Is your order management truly aligned with customer demand?</h1> <article> <h1>Is your order management truly aligned with customer demand?</h1> <p>Thu, 31 Jul 2014 12:35:00 GMT</p> <p>At first glance, the answer seems obvious - of course order management is geared toward customer demand. But a closer look finds that there are many factors, with variable scope and effects, that influence the alignment of order management strategies. Many organizations may not be aware of the misaligned processes and not-quite-optimized project management strategies that can disrupt the supply chain and impact a company's capacity to develop business relationships or fulfill its customers' orders.</p> <p>It starts, really, with the supply chain as a concept. Spend Matters recently released some intriguing research by Pierre Mitchell, its chief research officer. In the report, "<a href="http://spendmatters.com/research/putting-the-supply-in-supply-networks-part-1/" target="_blank">Putting the ‘Supply’ in Supply Networks</a>,” he wrote about the gap between the ideal and the reality in supply chains, particularly in procurement, order management and overall network support. Of particular focus was direct procurement, a critical aspect of overall order management strategies. He presented data about the top objectives manufacturing firms have for their direct procurement strategies over the next 18 months: </p> <ul> <li>Cost reduction (<strong>74 percent</strong> cited it as a "pressing objective")</li> <li>Continuity of supply (53 percent)</li> <li>Strategic partner collaboration (44 percent)</li> <li>Risk reduction (37 percent)</li> <li>Customer and stakeholder satisfaction (34 percent)</li> <li>Revenue and growth support (32 percent)</li> <li>Flexibility and resiliency (24 percent)</li> <li>Innovation (21 percent)</li> </ul> <p>It's interesting to see innovation on the (relative) back burner for so many firms. With the drive to continue spurring experimentation and optimizing every facet of the chain accelerating, it's difficult for many organizations to rein in their focus to continuously enhance the foundation of their direct procurement and supply chain approach. It's an issue, Mitchell wrote, that has stemmed from years of workarounds, less-than-productive divisions of labor and other stopgap measures that leave many companies lagging behind on technological, communication and cost-efficient fronts. In the effort to continuously reverse-engineer the supply chain in order to align with fleeting demand, many organizations have created obstructions between production and fulfillment.</p> <p>"Historically siloed departments, processes, metrics, <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/business-integration/overview/">electronic data interchanges</a>, supporting, <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/erp/netsuite-erp/netsuite-erp-overview/">enterprise resource planning</a> systems - and a lot of spreadsheets - have created a brittle, shortsighted supply network that simply can't be orchestrated efficiently and effectively to meet demand," Mitchell wrote. "In this environment, the best demand shaping and sensing capabilities will only get you so far."</p> <p><strong>Order management and direct procurement from the ground up</strong><br> Another key point Mitchell made was that "spend" and "supply" can no longer be seen as separate from each other, from a procurement perspective. The indirect contributors to order management and procurement processes, including human resources, B2B partnership enhancement, employee self-service development, big data and project management - are just as crucial to the total cost of ownership of order management as the actual direct procurement production line. </p> <p>In an article for The Strategic Sourcerer, contributor William Dorn wrote similarly about <a href="http://www.strategicsourceror.com/2014/07/2014-supply-chain-management.html" target="_blank">the need for more emphasis</a> placed on the management of users, projects and spend that contribute indirectly to the overall supply chain. By breaking down silos, better distributing resources and using centralized order management strategies, companies can better leverage their order management practices - and their entire supply chain - to be better armed to fill demand, at less cost and headaches to the supply side.</p> <p>"Companies are letting procurement spend more for human and electronic resources and they are looking for better ways to track their success and/or failures," Dorn stated. "The huge increase in director and higher level positions being created efforts should be testament enough to how companies are starting to see procurement groups as more important to their organizations."</p> <p><strong>How to accelerate alignment</strong><br> Of course, uniting disparate elements of order and project management strategies is easier said than done. Order management solutions, such as <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/supply-chain-management/order-management/order-management-solutions/" target="_blank">IBM Sterling Order Management</a>, can provide the foundation for increased connectivity and fulfillment performance all across the supply chain system. It provides the support for organizations to address the issues cited as most pressing by the respondents to Mitchell's survey: </p> <ul> <li>A unified system ensures supply continuity and enables faster, more accurate orders</li> <li>Increased visibility improves accountability, which enterprises can leverage for stronger strategic partnerships</li> <li>Performance metrics allow businesses to deal with emerging variables and ensure the highest level of customer and stakeholder fulfillment</li> </ul> <p>Another significant benefit of the <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/supply-chain-management/order-management/overview/" target="_self">IBM Sterling Order Management</a> solution is that it can be easily integrated into current supply chain networks, connecting and optimizing in real time instead of grinding operations to a halt while the conversion is completed. This helps businesses not only address their pressing objectives, but innovate at the same time. A company can work with a services provider like Lightwell to look at its order management strategies from a fresh perspective - it may be that the once clear alignment between supply and demand has shifted as time has taken its toll. An experienced order management services provider can identify these areas and implement the centralized order management solution in a way that benefits both direct and indirect elements of procurement, giving companies newfound visibility into supply chain strategies and strengthening the links of the supply chain. </p> <p><strong>If you liked this article, check out other order management articles from</strong> <a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_blank"><b>Lightwell</b></a><strong>:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/155939/addressing-retail-complexities-through-streamlined-order-management">Addressing retail complexities through streamlined order management</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/155030/Top-ways-to-improve-customer-satisfaction-through-your-order-management-system">Top ways to improve customer satisfaction through your order management system</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/157698/Overcoming-omnichannel-commerce-challenges-for-mid-sized-retailers" title="Overcoming Omnichannel Commerce Challenges for Mid-size Business" target="_blank">Overcoming Omnichannel Commerce Challenges for Mid-size Business</a></li> </ul> <div><em>Don't let order management complexities hold you back, check out our brand new white paper:</em></div> <div><em><br></em></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span class="hs-cta-wrapper" id="hs-cta-wrapper-f16f29d9-6501-4735-8a4e-07a2563e913b"> <span class="hs-cta-node hs-cta-f16f29d9-6501-4735-8a4e-07a2563e913b" id="hs-cta-f16f29d9-6501-4735-8a4e-07a2563e913b"> <a href="http://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/115969/f16f29d9-6501-4735-8a4e-07a2563e913b"></a> </span> <script type="text/javascript"> (function(){ var s='hubspotutk',r,c=((r=new RegExp('(^|; )'+s+'=([^;]*)').exec(document.cookie))?r[2]:''),w=window;w[s]=w[s]||c, hsjs=document.createElement("script"),el=document.getElementById("hs-cta-f16f29d9-6501-4735-8a4e-07a2563e913b"); hsjs.type = "text/javascript";hsjs.async = true; hsjs.src = "//cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/cs/loader.js?pg=f16f29d9-6501-4735-8a4e-07a2563e913b&pid=115969&hsutk=" + encodeURIComponent(c); (document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0]||document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]).appendChild(hsjs); try{el.style.visibility="hidden";}catch(err){} setTimeout(function() {try{el.style.visibility="visible";}catch(err){}}, 2500); })(); </script> </span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"></div> <div style="text-align: center;">Follow the order managerment conversation on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/lightwellinc" title="twitter" target="_self">twitter</a> using the hashtags #OMS and #SmarterCommerce</div> </article> <article> <h1>What Aspera eXtreme File Transfer and the World Cup Have in Common</h1> <p>Wed, 30 Jul 2014 12:42:00 GMT</p> <p><span>At first glance, <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/managed-file-transfer-overview/" target="_self">managed file transfer</a> and the World Cup wouldn't seem to have much in common. What does the transmission of corporate files have to do with the preeminent soccer - or football, depending on what country you're in - tournament in the world? The recent forging of a partnership between IBM and Aspera, which brought live World Cup streams to far-flung viewers, highlighted the importance of rapid transmit for large files. As big data and massively sized files become more prominent in many industries, organizations need a managed file transfer solution that can efficiently, reliability and cost-effectively send these files.</span></p> <p><span>IBM added a key partner to its fleet of managed file transfer solutions by linking with Aspera, the Emeryville, California-based company that has been innovating in the <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/extreme-file-transfer/aspera-extreme-file-transfer-overview/">high-speed file transfer</a> arena since it was founded in 2004. Generally, as Business Today contributor Sunny Sen pointed out, strategic partnerships don't usually pay dividends <a href="http://businesstoday.intoday.in/story/ibm-enters-wc-football-field-via-aspera-to-broadcast-live-matches/1/207560.html" target="_blank">before the ink dries on the contract</a>. In IBM and Aspera's case, however, the World Cup proved to be a serendipitous and logical place to show what these advanced managed file transfer tools can do. </span></p> <p><b><span>Putting the world in the World Cup</span></b><span><br> Aspera enabled IBM to secure a deal to broadcast matches from the World Cup live, over the Internet, Sen wrote. With transcontinental live broadcasts, picture quality or delivery often suffers due to the sheer size of the files being transferred. With Aspera's technology, which breaks down a massive file into smaller packets for easier Internet transmission, IBM was able to deliver broadcasts transcoded in the cloud. </span></p> <p><span>"The older technology that everyone around used was not for high definition video," said François Quereuil, Aspera senior director of worldwide marketing, according to Sen. "There is too much of back and forth on the Web which causes packet loss."</span></p> <p><span>By using this form of high-level managed file transfer, leveraged through the cloud, IBM was able to rapidly deliver lossless video to its subscribers. Overall, more people benefit from the capacity to send large files across long distances and through different file formats, increasing potential audience and ensuring high quality standards can be maintained.</span></p> <p><strong><span>The advantages of ultra-fast large file transfer</span></strong><span><br> The issues that any file transfer encounters are magnified as the size of the file increases. The size itself can create latency and bottlenecks on either the outgoing or receiving network, especially if several large files need to be sent simultaneously or one after another. With more files containing lengthy videos, high resolution graphics, huge data stores and various multimedia, the possibility that a large size file could derail productivity grows. Additionally, any formatting or compatibility issues can cause system slowness that rises exponentially, as any problem takes that much longer to identify, troubleshoot and amend. In addition, security issues and potential vulnerabilities increase as resources, bandwidth and IT support needs to be concentrated on single file transfers. Legacy managed file transfer applications may not be sufficient to send large files at the blazing speed that many enterprises demand.</span></p> <p><span>The features of <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/extreme-file-transfer/aspera-extreme-file-transfer-overview/">Aspera's eXtreme File Transfer</a> address these issues, using the cloud and the packet-simplifying technology to cut transmission times of large files to a fraction of the former duration. It provides capacity for the movement of large data sets, both unstructured and structured, as well as multimedia-rich files and complex reports. It also can move data effectively between different devices, enabling a mobile user and PC user to share large files instantaneously and with maximum interoperability.