Business Intelligence

Turban, King, Viehland, and Lee (2006) define e-business as conducting business using computer networks to accomplish activities throughout the value chain, which may include dealing with customers, suppliers or other external business partners as well as streamlining internal functions electronically. The use of the internet in the global economy accounts for transactions worth trillions of dollars each year (Turban, et al., 2006). There is little doubt that technology has changed and is continuing to change the way in which businesses operate. However, as technology expands the availability of options, the need to integrate business functions throughout the value chain becomes more visible (Cardoso, Bostrom, & Sheth, 2003). Gosain, Malhotra, Sawy (2005) have recognized that although most business people are quick to talk about the need for integration and collaboration via electronic networks, the direction for proceeding beyond the talk often remains elusive. The additional options available for conducting business and connecting with people have the potential to support the very silos that e-systems were expected to tear down.

In response to this threat, many organizations have purchased comprehensive software called Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) applications (Cardoso, Bostrom, & Sheth, 2003) or have adopted strategies to re-evaluate their activities, commonly referred to as Business Process Reengineering (BPR) (Aalst, 2003; Attaran, 2000; Attaran and Wood, 1999; Li, Macquire, & Yao, 2003). ERP systems are designed to integrate all business functions and information within one computer database while the business processes provide the flowing structure of activities and interactions among the workers that connect all of the departments creating a cohesive, efficient whole. Many organizations have tried to increase efficiency and profitability by reengineering their business processes (Attaran, 2000; Attaran and Wood, 1999; Li, Macquire, & Yao, 2003). However, Attaran (2000) cites Hall et al. (2003) as finding that a majority of BPR initiatives resulted in less than 5% improvement. Attaran further cites Hammer and Champy (1993) as stating that between 50% and 70% of all BPR efforts do not achieve their goals. ERP software providers, in their own quest to remain competitive, have developed additional tools for their programs to assist organizations with establishing efficient business processes and participating in e-Commerce (Cardoso et al, 2003). These tools are called Workflow Management Systems.

Turban, King, Viehland, and Lee (2006) defines workflow management as, “The automation of workflows, so that documents, information, and tasks are passed from one participant to the next in the steps of an organization’s business process” (pg. 311). Mohan (n.d,) has cited the Giga Group definition for workflow as “the operational aspects of the business process – the sequence of tasks and who performs them, the information flow to the support tasks, and the tracking and reporting mechanisms that measure and control them” (pg. 1). With the appropriate direction, the WMS has the potential to become a knowledge management system by offering the links of various functional department knowledge and activities to other departments in the organization that can utilize the knowledge in useful ways. The system is also internet-enabled to include functionality for expanding communication to external business partners and suppliers in the value chain.

Robert II Smith

In any of your marketing ventures, you must know exactly how much you are willing to spend. Budgeting is the key to any successful business. If you are thinking about acquiring custom brochure printing services, you must first calculate how much can you allot for the project.

As a business owner, you must have a list to follow regarding expenditures. You can’t just proceed on spending without having plans on how you will go about everything. You need to have a structure in order to thrive and last in the biz.

The same rule applies in every step that you do regarding your company. You must divide your money accordingly and stay faithful within the budget. Here are some reasons why this is important:

1. You will not overlook projects because you’ll prioritize everything and allot a specific budget for each.

2. You will learn to value each penny that goes into the business. This way, you’ll spend only when you know that it’s needed. Luxury can be included in your list but only when you can easily afford it. When you are just starting out, you must first sacrifice personal wants to give way to what’s important and needed by your business.

3. By accomplishing tasks and plans according to your budget, you will be able to save up. By avoiding mistakes on financial matters, you will be more focused on doing things that will increase your sales.

A good business leader knows how to make the most out of a specified budget. It is your role to choose wisely the steps that you think can bring your company towards success.

Marketing Schemes

No matter how small or how big it is, you must always include marketing on your list. You must assign the proper amount into it.

Study the market and see what types of ads are working and what’s not. Make sure that you are updated with the trend.

If you are going to advertise using the print medium, you must have a budget not only for the printing process but also for the pre-press stage.

The design of whatever tool that you want to use to advertise is very important. This must be done professionally to achieve the type of look that potential clients cannot easily ignore. Aim for your ads to be kept and not simply dismissed as trash.

Make your tools stand out. Use glossy posters if you must. Instead of the usual brochures, avail of custom brochure printing services to offer people a different kind of this overused tool. Your schemes must stand out from the rest.

This is also part of your budgeting stint. What’s the use of these tools if they will only be junked by the recipients? You’ve allotted money for your materials to be done to help you spread the word about your company and increase your sales eventually.

Custom brochure printing can add a bit on your printing costs. But you are assured that it will also add a lot of positive effect to those who will be getting them. You must always aim to get noticed and for clients to take you seriously. A professional-looking material will never fail you. Just make sure that you do everything while staying faithful to your budget.

Owen