Abstract: As countries frequently increase and revise border security protocols, participating in global trade has become increasingly complex. Compliance and supply chain managers can no longer solely rely on personal knowledge and paper-based processes to effectively plan and manage global trade. You must have real-time access to critical trade information and the ability to automate global trade management processes. Learn more.

Abstract: Most retailers can no longer compete on price alone; however, integrated retail solutions built on Microsoft SQL, and OPOS and ART Data Model standards offer a competitive advantage. They support holistic systems that integrate point of sale, enterprise, and even warehouse management functions, to deliver better service to customers.

Abstract: Implementing the proper business system can be as strategic and important to your bottomline as expanding your warehouse or bringing on new product lines. However, implementing the wrong solution or choosing an inexperienced solution provider can have serious negative effects on your business—-from lost opportunities and late orders to bankruptcy in some extreme cases. Consequently, it is imperative that wholesale distributors take time to clearly define their business processes and objectives before they start their search for new business software. This guide is designed to help wholesale distributors manage the entire software evaluation cycle, from needs analysis and budget planning through software selection and implementation.

Abstract: Marketing and sales teams have long disputed who’s responsible for converting leads into sales opportunities. Marketing argues that it has generated leads and tosses them over to sales, while sales complains the leads aren’t qualified. Learn how to convert more leads into sales with five key strategies, starting with encouraging sales and marketing to work together. Better lead management means you can win more deals.

Abstract: The Internet opened the door for global trade. As the global trade management (GTM) space continues consolidating, market leadership belongs to companies that understand, to truly improve global trade, one must be able to manage both the physical and financial supply chains.

Abstract: Although the retail and wholesale customers have typically invested a low proportion of their total revenues in information technology, retail industry leaders have begun to demonstrate an ability to achieve market advantage through the effective use of specialized enterprise applications. As a result, the requirement for all retailers to increase their investment in IT and adopt best practices has thus grown.

Abstract: Microsoft Point of Sale and Microsoft Retail Management System provide a complete point of purchase solution suite for small and midsize specialty retail businesses. Released in 2005, Microsoft Point of Sale has enabled Microsoft to further penetrate the retail market.

Abstract: Continuous change in the retail industry is limiting retailers’ ability to plan, forecast, price, and replenish. Thus, many retailers are facing a dilemma: they need new retail technology to adapt their processes and respond more rapidly to changing markets, but they can’t afford the up-front expenditure or lengthy implementation. But advances in new software-as-a-service (SaaS) retail solutions can help. Learn how.

Abstract: Manufacturers and service companies are facing a blackhole in sales lead management: costing sales. By using a workflow for lead and opportunity management, that efficiently routing and tracking sales, sales efficiency will increase and produce a bigger pipeline, and more sales will be closed.

Abstract: The sales lead generation process for technology companies is very different from lead generation in other industries. Technology sector needs are more precise, and the target market is almost exclusively business-to-business (B2B), with the individuals often being decision makers high up the corporate ladder. Find out how to reach this difficult target, with prospecting methods and tips for making more complex sales.

Abstract: The Internet offers a wealth of information for buyers, who can window-shop from their desks. Power has shifted to buyers, who no longer need to rely on salespeople for information. But sales managers can use Sales 2.0 to tap into these new buying habits to instantly interact with prospects and provide personalized service. Find out how Sales 2.0 can help you instantly view and serve prospects entering your online store.

Abstract: To work through all the issues necessary to improve sales performance, executives have a number of options for leveraging people and knowledge. However, an area that shows significant potential for helping sales teams meet or exceed their goals is the effective alignment of sales process and technology. Executives looking to optimize performance should consider this approach to achieve their goals.

Abstract: Endress+Hauser (e+h), an international group of specialists for measurement devices and automated solutions for industrial process engineering, implemented both mySAP CRM mobile sales and e-selling capabilities to reinforce its market- and customer-focused orientation. As a result, it saw a stronger field sales force and increased sales through the Internet.

Abstract: To optimally complete the global trade cycle, a business must automate, track, and provide visibility to the entire global trade management process to optimize its supply and distribution chains.

Abstract: The strategic imperative to streamline the entire lifecycle of global trade has prompted JPMorgan and TradeBeam to acquire complementary companies. Logistics service providers also recognize that many customers want trade services, and are stepping up to the challenge.

Abstract: The challenge for government and industry is to secure trade without impeding growth. Therefore, there is a greater need for timely information updated by knowledgeable sources of compliance and regulation issues. Global trade management software appears to be the best solution.

Abstract: Sales benchmarking is a diagnostic discipline that objectively identifies opportunities for sales-related performance improvement and enables best-practice solutions. This Sales Benchmarking Primer includes two important chapters from the best-selling book Making the Number—and provides a process-based framework for marketing and sales that can help your company survive and prosper in an unstable economy.

Abstract: Among all customer relationship management (CRM) user groups, the sales organization is often the most important—and challenging—to win over. With sales force automation (SFA) one of the primary drivers for a CRM initiative, and one of the primary measures of its success, user adoption among the sales force is crucial. Learn the principles you can use to select a CRM system that sales users feel was built just for them.