</span></p> <p><span>This solution, especially if it is deployed by a managed services provider with expertise in the <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/managed-file-transfer-overview/" target="_self">IBM managed file transfer</a> portfolio, can help supply chain stakeholders optimize their connections for faster, smarter supply chains. Businesses, like World Cup viewers, need solutions that ensure they don't miss a minute of the action.</span></p> <p>Ready for file transfer at extreme speeds? Learn more about the Aspera suite in our <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IBM-Aspera-Extreme-File-Transfer-XFT-Lightwell.pdf" title="solution overview. " target="_blank">solution overview.</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>4 common EDI issues and how B2B managed services can solve them</h1> <p>Fri, 25 Jul 2014 20:33:00 GMT</p> <p>When it comes to electronic data interchange (EDI) operations, more data can be both a blessing and a curse. Few would argue that building larger B2B networks and exchanging more information with trading partners is a bad thing. However, savvy business professionals also know that managing all of that data - keeping networks moving, satisfying all requests, maintaining security and about half a million other critical tasks - represents a massive challenge.</p> <p>It's also an opportunity - a chance for a company to get smarter about the applications and information that it creates, uses and shares with its partners. <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/business-integration/b2b-integration-managed-services/b2b-integration-managed-services-overview/">B2B managed services</a> can target common EDI issues and neutralize them. A managed services provider can vastly improve an organization's <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/business-integration/overview/">B2B integration</a> initiatives. Armed with the many dynamic solutions like <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/business-integration/a2a-and-b2b-integration/ibm-sterling-b2b-integrator/" target="_self"> IBM Sterling B2B Integrator</a>, the provider can leverage EDI for better operations and B2B relationship management.</p> <p>Here are four recurring EDI-related problems, along with the ways that a <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/business-integration/b2b-integration-managed-services/b2b-integration-managed-services-overview/">B2B managed services provider </a>can help alleviate them:</p> <ol start="1"> <li><strong>Expanding trading partner relationships may slow productivity</strong>: Onboarding new business partners can be a difficult process, rife with things that don’t quite align or are difficult to configure properly. This is especially true where EDI is concerned. Everything from formatting issues to a business' approach to receiving and processing data can prolong exchanges and make it tough for stakeholder organizations to build their partnership. These operational, compliance and IT issues (or some combination thereof) <a href="http://spendmatters.com/tfmatters/the-hype-of-physical-and-financial-supply-chain-convergence-part-ii/" target="_blank">can disrupt physical and financial flows</a>, throwing off B2B integration efforts, wrote Spend Matters contributor David Gustin. By working with a managed services provider to deploy the IBM Sterling B2B Integrator solution, however, companies can target incompatibility through leading system integration, architecture restructuring and technical support. This vastly improves onboarding and enables organizations to significantly improve EDI between partners.</li> <li><strong>Application updates spur data disruption</strong>: A wide variety of enterprise software solutions can disrupt EDI connections, even those that have functioned effectively in the past. Accounting tools, enterprise resource planning programs, customer relationship management software and a variety of other high-level systems may receive upgrades, enhancements or alterations in one company that makes them incompatible with the software used by another member in the supply chain. This has the dual problem of forcing stakeholders to upgrade if they're not ready, or on the flip side, effectively encouraging companies to refrain from innovating in order to maintain the status quo. A managed services provider can help mitigate these problems, based on experience and deep knowledge of the solution.</li> <li><strong>Aging networks cause latency, confusion</strong>: In-house networks may not have the infrastructure or capacity to handle larger applications with more complex processes, while the sheer volume of data can cause problems for <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/" target="_self">network management</a>, EDI coordination and incident resolution. Nashville Business Journal contributor Melinda Curran wrote that application malfunctions <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/blog/2014/06/four-signs-your-data-network-needs-an-upgrade.html" target="_blank">can have serious repercussions</a>, including lost data, packet dropping and even irreversible damage to the applications themselves. In one organization, these disruptions could be time-consuming and resource-intensive, but these costs are multiplied exponentially when mapped out to the level of a B2B supply chain or multi-vendor partnership. A managed services provider's EDI support can include complete control over application portfolios and the infrastructure that support them, enabling it to monitor all activity and swiftly resolve any issues. Outsourcing network and infrastructure oversight can also help companies focus on their B2B partnerships, confident that they have the application environments to support growth opportunities.</li> <li><strong>Lack of administration sows conflict, questions</strong>: Who's in charge here? Siloed departments and a lack of centralized EDI management and processes can create discord between B2B partners when something goes awry. Disputes over integration requirements, technical support and onboarding responsibilities not only damage fledgling relationships, but can curtail productivity and profitability for both partners in the long term. By investing in the IBM Sterling B2B Integrator and a B2B managed services provider, a company has an excellent solution for B2B integration at its disposal, backed by a team of experts adroitly skilled in preemptively eliminating conflicts and answering nebulous issues. It also can supply a framework with pre-built tools that clear up any problems before, during and after implementation.</li> </ol> <p>EDI doesn’t need to be a source of complexity and problems for B2B integration. With the right tools and the help of a managed services provider, companies can gain a level of visibility over their data-based operations they've never experienced before.</p> <p><strong>If you liked this article, check out others from</strong> <a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_blank"><b>Lightwell</b></a><strong>:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/157680/seamless-b2b-integration-a-journey-to-the-center-of-the-cloud">Seamless B2B integration: A journey to the center of the cloud</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/165657/b2b-integration-and-the-changing-role-of-the-cio">B2B integration and the changing role of the CIO</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/170602/like-a-layer-cake-a-guide-to-the-levels-of-b2b-managed-services">Like a layer cake: A guide to the levels of B2B managed services</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/157561/why-the-healthcare-sector-is-in-desperate-need-of-b2b-integration">Why the healthcare sector is in desperate need of B2B integration</a></li> </ul> <p>Hear more about B2B managed services from Lightwell's experts: </p> </article> <article> <h1>Why go omni-channel? For your customers, of course.</h1> <p>Mon, 21 Jul 2014 11:54:00 GMT</p> <p><span>E-commerce has proven to be a major boon for businesses with the foresight to supplement their traditional storefronts with digital services. In today's market, however, it's no longer enough to simply have a website for prospective customers to browse. To remain competitive, businesses need to actively engage their clients, taking them by the hand and guiding them through every stage of the order fulfillment process. The demand for more oversight and greater integration between internal channels has driven adoption rates for <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/supply-chain-management/supply-chain-management-solutions-overview/">omni-channel solutions</a>.</span></p> <p><span>The notion of omni-channel systems sprang up in response to the new challenges that organizations faced as they diverted their attention and resources to e-commerce operations. Some businesses have run into obstacles managing both their brick-and-mortar stores and their digital shops because they consider them two separate entities. By doing so, these companies fail to take advantage of the fact that the consumers who shop online and in their physical stores are often one in the same.</span></p> <p><span><span class="hs-cta-wrapper" id="hs-cta-wrapper-0def557f-6af1-4a18-9a1d-3361d033d265"> <span class="hs-cta-node hs-cta-0def557f-6af1-4a18-9a1d-3361d033d265" id="hs-cta-0def557f-6af1-4a18-9a1d-3361d033d265"> <a href="http://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/115969/0def557f-6af1-4a18-9a1d-3361d033d265"></a> </span> <script type="text/javascript"> (function(){ var s='hubspotutk',r,c=((r=new RegExp('(^|; )'+s+'=([^;]*)').exec(document.cookie))?r[2]:''),w=window;w[s]=w[s]||c, hsjs=document.createElement("script"),el=document.getElementById("hs-cta-0def557f-6af1-4a18-9a1d-3361d033d265"); hsjs.type = "text/javascript";hsjs.async = true; hsjs.src = "//cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/cs/loader.js?pg=0def557f-6af1-4a18-9a1d-3361d033d265&pid=115969&hsutk=" + encodeURIComponent(c); (document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0]||document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]).appendChild(hsjs); try{el.style.visibility="hidden";}catch(err){} setTimeout(function() {try{el.style.visibility="visible";}catch(err){}}, 2500); })(); </script> </span><br></span></p> <p><strong><span>Case study in what not to do</span></strong><span><br> Highlighting a major retailer's troubles with e-commerce sales, Business Insider recently demonstrated <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/jc-penney-has-turned-around-its-collapsing-e-commerce-business-by-going-omnichannel-2014-6" target="_blank">precisely what can go wrong</a> when businesses silo their various customer and order management channels. When the retail giant implemented different overarching strategies for these operations in 2011, it prevented any interaction between digital and physical store assets and created a great deal of confusion and frustration for prospective customers. For instance, an individual who saw an item online and came to his or her nearest store to purchase it might discover that the product was only available on the company's website.</span></p> <p><span>Two years later, the company recognized its error and made the necessary adjustments - by that point, its digital sales had dropped nearly one-third, according to the source. Since embracing an omni-channel approach to all aspects of order management, including greater synergy between digital and physical storefronts, the organization has seen its online business improve. According to Business Insider, the retailer posted digital sales figures in the first quarter of 2014 that were 26 percent higher than those reported during the same period last year.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Deliver the experience customers expect, deserve</span></strong><span><br> Tech-savvy consumers expect simple and streamlined coordination between the various commerce channels they navigate. A failure to adequately deliver that all-points integration will likely agitate potential customers and drive them to a competitor. A recent Avaya study showcased the gap <a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwgeeks/article/Omni-Channel-Customer-Experience-Expected-Hard-to-Find-in-Financial-Services-Industry-20140616#.U58FOvldWUI" target="_blank">between consumer expectations</a> and vendor delivery in the financial sector. Seventy percent of industry customers believe their selected service providers should have fully coordinated, real-time communication outlets. Furthermore, 69 percent stated that they expect their needs to be met on an on-demand basis, with offerings being customized to their exact needs.</span></p> <p><span>The results from that study highlight one of the potential downsides to <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/supply-chain-management/supply-chain-management-solutions-overview/">e-commerce</a>: It's far easier for businesses to get into the game now than ever before, meaning traditional order and customer management efforts just won't cut it anymore. Companies must distinguish themselves by incorporating omni-channel solutions and effectively integrating every facet of their <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/services/" target="_self">order management system</a>.