototyping should be considered as a viable approach for implementation. Accordingly, it is important to understand what can make rapid prototype projects successful, thereby possibly enabling your organization to achieve expected results more quickly. Remember that a recent prototyping success was the development of the Internet and see how quickly it got to where it is today.                                    
Remote Implementations - Why They Can Make $ense  <top of page>
Nowadays everything in the computer industry seems to be going offshore. Help desks, web hosting, software development are just a few recent examples. So, why not software implementations? This article looks at reasons why remote implementation of software packages can make both logical and fiscal sense, particularly in the United States. Read on to learn why your organization may want to look at this implementation alternative more closely and not be so quick to dismiss it as a passing fad.                
Requirements Definition For Package Implementations  <top of page>
How do you go about defining the requirements of large package systems, particularly those with the all-encompassing scope of ERP, EAM, and CRM software, and still satisfy the needs to the project team, the user community, and executive management? It’s a balancing act rivaling the circus performer trying to keep all of the plates spinning at once. While it is difficult to say one aspect of a project plan is more important than another, accurately and completely defining the needs to be fulfilled by the software is critical to the overall success of the implementation and the longevity of software. This article outlines a logical process for defining the requirements and keeping the plates spinning.                         
RFID: A Case Study  <top of page>
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is the latest buzz word in the world of manufacturing and distribution technology. If you believe the press releases, it is a panacea and cure-all for what ails the industry. While RFID may not solve world hunger, you may not want to propose a solution without it. This research note looks at a recent, and successful, implementation of RFID, examining the characteristics of the process and common obstacles and speed bumps to avoid.                             
The Seven Deadly Sins of Software Marketing <top of page>
Huge amounts of money are spent on marketing, particularly on marketing collateral. Obviously, you need to ensure that you get your money’s worth. This research note looks at seven common mistakes made in developing marketing collateral for software and software-related products. Read on to see if you need to repent.
SOA From A Management Perspective  <top of page>
The big buzzword in enterprise-wide package software is service-oriented architecture (SOA). Other than curing the common cold, SOA promises to solve your company’s software ills, making life for your information technology department easier and more responsive. But the questions you need to ask yourself are “Do you need SOA?” and “How do you get there?” This research note takes a basic look at this new architecture and highlights some concerns.                      
Software Piloting: How Do You Fly This Plane  <top of page>
Piloting the software is one of, if not the most, critical event in the project life cycle. If done well, the pilot will uncover issues before they become problems, instill confidence in the users that the software is ready for prime time, and make the “go live” uneventful and a cause for celebration.                
Software Selection - An Approach  <top of page>
Selecting package software can have long-term benefits or long-term regrets. To avoid the latter, your approach needs to be sound, logical, and prudent. It also has to be completed in your lifetime. Read about an approach to software selection that helps an organization get to the primary objective of identifying the best software solution quicker but with the necessary due diligence.            
Software Selection - A Third Alternative  <top of page>
Based on past experiences, selecting enterprise packages has become a routine occurrence in the life of an IT organization. Recently, the traditional method of selecting software based on functions and features has come under scrutiny. Some even suggest that this method is unduly drawn out and does not focus on the critical processes of your business. As you might expect, vendors would rather sell you out-of-box business processes and solutions that would improve efficiency, increase yields, and drive down costs for them. Companies are faced with two choices or are they? Read on to learn which approach makes sense for you in terms of time, money, and, most importantly, selecting the right software for your business. Or, is there a third alternative?                                             
Top 10 Reasons For Having a Project Kickoff  <top of page>
You are about to embark on an important project. Whether the project is software or hardware related, it is a good idea to hold a project kickoff meeting. Don’t miss this excellent opportunity to get across important communications and establish the tone for the project. This article discusses the 10 objectives of a project kickoff meeting, how to achieve them, and templates for presenting them. In Part I, the first three reasons are discussed but you will be left on the edge of your seat in anticipation of Parts II and III for the remaining seven reasons.                
To Upgrade, Or Not To Upgrade: That Is Not The Question; How To Upgrade Is  <top of page> 
You can easily spend hundreds of thousands of dollars implementing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) package. After completing this rollercoaster ride, companies are typically faced with an annual maintenance agreement at least 20% of the current purchase price of the software. And it’s not the price you paid years ago. This maintenance agreement entitles you to future releases and service packs. The question facing most companies is whether to implement the next latest and greatest version of the package. Read in this research note about the considerations that should go into the decision-making process.                 
Ways of Finding Software Vendors: The Pro's and Con's  <top of page>
So you are looking for software to support the critical functions of your company. Unfortunately, you can’t go to your local Software’R’Us. This article discusses several sources and methods for identifying potential software vendors. It also examines the pro’s and con’s of each method.                       
What You Should Know Before Selecting a WMS  <top of page>
Before an important game, you create a game plan. Before you start building a house, you have a blueprint. And before you start looking at a warehouse management system (WMS), you must define how you want your warehouse to be organized and function. This article looks at basic warehouse strategies that need to be understood to ensure that the WMS software effectively and efficiently supports the activities of the warehouse, now and in the future. This is not to say that you will not consider the best practices of the new software but at least you will do so with your eyes wide open and feet on solid ground.                 
 

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