A Decision Support System (DSS) is a way to model data and make quality decisions based on it. Making the right decision in business is usually based on data quality and one’s ability to sift through and analyze the data to find trends that solutions and strategies can be created from/for. Decision Support Systems are usually computer applications with a human component. They can sift through large amounts of data and pick between the many choices. What are Decision Support Systems? While many people think of a DSS as a Read More

When software and hardware goes through development and testing, the time comes for it to be released throughout the IT infrastructure or to other clients. This falls on the lap of the ITIL Release Management team. This team of individuals ensures that the licensure, tests and version-verified software and hardware is all up to date upon release. This is to ensure that it functions properly when it is placed into the current infrastructure. During the development and implementation of new hardware is also a responsibility of the release management–specifically, the Read More

In order for companies and organizations to stay ahead of the market on a daily basis, they must be able to quickly process the information that they gather from multiple sources. In order to do this efficiently, business entities almost always use some form of enterprise application integration software. Enterprise application integration software combines the data found in any number of applications into one client. Enterprise application integration software can also pull specific tools and functions from an application and add it to another program. In this article, we will Read More

Supply chain management (SCM) is the management of a connection of numerous different businesses that brings a raw resource and converts it into a final product that is then delivered to a customer. In other words, it is the process in which the supply of a good is provided. It starts as an idea, moves to the production stage which brings in raw goods, heads to the packaging stage and then completes with the sale of the good. The SCM of this would be the managers responsible for bringing this Read More

Enterprise Resource Planning or ERP is actually a process or approach that attempts to consolidate all of a company’s departments and functions into a single computer system that services each department’s specific needs. It is, in a sense, a convergence of people, hardware, and software into an efficient production, service, and delivery system that creates profit for the company. While the idea is easy to grasp in theory, the reality has been different. Most companies have a conglomeration of different systems and procedures (as well as hardware and software) designed Read More

The Zachman Framework gives a formal and structured method for defining and looking at an Enterprise Architecture framework. It is a 2D classification matrix that uses six basic communication questions – Who, What, When Where, Why, and How. These are expressed as six rows in the architecture depiction using a reification transformation. The framework is not considered a methodology, as it does not define the processes for collecting, managing, and using the data that it describes to gain potential insights on Enterprise relationships or operations. John Zachman first developed the Read More

Most businesses and organizations rely on their documents to store data and keep information readily available. Some corporations create millions of documents each year. Filing data that is collected, storing it safely, indexing it properly, making it easily accessible and protecting it from outsiders is a major concern for many organizations. In order for you to implement a document management system at your organization, you must first take into consideration the following aspects of document management. They include: storage, retrieval, filing, security, archival, retention, distribution, workflow, and creation. Here is Read More

Business Process Integration (BPI) refers to the act of connecting technology systems that were not designed for integration in order to transfer information between different technology resources within an organization. BPI helps coordinate traditionally “stove piped” applications. This can improve overall efficiency and reduce costs. How Do Businesses Align Processes? Business Process Management (BPM) is a common approach used in industry. It focuses on aligning all technological and intrinsic aspects of an organization with its goals and customers' needs. It promotes efficiency and encourages flexibility, integration, and innovation by applying Read More

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is a process in which business management is integrated with technology. ERP systems, therefore, allow this integration to be done effectively and without fault. An effective ERP system requires that many aspects of the business are connected. To have the best architecture for the organization, the following must be part of the ERP System: Manufacturing: Resource planning, engineering, material planning, bills of material, quality, etc. Financials: Accounts payable, accounts received, cash management, etc. Human Resource: Recruitment, benefits, payroll, labor rules, etc. Supply chain management: Inventory management, Read More

HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1996, and became effective July 1, 1997. This act is a grouping of regulations that work to combat waste, fraud, and abuse in health care delivery and health insurance. The intention of the HIPAA is also to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the health care system, portability and continuity of health insurance coverage in the group and individual markets, as well as the ability to provide consequences to those that do not apply with Read More