</span></p> <p><span>Implementing fully coordinated management platforms will be crucial to meeting consumer demands and executing excellent service from the order stage all the way through to delivery. Forty-four percent of the Avaya study participants stated that technological limitations prevented them from adequately meeting customer demands.</span></p> <p><span>A comprehensive omni-channel commerce solution will provide the integration and oversight needed to ensure that every order is delivered successfully and that every customer experience is a satisfying one. These tools enable organizations to comb through inventory stocks and deliver a requested product even if it's not available in the store. In addition, consumers can be kept in the loop throughout the order completion process with real-time updates sent directly to their smartphones. Ultimately, omni-channel solutions are about making customers happy by delivering a streamlined and all-encompassing service delivery channel that anticipates and meets their every need. The math is simple: Happy customers result in more revenue.</span></p> <p><span>If you enjoyed this article, check out more omni-channel insights from Lightwell:</span></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/183104/Getting-over-common-hurdles-in-omni-channel-commerce" title="Getting Over Common Hurdles in Omni-channel commerce" target="_blank">Getting Over Common Hurdles in Omni-channel commerce</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/166178/A-problem-solution-approach-to-a-successful-omni-channel-commerce-strategy" title="A Problem-Solution Approach to Omni-channel Commerce" target="_blank">A Problem-Solution Approach to Omni-channel Commerce</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/166151/Keeping-up-with-the-Omnis-Overcoming-challenges-in-omnichannel-retailing" title="Keeping up with the 'Omnis': Overcoming challenges in omnichannel retailing" target="_blank">Keeping up with the 'Omnis': Overcoming challenges in omnichannel retailing</a></li> </ul> <p><em>Ready to plan your omnichannel strategy? Learn more with</em><em> </em><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/" title="Lightwell" target="_blank"><em>Lightwell</em></a><em>'s complimentary guide and follow the conversation on</em><em> </em><a href="http://www.twitter.com/lightwellinc" title="Twitter" target="_self"><em>Twitter</em></a><em> </em><em>using #Omnichannel: </em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="hs-cta-wrapper" id="hs-cta-wrapper-f16f29d9-6501-4735-8a4e-07a2563e913b"> <span class="hs-cta-node hs-cta-f16f29d9-6501-4735-8a4e-07a2563e913b" id="hs-cta-f16f29d9-6501-4735-8a4e-07a2563e913b"> <a href="http://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/115969/f16f29d9-6501-4735-8a4e-07a2563e913b"></a> </span> <script type="text/javascript"> (function(){ var s='hubspotutk',r,c=((r=new RegExp('(^|; )'+s+'=([^;]*)').exec(document.cookie))?r[2]:''),w=window;w[s]=w[s]||c, hsjs=document.createElement("script"),el=document.getElementById("hs-cta-f16f29d9-6501-4735-8a4e-07a2563e913b"); hsjs.type = "text/javascript";hsjs.async = true; hsjs.src = "//cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/cs/loader.js?pg=f16f29d9-6501-4735-8a4e-07a2563e913b&pid=115969&hsutk=" + encodeURIComponent(c); (document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0]||document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]).appendChild(hsjs); try{el.style.visibility="hidden";}catch(err){} setTimeout(function() {try{el.style.visibility="visible";}catch(err){}}, 2500); })(); </script> </span><br></em></p> <p><span><br></span></p> </article> <article> <h1>IBM managed file transfer solutions: A guide to help you choose</h1> <p>Wed, 16 Jul 2014 12:27:00 GMT</p> <p><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/managed-file-transfer-overview/">Managed file transfer</a><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/managed-file-transfer-overview/"> solutions</a> are critical for any business concerned about the integrity of information flowing through corporate networks. The realities of today's advanced threat landscape mean that generic tools or piecemeal approaches are simply insufficient to effectively stave off security compromises and eliminate information leaks. A recent report by Risk Based Security found that <a href="https://www.riskbasedsecurity.com/reports/2014-1QDataBreachQuickView.pdf" target="_blank">more than 176 million data records</a> were compromised worldwide in the first quarter of 2014 alone, with hacking, fraud and human error just some of the root causes allowing data to fall into predators' hands. Overall, 85.5 percent of incidents involved some outsider activity, while insiders contributed to 59.4 percent of all records exposed. Businesses and supply chains are being threatened from both sides of the network.</p> <p>"It's difficult to say whether security is deteriorating, bad actors are getting better or <a href="http://www.csoonline.com/article/2361028/data-protection/176-million-records-compromised-in-q1-2014.html" target="_blank">some combination of both</a>," said Inga Goddijn, RBS managing director of insurance services, according to CSO Online. "What we do know is that there have been eight events in the past six months that have involved the compromise of at least 10 million records per event and the trend is continuing with the most recent revelations at eBay."</p> <p>Organizations need to invest in managed file transfer services to safeguard against both insider and outsider threats, and to increase network security overall. The IBM Sterling portfolio of managed file transfer solutions offers abundant options for companies, but what they should deploy depends on their industry requirements, supply chain position and most pressing network needs. To help organizations make this tough decision, here is a breakdown of the <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/managed-file-transfer-overview/">IBM Sterling managed file transfer</a> solutions, including what they offer and what kind of enterprise they are intended for:</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/point-to-point-file-transfer/ibm-sterling-connectdirect/">IBM Sterling </a><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/point-to-point-file-transfer/ibm-sterling-connectdirect/">Connect:Direct</a>: </strong>In B2B partnerships and supply chains, file transfer protocols are often not sufficiently aligned. At the same time that supply chains expand, all file transfers need to occur with more speed and security, creating a disconnect that can severely curtail productivity, business collaboration and the bottom lines of several parties. IBM Connect:Direct aims at eliminating these incompatibility issues, utilizing automated scheduling and delivery to improve transfers and high-performance architecture that ensures even large workloads can be transmitted effectively. Overall, it brings the clarity, performance and protection above and beyond FTP that companies desperately need in today’s environment.</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/file-transfer-visibility/ibm-sterling-secure-proxy/">IBM Sterling Control Center</a>: </strong>As the saying goes, you can't manage what you can't measure. A lack of concrete information about file transfer activity, and data movements in general, can easily sow confusion and cause unplanned productivity losses. IBM Sterling Control Center gives administrators and business partners the comprehensive oversight that they need to ramp up managed file transfer efforts. It offers management and metrics for internal elements, such as application and server performance, as well as B2B components like trading partner status and customer information. It can also offer real-time performance data that can help organizations identity failure transfers, configuration issues and potential compliance violations, enabling them to establish a proactive, adaptable managed file transfer system. </p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/enterprise-wide-file-transfer/ibm-sterling-file-gateway/">IBM </a><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/enterprise-wide-file-transfer/ibm-sterling-file-gateway/">Sterling File Gateway</a>: </strong>Along with the need for comprehensive oversight is the necessity of consolidated file transfer operations. Silos in the enterprise virtually guarantee that information movement will err in some way, whether it's through conflicting information, missing data or inconsistent file formats. These silos all ensure that there will be snafus in onboarding business partners, maintaining compliance and effectively communicating within the organization. IBM Sterling File Gateway offers a variety of tools for better control and communication, including configurable self-service and automated features. These allow enterprises to tailor their file transfer efforts to the requirements and concerns of disparate departments. Event logging and better management tools also improve system-wide visibility, streamlining the integration of trading partners.</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/cloud-based-file-transfer/ibm-sterling-file-transfer-service/">IBM Sterling File Transfer Service</a></strong>: In some cases, it makes sense to go the cloud. As information needs rise, many enterprises have found that maintaining an on-premises application environment themselves is a daunting task. IBM Sterling File Transfer Service is a software as a service offering, delivered through the cloud. Not only does this eliminate the high costs of building and managing an onsite software environment and onboarding users, it leverages scalability and collaboration tools that permit enterprises to pare down their environments, cutting out the fluff. With less complexity and real-time tracking tools at its disposal, an organization is better equipped to leap into <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/business-integration/a2a-and-b2b-integration/ibm-sterling-b2b-integrator/" target="_self">B2B integration</a> projects with the peace of mind that its FTP is up to snuff.</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/person-centric-file-transfer/ibm-quickfile/">IBM Sterling Quickfile</a></strong>: This solution is intended for organizations that need a stronger, more secure support system for person-to-person file transfers. The consumerization of technology has given rise to shadow IT, in which business users utilize a variety devices, applications, cloud storage and other tools to share important company documents. Many of these may not be approved by the enterprise, and pose serious risks, including incompatible file transfers and breaches. These consequences reduce productivity and drive up costs. IBM Quickfile addresses these user practices on a granular and pragmatic level, allowing for file transfers to occur successfully without restrictions imposed by software, browsers or email clients. Users can gain more visibility into their files in transit, while the organization can apply security tools - such as encryption, virus scanning and authentication - it needs the most.</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/file-transfer-security/ibm-sterling-control-center/">IBM Sterling Secure Proxy</a>: </strong>The protection-minded company can use Sterling Secure Proxy to eliminate the looming treat of outsider attacks. This application relies on demilitarized zone technology to create a perimeter around all file transfers, whether they're within the corporate network or moving between multiple partner networks. Its features include multifactor authentication, firewalls and encryption, military-grade information security tools that thwart dangerous brute force, phishing and man-in-the-middle attacks. Security controls can also be configured to align with the system requirements of business partners, ensuring that another company's approach doesn't jeopardize the integrity of its partner's data.</p> <p><strong>Working with a managed services provider</strong><br> All of these tools can help organizations make sure their file transfers are productive and safe. By partnering with a services provider like Lightwell, an organization receives expert assistance in its efforts to not only implement, but maintain these cutting-edge IBM Sterling solutions. Staying up to date with business environments going from zero to 60 can be tough, but we can provide the support, clarity and expertise to get an enterprise up to speed.</p> <p><strong>If you liked this article, check out other EDI posts from</strong> <a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_blank"><b>Lightwell</b></a><strong>:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/150954/EDI-misconceptions-prevent-businesses-from-realizing-technological-value" title="EDI misconceptions prevent businesses from realizing technological value">EDI misconceptions prevent businesses from realizing technological value</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/104012/Four-decades-old-electronic-data-interchange-standards-endure" title="Four decades old, electronic data interchange standards endure">Four decades old, electronic data interchange standards endure</a></li> </ul> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Learn more about <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/services/business-integration-and-e-commerce/managed-file-transfer-services/" title="Managed File Transfer services " target="_blank">Managed File Transfer services </a>from Lightwell:</em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/104012/Four-decades-old-electronic-data-interchange-standards-endure" title="Four decades old, electronic data interchange standards endure"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> </article> <article> <h1>5 reasons to invest in a transportation management system</h1> <p>Mon, 14 Jul 2014 14:10:00 GMT</p> <p>As supply chains grow larger and customer fulfillment expectations grow more stringent, enterprises need comprehensive solutions for supply chain clarity, consistency and cost-effectiveness. <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/supply-chain-management/transportation-management/overview/" target="_blank">Transportation management systems</a> help companies better control supply chain sprawl by eliminating excess costs while ramping up service quality. The <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/supply-chain-management/transportation-management/overview/">IBM Sterling Transportation Management System</a> is a software platform dedicated to enhancing key supply chain processes through the optimization of transportation logistics, planning and spending. Organizations can leverage this solution to build a better shipping network and make smarter operational decisions.</p> <p>Transportation management systems are part of a more analytics-based approach to logistical decision-making, and a recent report by RnRMarketResearch found that <a href="http://www.itbusinessnet.com/article/Transportation-Systems-and-Analytics-Market-2018-Forecasts-3255623" target="_blank">supply chain complexity is stimulating investment</a>, as organizations seek a sleeker, smarter approach to their transportation strategies.</p> <p>"Changing travel demand, hyper-urbanization, and globalization are the important drivers for this market. Intelligent infrastructure has given rise to the smart vehicles; and smart vehicles on smart roads represents better infrastructure, better communication facility, less congestion, and better safety," the report stated.</p> <p>Here are five benefits of transportation management systems:</p> <ol start="1"> <li><b>Automate key shipping processes: </b>Today's supply chains encapsulate hundreds, if not thousands, of moving parts, making manual oversight next to impossible. Key processes such as dock scheduling and shipment tracking don't need to be carried out on an ad hoc basis, even with the variables - weather, timing, etc. - that can affect shipment movements. By automating shipment tendering, for example, organizations can access real-time data about shipments that can be automatically transferred into tracking and scheduling decisions.</li> <li><strong>Improve order management: </strong>Order management is inextricably linked to transportation decisions, which mutually affect each other as changes marketing, financial and product demand mandate alterations to the supply chain system. Both <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/supply-chain-management/order-management/order-management-solutions/">order management systems</a> and the IBM Sterling Transportation Management System offer centralized repositories for critical product information, so operatives can gain more granular visibility into inventory availability and product distribution. This can ensure that product supplies are provisioned more effectively and helps cut costs.</li> <li><strong>Reduce logistics costs: </strong>As The Register contributor Robin Birtstone noted, consolidation is a key growth strategy for logistics, but many companies do not focus on back-end simplification as much as they can - and <a href="http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/06/02/logistics_smes/" target="_blank">curb their profitability as a result</a>. Transportation management systems can help companies pare down their shipping costs, especially by creating stronger bonds with other vendors and carriers. Organizations can build their relationships with these stakeholders by understanding the challenges that can drive up costs and collaborating on ways to reduce them. </li> <li><strong>Mitigate environmental factor impact: </strong>Transportation plans must contend with environmental affects, particularly with far-flung stakeholders at sea or in the air. While companies cannot prevent natural disasters and other weather factors from making an impact, they can leverage transportation management systems to reduce the severity of any ill effects. For example, Seatrade Global contributor Charlie Brett wrote that one way to reduce accidents and other incidents in the maritime industry is through <a href="http://www.seatrade-global.com/news/europe/accident-rate-going-up-better-training-needed-says-dnv-gl.html" target="_blank">better ship-to-share communication</a>. Rather than forcing shipping agents to cede control to land-based operatives, a more accountable, analytical system would encourage collaboration and give maritime administrators more robust decision-making support. Transportation management systems can be used to help build continuity plans, recover from unplanned impact and avoid a dramatic reduction in ROI. </li> <li><b>Make smarter payment agreements: </b>Orchestrating payments and building smart payment plans across the supply chain can be a significant source of stress, backlog and innovation-killing slowness. With the IBM Sterling Transportation Management System, enterprises can bring clarity to both the planning and execution components of their payment cycles. With more data at their disposal, enterprises can craft agreements with more explicit conditions for accuracy in inventory and invoices. They can also enhance freight settlement processes to truncate payment cycles and limit the potential of confusion or a lack of clarity from prolonging negotiations. This effort, in turn, cuts down on administrative costs. Furthermore, the automation and accountability baked into the transportation management system can also be applied toward compliance and risk analysis, lowering the need to divert resources to these two cost centers.</li> </ol> <p>Transportation management systems are critical to generating a better return on investment for the entire supply chain. A company can deploy the IBM Sterling solution and quickly reap the efficiency, financial and customer fulfillment benefits.</p> <p><strong>If you liked this article, check out other transportation management articles from</strong> <a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_blank"><b>Lightwell</b></a><strong>:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/183296/How-order-management-can-improve-LTL-processes">How Order Management can Improve LTL Processes</a></p> <p><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/183109/Supply-chain-management-Out-to-sea">Supply Chain Management: Out to Sea</a></p> <p><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/157548/Supply-chain-management-Dealing-with-long-term-bad-weather">Supply Chain Management: Dealing with Long-term Bad Weather</a></p> <p style="text-align: left;">Learn more about optimizing your supply chain and transportation management for the future:</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="hs-cta-wrapper" id="hs-cta-wrapper-daca35c9-adcd-4b10-86a7-2e63918d70f2"> <span class="hs-cta-node hs-cta-daca35c9-adcd-4b10-86a7-2e63918d70f2" id="hs-cta-daca35c9-adcd-4b10-86a7-2e63918d70f2"> <a href="http://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/115969/daca35c9-adcd-4b10-86a7-2e63918d70f2"></a> </span> <script type="text/javascript"> (function(){ var s='hubspotutk',r,c=((r=new RegExp('(^|; )'+s+'=([^;]*)').exec(document.cookie))?r[2]:''),w=window;w[s]=w[s]||c, hsjs=document.createElement("script"),el=document.getElementById("hs-cta-daca35c9-adcd-4b10-86a7-2e63918d70f2"); hsjs.type = "text/javascript";hsjs.async = true; hsjs.src = "//cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/cs/loader.js?pg=daca35c9-adcd-4b10-86a7-2e63918d70f2&pid=115969&hsutk=" + encodeURIComponent(c); (document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0]||document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]).appendChild(hsjs); try{el.style.visibility="hidden";}catch(err){} setTimeout(function() {try{el.style.visibility="visible";}catch(err){}}, 2500); })(); </script> </span><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/157548/Supply-chain-management-Dealing-with-long-term-bad-weather"></a></p> <p><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/157548/Supply-chain-management-Dealing-with-long-term-bad-weather"></a></p> <p><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/157548/Supply-chain-management-Dealing-with-long-term-bad-weather"></a></p> <p><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/157548/Supply-chain-management-Dealing-with-long-term-bad-weather"></a></p> <p><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/157548/Supply-chain-management-Dealing-with-long-term-bad-weather"></a></p> <p><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/157548/Supply-chain-management-Dealing-with-long-term-bad-weather"></a></p> <p><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/157548/Supply-chain-management-Dealing-with-long-term-bad-weather"></a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Should you consider moving B2B file transfers to the cloud?</h1> <p>Wed, 09 Jul 2014 12:00:00 GMT</p> <p>Business communications are more complex than ever before. There are more endpoints, file formats and user preferences - just figuring out how to send an important document can be a challenge. There are simply too many variables, and organizations need better ways of controlling them.</p> <p><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/managed-file-transfer-overview/" target="_self">Managed file transfer</a> has emerged as a way of giving companies better tools to communicate with business partners, with customers and within their own organizations. Instead of a sprawling, ever-expanding communications system with a lack of uniform protocols and increasing security vulnerabilities, organizations can streamline file transfers and other key interactions into a consolidated framework. Shifting this framework away from disparate on-premises software and unreliable tools to the cloud can multiply the savings and productivity a business can expect from its B2B file transfer solution.</p> <p><strong>Hurdles to optimized B2B file transfers</strong><br> The way businesses communicate has fundamentally shifted, and companies need better B2B file transfer solutions in order to keep pace with the new paradigm. Emerging issues are especially apparent in regard to safeguarding information in transit from cyberthreats and ensuring compliance with standards that can vary significantly between companies. Part of the problem, wrote TechRadar contributor John Slocum, lies in the<a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/computing-components/storage/3-security-considerations-for-transferring-files-1250829" target="_blank"> variety of different file transfers</a> businesses must perform - document-centric, collaborative or person-centric, with degrees of automation to streamline sending and ensure compliance.</p> <p>Additionally, the consumerization of IT has left companies with a view of how information should be exchanged that's informed by brands known for satisfying, responsive end user experiences, like Apple and Amazon, Slocum wrote. IT departments have to deal with more layers in their file transfers, but are being expected to perform on the level of a top B2C company. The "legacy IT headache" of information management suffers from changes in perception as well as in operation, spurring the need for a new, outsourced method.</p> <p>"This expectation vs. reality tension leads to larger security challenges when employees, including IT staff, start using unapproved applications that don't meet the security requirements of the organization or the industry," stated Slocum. "Further, for information associated with critical business processes, using these unapproved methods often create holes in these systems."</p> <p><strong>The benefits of cloud-based B2B file transfers</strong><br> In a nutshell, moving B2B file transfers to cloud-based solutions enables them to align with the ways that people compile, send and share information today. The cloud <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2014/06/10/cloud-not-new-just-a-big-disruption-to-how-we-communicate/" target="_blank">forms the basis</a> for so many methods of corporate communication today, Forbes contributor Daniel Newman pointed out, from software applications to file-sharing services to data analysis programs. A cloud-based, managed B2B file transfer ecosystem makes document management easier, more productive and better protected.</p> <p>Here are four key advantages of going to the cloud with B2B file transfers:</p> <ol start="1"> <li><strong>Reduce pressure on IT</strong>: Instead of maxing out IT resources and stretching the responsibilities of IT personnel to the limit, organizations can reduce the amount of manual tasks IT is expected to perform. By moving to the cloud, organizations can adopt a solution like the <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/cloud-based-file-transfer/ibm-sterling-file-transfer-service/" target="_blank">IBM Sterling File Transfer Service</a>, which uses automation and protocol conversion to reduce the strain placed on IT activities and costs devoted to maintaining infrastructure. </li> <li><strong>Gain visibility into file transfer processes: </strong>Many organizations simply don’t have a way to comprehensively view all of the processes, formats and compliance standards used and followed by personnel. A <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/business-integration/b2b-integration-managed-services/b2b-integration-managed-services-overview/">B2B</a><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/business-integration/b2b-integration-managed-services/b2b-integration-managed-services-overview/"> managed service provider</a> can help a company consolidate this information into the cloud-based service, so organizations can full insight into how they can continue to improve file transfer methods. This data can also be leveraged in analytics and real-time reports to aid a company in making file transfers as productive as possible.</li> <li><strong>Build better B2B relationships: </strong>As discussed above, B2B companies are judging their relationships more like those of B2C companies. Using a cloud-based B2B file transfer solution enables organizations to provide the responsiveness, flexibility and attention to detail in a meaningful and relationship-specific way. Instead of introducing risks or complications that can complicate a relationship, organizations can be more accountable and adaptable as relationships develop.</li> <li><strong>Get smart about security</strong>: Cyberthreats aren't going away any time soon. A lack of centralized oversight and a clear means of compiling and sharing files in a compliant and safe way means that there likely will be vulnerabilities that are overlooked. A <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/cloud-based-file-transfer/cloud-based-file-transfer-overview/">cloud-based B2B file transfer solution</a> offers a single connection that cuts down on network points of entry, a unified methodology that diminishes shadow file transfers and more tools to keep information safe as it changes hands.</li> </ol> <div> <p><strong>If you liked this MFT article, check out others from</strong> <a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_blank"><b>Lightwell</b></a><strong>:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/157535/managed-file-transfer-needed-to-stop-ongoing-ftp-problems">Managed file transfer needed to stop ongoing FTP problems</a></p> <p><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/166212/managed-file-transfer-getting-compliant-becoming-secure">Managed file transfer: Getting compliant, becoming secure</a></p> <p><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/166162/managing-global-challenges-to-data-integrity-with-secure-file-transfer">Managing global challenges to data integrity with secure file transfer</a></p> <p><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/166162/managing-global-challenges-to-data-integrity-with-secure-file-transfer"></a></p> <p><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/166162/managing-global-challenges-to-data-integrity-with-secure-file-transfer"></a></p> </div> <div></div> <div>Learn more about B2B file transfers in the cloud from Lightwell (Oxford Consulting Group at the time of recording): </div> <div></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span class="hs-cta-wrapper" id="hs-cta-wrapper-3de9d4df-0428-4cd4-b9cb-4d2f93f71d48"> <span class="hs-cta-node hs-cta-3de9d4df-0428-4cd4-b9cb-4d2f93f71d48" id="hs-cta-3de9d4df-0428-4cd4-b9cb-4d2f93f71d48"> <a href="http://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/115969/3de9d4df-0428-4cd4-b9cb-4d2f93f71d48"></a> </span> <script type="text/javascript"> (function(){ var s='hubspotutk',r,c=((r=new RegExp('(^|; )'+s+'=([^;]*)').exec(document.cookie))?r[2]:''),w=window;w[s]=w[s]||c, hsjs=document.createElement("script"),el=document.getElementById("hs-cta-3de9d4df-0428-4cd4-b9cb-4d2f93f71d48"); hsjs.type = "text/javascript";hsjs.async = true; hsjs.src = "//cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/cs/loader.js?pg=3de9d4df-0428-4cd4-b9cb-4d2f93f71d48&pid=115969&hsutk=" + encodeURIComponent(c); (document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0]||document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]).appendChild(hsjs); try{el.style.visibility="hidden";}catch(err){} setTimeout(function() {try{el.style.visibility="visible";}catch(err){}}, 2500); })(); </script> </span></div> </article> <article> <h1>4 ways to improve healthcare supply chains</h1> <p>Wed, 02 Jul 2014 12:53:00 GMT</p> <p>The healthcare industry is at a critical juncture. Perhaps no sector has had to contend with as much impact to supply chain and information management processes as healthcare. Medical firms have been put through a boot camp of data, communication and compliance concerns as they become more digitally focused. It's a chicken-and-egg scenario - medical organizations' systems and infrastructure needs to be upgraded to contend with IT and data governance concerns, while new upgrades or strategies put more considerations on the plate. And with budgets concentrated on research and patient care, these entities often have little flexibility for supply chain transformation.</p> <p>By embracing a process of incremental development and targeted improvements, healthcare organizations can facilitate an effective transition to a more integrated, interoperable supply chain. Here are four ways they can improve:</p> <ol start="1"> <li><strong>Invest in EDI and B2B Integration: </strong>With the rise of electronic health records and more data-driven healthcare, medical organizations need to be able to exchange documents that can be protected, opened and read in any environment. Without complete document interoperability, healthcare organizations could experience delays or latency in ensuring the right information gets to the stakeholders who need it.<br> <br> By using a <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/business-integration/overview/">B2B integration solution</a>, healthcare providers can automate key information exchange processes, integrating different document rendering tools and ensuring that information is clear and accurate no matter what format it arrives in. With EDI mapping and peerless translation, medical sector organizations can accelerate purchase order and inventory delivery while reducing administrative costs. <br> <br> There are other benefits to having more interoperable documents and data. As more doctors use EHRs and hospitals face stricter oversight of resource allocations, <a href="http://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/blog/time-supply-chain-health-check" target="_blank">integrating front-end applications</a> with the supply chain can help automate processes and increase system intelligence, observed Healthcare Finance News contributor Roland Butvilofsky.<br> <br> "Using business intelligence components and more sophisticated reporting, healthcare organizations can quickly and definitively answer questions like: 'What's our spend?' 'What's our average days of inventory sitting on the shelf?' and 'Can that be reduced?'" Butvilofsky wrote. </li> <li><strong>Enhance warehouse management: </strong>Effective warehouse management strategies must contend with issues that arise both within the organization and those that stem from outside forces. The healthcare industry has a unique conundrum during a physical or environmental disaster, for example, as it may need supply chains to accelerate in order to provide more care and key services in a time of crisis. It's also essential that hospitals and medical care professionals are not deterred by the same continuity issues that may be plaguing the community.<br> <br> Having a robust <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/supply-chain-management/warehouse-management/overview/">warehouse management solution</a> and strategy in place before a time of crisis can help organizations better respond. These enable a firm to gain a more comprehensive picture of real-time inventory across multiple locations, redirect orders and distribution if necessary and adroitly maneuver in complex supply chains. <br> <br> Without such a program in place, a medical provider may not have the real-time insight into the operations of its supply chain or be able to redirect resources where appropriate. On a day-to-day level, better inventory and warehouse management make for a stronger, safer and more scalable supply chain.</li> <li><strong>Focus on B2B integration for the patient's benefit: </strong>While a medical patient is certainly different than a business customer in several respects, taking pages out of the <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertreiss/2014/04/21/how-top-ceos-transform-companies-around-the-customer-like-the-new-kentucky-derby-videoboard/" target="_blank">increasingly consumer-focused enterprise playbook</a> is a smart choice for healthcare organizations. Medical firms can recalibrate the relationship by viewing patients as partners, Patrick Fry, CEO of Sutter Health, told Forbes. They can establish a firm foundation for this relationship by investing in B2B integration. <br> <br> By leveraging <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/services/business-integration-and-e-commerce/overview/">B2B integration services</a> from a trusted partner, healthcare providers can better educate themselves on the challenges faced by their business partners and work with them to develop solutions that facilitate more efficient, effective service. Organizations can better coordinate diverse partner communities, accelerate trading partner relationships and leverage the kind of high-level information protection that healthcare patients need.</li> <li><strong>Rely on a <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/services/business-integration-and-e-commerce/edi-b2b-managed-services/">managed services</a><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/services/business-integration-and-e-commerce/edi-b2b-managed-services/"> provider</a>: </strong>One of the most significant ongoing issues in the healthcare industry’s march to a new digital reality is that many of the applications and infrastructure involved in building sleeker, interoperable supply chains require ongoing support that exceeds budgets and staffing availability. Investing in a managed services provider's solutions can help keep costs down and provide the organization with effective, available tech support.<br> <br> Customized degrees of managed services support can range from expert assistance with rolling out a new application to fully fledged infrastructure and storage support in an offsite data center. A managed services provider can work with a single healthcare organization or with multiple stakeholders in the supply chain to help develop a software and services package that meets the most pressing needs. With this level of support, organizations have the ability to enhance investment in analytics applications, depend on highly resilient architecture and concentrate more resources on patient-facing initiatives. In short, it can solve the chicken problem and the egg problem in one fell swoop. </li> </ol> <div style="text-align: center;"> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>If you liked this article, check out more supply chain management articles from</strong> <a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_blank"><b>Lightwell</b></a><strong>:</strong></p> <ul style="text-align: center;"> <li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/157221/4-ways-to-make-supply-chain-management-more-efficient">4 ways to make supply chain management more efficient</a></li> <li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/156729/CFOs-Get-involved-in-supply-chain-management">CFOs: Get involved in supply chain management</a></li> <li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/156979/The-top-pressures-impacting-supply-chain-management-in-2014">The top pressures impacting supply chain management in 2014</a></li> </ul> <div style="text-align: left;">Interesting in learning B2B best practices? Get our free white paper below:</div> =<span class="hs-cta-wrapper" id="hs-cta-wrapper-771bdcf6-ccaf-4d62-953e-a54632567ac9"> <span class="hs-cta-node hs-cta-771bdcf6-ccaf-4d62-953e-a54632567ac9" id="hs-cta-771bdcf6-ccaf-4d62-953e-a54632567ac9"> <a href="http://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/115969/771bdcf6-ccaf-4d62-953e-a54632567ac9"></a> </span> <script type="text/javascript"> (function(){ var s='hubspotutk',r,c=((r=new RegExp('(^|; )'+s+'=([^;]*)').exec(document.cookie))?r[2]:''),w=window;w[s]=w[s]||c, hsjs=document.createElement("script"),el=document.getElementById("hs-cta-771bdcf6-ccaf-4d62-953e-a54632567ac9"); hsjs.type = "text/javascript";hsjs.async = true; hsjs.src = "//cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/cs/loader.js?pg=771bdcf6-ccaf-4d62-953e-a54632567ac9&pid=115969&hsutk=" + encodeURIComponent(c); (document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0]||document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]).appendChild(hsjs); try{el.style.visibility="hidden";}catch(err){} setTimeout(function() {try{el.style.visibility="visible";}catch(err){}}, 2500); })(); </script> </span></div> <p> </p> </article> <article> <h1>3 benefits of person-centric managed file transfer solutions</h1> <p>Mon, 30 Jun 2014 12:01:00 GMT</p> <p>Users are the foundation of every company and supply chain's networks. They're the people who create, share and contribute to critical documents and data, and the ones who set and follow - or eschew - corporate policies concerning access, communication and technology usage. People can also be a problem. Human error <a href="http://www.dynamicbusiness.com.au/technology/human-error-the-number-one-problem-in-data-privacy-08052014.html" target="_blank">continues to be the leading source</a> of data privacy issues, Dynamic Business reported. And as the consumerization of IT continues, it becomes more imperative to mitigate the potential threats to compliance and management that are posed by rogue application use and deviations from file transfer protocols. </p> <p>For organizations struggling with people management, it makes sense to explore <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/person-centric-file-transfer/ibm-quickfile/">person-centric file transfer solutions</a> like IBM Quickfile. <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/person-centric-file-transfer/ibm-quickfile/">IBM Quickfile</a> is a <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/person-centric-file-transfer/ibm-quickfile/" target="_blank">managed file transfer solution</a> aimed at controlling the human element that often complicates file transfers.</p> <p> </p> <p>Here are three advantages of investing in a person-centric file transfer solution:</p> <ol start="1"> <li><strong>Minimizes burden on resources: </strong>The days of sending neat, one-page PDFs are long gone. Today's corporate and supply chain users need to be able to exchange massive files, including video, computer aided design and other multimedia, quickly and reliably across far-flung networks. Email services and software can place limits on file size well below what a company needs, while software and bandwidth may have to be reconfigured to enable the transfer of a large file. A person-centric file transfer solution eliminates these problems, allowing files to be sent quickly and without requiring additional IT resources.</li> <li><strong>Mitigates the effects of silos</strong>: File transfers occurring between business partners - and often within a single company - are subject to silos. These divisions need to be reduced and better managed if organizations want to <a href="http://www.cbronline.com/news/security/5-ways-to-tackle-the-insider-threat-of-human-error-4255342" target="_blank">ensure peak security and efficiency</a> of their data management, according to CBROnline. A person-centric file transfer solution allows organizations to exert more granular control over the movement of critical files. Tracking and control features offer more visibility of files in transit without compromising the user's ability to share them.</li> <li><strong>Reduces unplanned costs:</strong> Poor <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/person-centric-file-transfer/ibm-quickfile/">person-to-person file transfer solutions</a> can quickly lead to transfer failures that scuttle productivity or vulnerabilities that can compromise data integrity. Dealing with these issues can slow supply chains, as well as force organizations to spend on cleaning up data leaks. A person-centric file transfer solution like IBM Quickfile offers enterprise-grade protection of data exchanged in many different file formats and through a slew of platforms, with encryption, user authentication and other data loss prevention features that safeguard critical information.</li> </ol> <p>In the era of consumerized IT, it makes sense for many companies to target users as the foundation of their file transfer solution architecture.</p> <p><strong>If you liked this article, check out others from</strong><b> </b><strong><a href="www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_blank">Lightwell</a>:</strong></p> <ul style="font-size: 1em;"> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/157535/managed-file-transfer-needed-to-stop-ongoing-ftp-problems" style="font-size: 1em;">Managed file transfer needed to stop ongoing FTP problems</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/166212/managed-file-transfer-getting-compliant-becoming-secure" style="font-size: 1em;">Managed file transfer: Getting compliant, becoming secure</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/166162/managing-global-challenges-to-data-integrity-with-secure-file-transfer" style="font-size: 1em;">Managing global challenges to data integrity with secure file transf</a><span style="font-size: 1em;">er</span></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/147144/HIPAA-Compliance-Managed-File-Transfer-Do-you-have-a-safety-net" style="font-size: 13px;" title="HIPAA Compliance & Managed File Transfer: Do you have a safety net?">HIPAA Compliance & Managed File Transfer: Do you have a safety net?</a></li> </ul> <div></div> <div></div> <div><em>Eliminate the human error in person-to-person: </em></div> <div></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span class="hs-cta-wrapper" id="hs-cta-wrapper-6160e27a-f0c9-4688-8fde-1c0910459890"> <span class="hs-cta-node hs-cta-6160e27a-f0c9-4688-8fde-1c0910459890" id="hs-cta-6160e27a-f0c9-4688-8fde-1c0910459890"> <a href="http://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/115969/6160e27a-f0c9-4688-8fde-1c0910459890"></a> </span> <script type="text/javascript"> (function(){ var s='hubspotutk',r,c=((r=new RegExp('(^|; )'+s+'=([^;]*)').exec(document.cookie))?r[2]:''),w=window;w[s]=w[s]||c, hsjs=document.createElement("script"),el=document.getElementById("hs-cta-6160e27a-f0c9-4688-8fde-1c0910459890"); hsjs.type = "text/javascript";hsjs.async = true; hsjs.src = "//cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/cs/loader.js?pg=6160e27a-f0c9-4688-8fde-1c0910459890&pid=115969&hsutk=" + encodeURIComponent(c); (document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0]||document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]).appendChild(hsjs); try{el.style.visibility="hidden";}catch(err){} setTimeout(function() {try{el.style.visibility="visible";}catch(err){}}, 2500); })(); </script> </span></div> <div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br></span></div> </article> <article> <h1>How order management can improve LTL processes</h1> <p>Fri, 27 Jun 2014 12:00:00 GMT</p> <p><span><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/supply-chain-management/order-management/order-management-solutions/">Order management software</a> is critical to improving supply chain processes. It's especially vital to making smarter inventory and shipping decisions that are grounded in data. By installing this software, organizations can tackle some of their most complex and intricate challenges. Less-than-truckload shipping is one of these constant issues, which affect virtually every supply chain in some form. Order management software can help enterprises make better LTL shipping decisions, build communication with supply chain partners and leverage this key aspect of supply chains for higher ROI.</span></p> <p><span>LTL shipping is a key part of supply chains, but it is often overlooked. It faces a different slate of challenges than bulk and exclusive shipments. Its cost-effectiveness stems from lower overhead and more expansive range of accessory services, but ineffective management can reduce the gains that enterprises could otherwise realize.</span></p> <p><span>Inventory routing, business relationships and performance analysis are just a few of the many factors that can have a negative impact on LTL shipping, and in turn the supply chain that commissioned the shipments. Order management software can help alleviate issues in these three key areas. Here's how:</span></p> <p><strong><span>How order management enhances LTL routing</span></strong><span><br> Many companies lack comprehensive order visibility, especially when multiple locations and/or suppliers are involved, or when inventory is moved around fairly quickly. LTL shipping can exacerbate these issues, as orders may be broken up or shifted around at a faster pace. As Go By Truck News stated, the need for granular oversight, ability to make changes and capacity to track performance <a href="http://www.gobytrucknews.com/optimize-ltl-routing-for-growth/123" target="_blank">only intensifies with LTL shipping</a>.</span></p> <p><span>"Unlike full truck load carriers, LTL carriers consolidate and move multiple shipments with different origins and destinations," the source stated. "Then at each hub, truckloads are broken into shipments and reconsolidated into new truckloads. These tasks are typically performed manually and by intuition, which further complicates planning and scheduling and often results in wasted time and resources, as well as lost profit."</span></p> <p><span><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/supply-chain-management/order-management/order-management-solutions/">Order management software</a> can help improve LTL routing in a number of ways. It provides better inventory visibility, offering a repository where information can be stored and updated in a comprehensive manner. This increased visibility leads to more effective and accurate product deliveries, strengthening relationships with supply chain partners and improving customer fulfillment. Since orders can be tracked as they move around multiple locations, companies can understand how their LTL routing processes operate and make targeted changes for optimization.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Order management improves B2B interactions</span></strong><span><br> LTL shipping involves complex relationships that must be formed between vendors, brokers, carriers and other third-party logistics providers. There are hierarchies that naturally exist in these supply chains - brokers and third-party logistics providers viewing as LTL shipping as less important, for instance. However, this traditional order is starting to break down, as organizations recognize the importance of <a href="http://www.dcvelocity.com/articles/20140522-do-you-broker-take-this-ltl-carrier/" target="_blank">consolidating all the logistics concerns</a> in their increasingly massive supply chains, according to DC Velocity. Instead of being seen as merely "transactional," logistics partnerships are increasingly regarded as "strategic." Organizations have realized that they need to develop their engagement and interoperability with other supply chain stakeholders.</span></p> <p><span>Order management software gives these companies the tools to improve the key processes that supply chain stakeholders must collaborate on. Companies may have been operating in relative isolation, providing just enough information to another partner to get the job done. This means that information could be lost or mutated along the way, throwing off key inventory management and tracking capabilities. In many cases, organizations in the LTL shipping sector simply don't have the resources to participate in a comprehensive communications and collaboration effort.</span></p> <p><span>However, order management software provides a unified system that stakeholders can easily use to input information, make changes and note any extenuating circumstances that could disrupt the original plan. The system can also be scaled to accommodate the capacity of each LTL shipping stakeholder, ensuring that they have access to compiling and sharing all pertinent information.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Performance analysis with order management software KPIs</span></strong><span><br> Many organizations regard LTL shipping as difficult to optimize. In many cases, this view stems from a lack of key performance indicators and any ability to evaluate how LTL processes affect the overall system functionality. This may hamper an enterprise's capacity to enhance cycle times, order fill rates and customer service efforts. Legacy systems aren't designed to impart this level of real-time oversight, because far-flung stakeholders - especially mobile ones - weren't equipped to offer this sort of information in any extensive or constructive way.</span></p> <p><span>With order management software, businesses can develop performance metrics that evaluate how LTL shipping functions as a part of the larger supply chain. Through the lens of inventory availability, warehouse tracking, customer fulfillment and other operations, companies can see how close actual performance matches up to the ideal. Overall, giving supply chains more visibility into all aspects of shipping, from massive bulk freight to LTL, is a significant step toward optimization.</span></p> <p><strong>If you liked this article, check out others from</strong><b> </b><strong><a href="www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_blank">Lightwell</a>:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/155939/addressing-retail-complexities-through-streamlined-order-management" style="font-size: 13px;">Addressing retail complexities through streamlined order management</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/155030/Top-ways-to-improve-customer-satisfaction-through-your-order-management-system" style="font-size: 13px;">Top ways to improve customer satisfaction through your order management system</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/153358/Justifying-an-order-management-solution-An-ROI-guide" style="font-size: 13px;" title="Justifying an order management solution: An ROI guide">Justifying an order management solution: An ROI guide</a></li> </ul> <div><em>LTL isn't the only ordering complexity modern businesses have to face:</em></div> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><span class="hs-cta-wrapper" id="hs-cta-wrapper-f16f29d9-6501-4735-8a4e-07a2563e913b"> <span class="hs-cta-node hs-cta-f16f29d9-6501-4735-8a4e-07a2563e913b" id="hs-cta-f16f29d9-6501-4735-8a4e-07a2563e913b"> <a href="http://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/115969/f16f29d9-6501-4735-8a4e-07a2563e913b"></a> </span> <script type="text/javascript"> (function(){ var s='hubspotutk',r,c=((r=new RegExp('(^|; )'+s+'=([^;]*)').exec(document.cookie))?r[2]:''),w=window;w[s]=w[s]||c, hsjs=document.createElement("script"),el=document.getElementById("hs-cta-f16f29d9-6501-4735-8a4e-07a2563e913b"); hsjs.type = "text/javascript";hsjs.async = true; hsjs.src = "//cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/cs/loader.js?pg=f16f29d9-6501-4735-8a4e-07a2563e913b&pid=115969&hsutk=" + encodeURIComponent(c); (document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0]||document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]).appendChild(hsjs); try{el.style.visibility="hidden";}catch(err){} setTimeout(function() {try{el.style.visibility="visible";}catch(err){}}, 2500); })(); </script> </span><br></span></p> </article> <article> <h1>B2B integration: Building your collaboration network</h1> <p>Wed, 25 Jun 2014 12:00:00 GMT</p> <p>Successful <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/business-integration/a2a-and-b2b-integration/ibm-sterling-b2b-integrator/" target="_self">B2B integration</a> initiatives cannot be measured merely by the technological tools that enable business partners to communicate. Effective collaboration and meaningful interactions also play critical roles. Communications systems and software do not have to be viewed solely through the lens of building a basic network, with management focused mostly on just "keeping the lights on." With innovative tools deployed in smart ways, companies can build better business relationships based on more effective collaboration. </p> <p>In an age of social media and nuanced brand engagement, being perceived as a great communicator and strong collaborator can be a huge benefit for a business. One recent survey by branding firm Siegel+Gale found that B2B decision-makers are <a href="http://www.komarketingassociates.com/industry-news/b2b-decision-makers-10-likely-consider-connected-brands-1484/" target="_blank">10 percent more likely</a> to make purchases from a company to which they feel a connection. Some of this perception stems from an organization's public profile, in the way that its social media presence or customer service functions in real-world settings. While B2B relationships can take months or years to build, it's clearly in a company's interest to put its best foot forward.</p> <p>However, the degree to which companies can connect today means that its outer facade is not the only component of its B2B relationship-building strategy it needs to pay attention to. How it leverages network infrastructure, conducts file transfers and applies actionable metrics are all considerations a potential business partner can take into account. A seemingly decentralized, inadequate or poorly protected strategy can drive a business to conclude that its objectives would be in misalignment with a potential trading partner. Organizations cannot risk this potential complication to B2B integration and profitability. Building a strong collaboration network is key to facilitating B2B integration, as well as scalable relationships to provide lasting advantages.</p> <p><strong>How to leverage IBM Sterling Collaboration Network</strong><br> On the surface, collaboration seems simple. Keeping partners in the loop, sharing data and scheduling regular updates might be enough, right? At IBM's recent SmarterCommerce conference, IBM vice president of commerce solutions John Mesberg outlined how the construction and maintenance of a collaboration network <a href="http://www.itworldcanada.com/article/want-to-link-to-partners-it-isnt-as-easy-as-you-think-ibm-exec-warns/93250" target="_blank">can be a steep uphill battle</a>:</p> <p>"These can be very complex, challenging implementations," Mesberg stated, according to IT World Canada. "When clients take on these implementations without considering what it takes to bring on 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 suppliers on board they can be in for a rude surprise, because it's not a technology problem - it's a program management problem. How do you get several thousand companies to bend to your will to accommodate your needs? They don't move at your pace." <br> <br> The <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/business-integration/b2b-collaboration-network/ibm-sterling-b2b-collaboration-network/" target="_blank">IBM Sterling B2B Collaboration Network</a> is a comprehensive solution that can help, offering a slew of robust, cloud-based tools for enhanced B2B integration. It can make B2B relationships more efficient, effective and profitable for both parties. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="hs-cta-wrapper" id="hs-cta-wrapper-f92ea94f-2f5d-49f3-8864-beeecf662258"> <span class="hs-cta-node hs-cta-f92ea94f-2f5d-49f3-8864-beeecf662258" id="hs-cta-f92ea94f-2f5d-49f3-8864-beeecf662258"> <a href="http://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/115969/f92ea94f-2f5d-49f3-8864-beeecf662258"></a> </span> <script type="text/javascript"> (function(){ var s='hubspotutk',r,c=((r=new RegExp('(^|; )'+s+'=([^;]*)').exec(document.cookie))?r[2]:''),w=window;w[s]=w[s]||c, hsjs=document.createElement("script"),el=document.getElementById("hs-cta-f92ea94f-2f5d-49f3-8864-beeecf662258"); hsjs.type = "text/javascript";hsjs.async = true; hsjs.src = "//cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/cs/loader.js?pg=f92ea94f-2f5d-49f3-8864-beeecf662258&pid=115969&hsutk=" + encodeURIComponent(c); (document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0]||document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]).appendChild(hsjs); try{el.style.visibility="hidden";}catch(err){} setTimeout(function() {try{el.style.visibility="visible";}catch(err){}}, 2500); })(); </script> </span></p> <p>By investing in the IBM Sterling Collaboration Network during its B2B integration process, especially with the help of a B2B managed services provider, organizations can take advantage of several communication-building tools and techniques, including:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Robust transaction processing: </strong>IBM Sterling Collaboration Network simplifies file transfer processes by providing its "virtually any partner, virtually any format" capability. Businesses can spend time and resources converting data from different formats and ensuring interoperability with all standards, slowing productivity and creating complications in collaborative relationships. By eliminating these complications, B2B integration benefits from increased in-network translation, document tracking and the secure, reliable transfer of time-sensitive material.</li> <li><strong>Automated process tools: </strong>Manual B2B processes inherently prolong the ability to get things done. They can create complications between supply chain stakeholders that do things differently, eat up IT resources and raise the likelihood of human error. By deploying the IBM Sterling B2B Collaboration Network Solution, business partners can automate invoice processing, exception handling, payments systems and other components. They then rely on proactive alert systems that can draw attention to any outliers or other potential issues, which can be rectified before they metastasize. </li> <li><strong>Real-time, actionable reporting: </strong>More data on system functionality provides business partners with better tools to effect positive change on the way that certain transactions operate and processes are conducted. It also enables them to mobilize faster in response to changes in the marketplace, selling environment or available technology. Leveraging this shared data for better collaboration can help a business work with other stakeholders to understand and respond to each other's needs.</li> </ul> <div> <p><strong>If you liked this article, check out others from</strong><b> </b><strong><a href="www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_blank">Lightwell</a>:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/157680/seamless-b2b-integration-a-journey-to-the-center-of-the-cloud" style="font-size: 13px;">Seamless B2B integration: A journey to the center of the cloud</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/165657/b2b-integration-and-the-changing-role-of-the-cio" style="font-size: 13px;">B2B integration and the changing role of the CIO</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/170602/like-a-layer-cake-a-guide-to-the-levels-of-b2b-managed-services" style="font-size: 13px;">Like a layer cake: A guide to the levels of B2B managed services</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/157561/why-the-healthcare-sector-is-in-desperate-need-of-b2b-integration" style="font-size: 13px;">Why the healthcare sector is in desperate need of B2B integration</a></li> </ul> <p><em>Learn more at our</em><em> </em><em><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/services/business-integration-and-e-commerce/edi-b2b-managed-services/," title="B2B managed services page" target="_blank">B2B managed services page</a> and download our</em><em> </em><em><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Lightwell_B2B_Managed_Services.pdf" title="Managed Services brochure" target="_self">Managed Services brochure</a> or check out our complimentary analyst insight below for more information from <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/">Lightwell</a> and Aberdeen Group >></em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="hs-cta-wrapper" id="hs-cta-wrapper-0552ec17-99da-40df-a84b-d8c6fe22fcd6"> <span class="hs-cta-node hs-cta-0552ec17-99da-40df-a84b-d8c6fe22fcd6" id="hs-cta-0552ec17-99da-40df-a84b-d8c6fe22fcd6"> <a href="http://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/115969/0552ec17-99da-40df-a84b-d8c6fe22fcd6"></a> </span> <script type="text/javascript"> (function(){ var s='hubspotutk',r,c=((r=new RegExp('(^|; )'+s+'=([^;]*)').exec(document.cookie))?r[2]:''),w=window;w[s]=w[s]||c, hsjs=document.createElement("script"),el=document.getElementById("hs-cta-0552ec17-99da-40df-a84b-d8c6fe22fcd6"); hsjs.type = "text/javascript";hsjs.async = true; hsjs.src = "//cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/cs/loader.js?pg=0552ec17-99da-40df-a84b-d8c6fe22fcd6&pid=115969&hsutk=" + encodeURIComponent(c); (document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0]||document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]).appendChild(hsjs); try{el.style.visibility="hidden";}catch(err){} setTimeout(function() {try{el.style.visibility="visible";}catch(err){}}, 2500); })(); </script> </span><br></em></p> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Why managed file transfer is essential for compliance</h1> <p>Mon, 23 Jun 2014 12:00:00 GMT</p> <p>As supply chains grow and depend more on data for virtually every facet of operation, more information has to be transmitted within companies and out to business partners every day. With more data in transit, opportunities for lax security or mismanagement to leak, exploit or otherwise compromise information are on the rise. This is not only a security and productivity risk, but a major compliance issue - one that could have significant consequences for the bottom line.</p> <p><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/managed-file-transfer-overview/">Managed file transfer</a><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/managed-file-transfer-overview/"> solutions</a> are critical to complying with government and industry regulations. Without a comprehensive plan to secure data as it moves about corporate networks and storage systems, organizations are putting themselves at risk. A <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/managed-file-transfer-overview/">managed file transfer solution</a> can limit IT headaches and compliance spending while actually providing the regulatory approval - and more importantly, the holistic protection - that today's information security demands.</p> <p><strong>Compliance: A work in progress</strong><br> With compliance concerns taking on a much larger role in the enterprise than ever before, many companies have found themselves stuck in a seemingly endless game of catch up. Recently, Deloitte partnered with Compliance Week to release the 2014 Compliance Trends Report, which talked to more than 200 chief compliance officers about <a href="http://www.complianceweek.com/compliance-practices-in-2014-good-bad-and-everything-else/article/348169/" target="_blank">the progress and pressures of compliance</a>. The results showed an industry still grappling with rapid evolution.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="hs-cta-wrapper" id="hs-cta-wrapper-6160e27a-f0c9-4688-8fde-1c0910459890"> <span class="hs-cta-node hs-cta-6160e27a-f0c9-4688-8fde-1c0910459890" id="hs-cta-6160e27a-f0c9-4688-8fde-1c0910459890"> <a href="http://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/115969/6160e27a-f0c9-4688-8fde-1c0910459890"></a> </span> <script type="text/javascript"> (function(){ var s='hubspotutk',r,c=((r=new RegExp('(^|; )'+s+'=([^;]*)').exec(document.cookie))?r[2]:''),w=window;w[s]=w[s]||c, hsjs=document.createElement("script"),el=document.getElementById("hs-cta-6160e27a-f0c9-4688-8fde-1c0910459890"); hsjs.type = "text/javascript";hsjs.async = true; hsjs.src = "//cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/cs/loader.js?pg=6160e27a-f0c9-4688-8fde-1c0910459890&pid=115969&hsutk=" + encodeURIComponent(c); (document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0]||document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]).appendChild(hsjs); try{el.style.visibility="hidden";}catch(err){} setTimeout(function() {try{el.style.visibility="visible";}catch(err){}}, 2500); })(); </script> </span></p> <p>Overall, companies are paying more attention and provisioning more resources toward compliance management. More than half of the respondents survey stated that chief compliance officer is now a standalone job in their organizations, a significant jump from the 37 percent that said so last year. Three times as many CCOs believe that budgets will increase in 2015 as those who project decreases on the horizon. Compliance officers are also gaining a more important seat at the executive table, and many see their organizations making progress.</p> <p>However, the rosier outlook still must be contrasted with the grimmer picture of reality. Compliance Week contributor Joe Mont noted that rising budgets and staffing levels may still be inadequate for matching the pace at which regulatory demands and compliance risks are growing. Budgets, while higher, are still only $1 million or less for 40 percent of respondents. Although there are more CCOs, nearly half of the respondents have five or fewer employees on their teams dedicated solely toward compliance efforts.</p> <p><strong>How managed file transfer can help</strong><br> Two key managed file transfer solutions that can be leveraged in the endeavor to improve security and compliance are <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/enterprise-wide-file-transfer/ibm-sterling-file-gateway/" target="_blank">IBM Sterling File Gateway</a> and <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/file-transfer-security/ibm-sterling-secure-proxy-capabilities-and-benefits/" target="_blank">IBM Sterling Secure Proxy</a>. Here are some of the major benefits each offers:</p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/enterprise-wide-file-transfer/ibm-sterling-file-gateway/">IBM </a><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/enterprise-wide-file-transfer/ibm-sterling-file-gateway/">Sterling File Gateway</a> </strong>is a comprehensive managed file transfer solution. As mentioned above, many organizations are struggling to understand how critical secure file transfer protocols are to the bottom line. Sterling File Gateway can help organizations better facilitate high volume data transfers that need to be completed in narrow time frames, with a variety of trading partners that utilize a wide range of communications tools and file formats. It breaks down departmental silos by providing a centralized repository for file movements, which ensures that all materials are sent and received according to an enterprise standard consistent across all departments. <br> <br> <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/enterprise-wide-file-transfer/ibm-sterling-file-gateway/">Sterling File Gateway</a> also provides support in the ongoing challenge to secure file transfers without diminishing the quality of the user experience. Employees need to be able to access the information they need and use it to communicate with a minimum of red tape and approval processing. Sterling File Gateway increases visibility and transparency, rather than imposing further restrictions on employees, under the notion that maintaining oversight and audit trails is a more effective means of keeping information protected in today’s bustling enterprises. This gives users a clear set of policies to use in all data transfers and leaves organizations with comprehensive records that they can use to avoid breaches or compliance issues.</li> <li><strong><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/file-transfer-security/ibm-sterling-control-center/">IBM Sterling Secure Proxy</a> </strong>improves compliance efforts by better protecting the organization's network perimeter. It starts with industry-leading practices for firewall navigation, which shore up vulnerabilities at a critical point of the system by keeping unnecessary user information and files out of the DMZ. This provides a holistic shield for the outer edges of a company's network that hackers will feast on if it's not protected sufficiently. Beyond the DMZ, the Secure Proxy solution can be configured, with the help of a managed services provider, to specify rules for the system engines and file transfer protocols operating within the corporate network.<br> <br> Secure Proxy also offers the highest level of control over all activities happening within the file transfer system, once again with a minimum effect on usability. Organizations can tailor their error handling response, impose limits on computing sessions and customize encryption standards to block denial-of-service attacks and other malicious backdoor threats. In the effort to achieve compliance with standards, companies need to eliminate any network unknowns or practices that could render the system vulnerable. By employing a highly customizable environment, enterprises can ensure that their compliance and security spending results in them getting the most bang for their buck.</li> </ul> <div> <p><strong>If you liked this article, check out others from</strong> <a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_blank"><b>Lightwell</b></a><strong>:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/157535/managed-file-transfer-needed-to-stop-ongoing-ftp-problems">Managed file transfer needed to stop ongoing FTP problems</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/166212/managed-file-transfer-getting-compliant-becoming-secure">Managed file transfer: Getting compliant, becoming secure</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/166162/managing-global-challenges-to-data-integrity-with-secure-file-transfer">Managing global challenges to data integrity with secure file transfer</a></li> </ul> </div> <div>Be compliant and strategic with managed file transfer:</div> <div></div> <div style="text-align: center;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>Supply chain management: Out to sea?</h1> <p>Fri, 20 Jun 2014 12:02:00 GMT</p> <p><a href="http://www.oxford-consulting.com/services/supply-chain-management/supply-chain-management-overview" style="font-size: 13px;" target="_self">Supply chain management</a><span style="font-size: 13px;"> can get particularly thorny when shipping is involved. The sea is immortalized in novels and songs for a reason, and although airplanes and high-speed ground transport have somewhat reduced the presence of actual ships in the shipping process, they're still vital to far-flung supply chains. Oil tankers and container vessels are still responsible for </span><a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/101610588" style="font-size: 13px;" target="_blank">shipping 90 percent of all products around the world</a><span style="font-size: 13px;">, as CNBC pointed out. There are a few wrenches that they throw into logistics concerns, primarily due to their relative slowness and encounters with risks that have little affect on other links in the chain.</span></p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="hs-cta-wrapper" id="hs-cta-wrapper-daca35c9-adcd-4b10-86a7-2e63918d70f2"> <span class="hs-cta-node hs-cta-daca35c9-adcd-4b10-86a7-2e63918d70f2" id="hs-cta-daca35c9-adcd-4b10-86a7-2e63918d70f2"> <a href="http://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/115969/daca35c9-adcd-4b10-86a7-2e63918d70f2"></a> </span> <script type="text/javascript"> (function(){ var s='hubspotutk',r,c=((r=new RegExp('(^|; )'+s+'=([^;]*)').exec(document.cookie))?r[2]:''),w=window;w[s]=w[s]||c, hsjs=document.createElement("script"),el=document.getElementById("hs-cta-daca35c9-adcd-4b10-86a7-2e63918d70f2"); hsjs.type = "text/javascript";hsjs.async = true; hsjs.src = "//cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/cs/loader.js?pg=daca35c9-adcd-4b10-86a7-2e63918d70f2&pid=115969&hsutk=" + encodeURIComponent(c); (document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0]||document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]).appendChild(hsjs); try{el.style.visibility="hidden";}catch(err){} setTimeout(function() {try{el.style.visibility="visible";}catch(err){}}, 2500); })(); </script> </span></p> <p>Hiccups in the shipping process can have a significant trickle-down effect on the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of other stakeholders. All of them impact the integration of shipping with other facets of the supply chain and heighten risks. They have the potential to make or break supply chain ROI and can impact B2B relationships. Here are a few of the biggest concerns supply chain management professionals face in the shipping sector (and how they can be avoided): </p> <ol start="1"> <li><strong>Cybersecurity attacks: </strong>In what is certainly a product of the times, container vessels need to be worried about cybersecurity. These ships use computers and software to communicate with other supply chain members, oversee inventory and make real-time logistics decisions. If these systems are compromised by hackers, the effects could be devastating.<br> <br> Research shows that many maritime vessels are woefully underequipped to deal with the threat of cyberattack. Just a few recent examples, according to CNBC, include a shipping rig delayed 19 days because its computer was so saturated by malware and a floating oil rig that was shut down when hackers gained control of its steering system and tilted it. Somali pirates have used ships' navigational devices to choose targets, while other cybercriminals were able to locate, seize and swipe the records of specific drug-carrying containers by hacking into a computer connected to a port in Antwerp, Belgium.<br> <br> "Increasingly, the maritime domain and energy sector has turned to technology to improve production, cost and reduce delivery schedules," stated a NATO think-tank recently reported, according to CNBC. "These technological changes have opened the door to emerging threats and vulnerabilities as equipment has become accessible to outside entities."<br> <br> Organizations can avoid cybersecurity issues by investing in <a href="http://www.oxford-consulting.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/managed-file-transfer-overview">managed file transfer</a><a href="http://www.oxford-consulting.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/managed-file-transfer-overview"> solutions</a>, which offer robust protection for any files shared between supply chain partners. Managed file transfer solutions also enable businesses to scale up their file-sharing environments in response to emerging needs, while enabling faster trading partner onboarding, compliance with industry standards and preventative data protection.</li> <li><strong>Environmental changes: </strong>The White House recently released a fact sheet concerning the <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/05/06/fact-sheet-what-climate-change-means-regions-across-america-and-major-se" target="_blank">imminent threat of climate change</a>. The report detailed some of the most potentially hazardous effects of climate change and highlighted how these factors, left unchecked, could have a negative impact on the economy. Many of these developments will directly influence supply chain management, while others will have repercussions of a more trickle-down nature.<br> <br> They include precipitation changes, especially heavy downpours, which have substantially increased or declined in many regions; more incidents of extreme weather, especially floods, droughts and heat waves; a rise in the duration, frequency and intensity of hurricanes, especially in the North Atlantic; more winter storms; and a global sea level that could rise as much as 4 feet within the next 100 years.<br> <br> "The impacts from sea level rise and storm surge, extreme weather events, higher temperatures and heat waves, precipitation changes, Arctic warming, and other climatic conditions are affecting the reliability and capacity of the U.S. transportation system in many ways, the report stated. "Sea level rise, coupled with storm surge, will continue to increase the risk of major coastal impacts on transportation infrastructure."<br> <br> Continuity depends on reliable, adaptable B2B communications systems. If partners experience latency or cannot otherwise effectively communicate, they exacerbate the damage that environmental challenges can cause. <a href="http://www.oxford-consulting.com/solutions/business-integration/a2a-and-b2b-integration/ibm-sterling-b2b-integrator">B2B integration</a><a href="http://www.oxford-consulting.com/solutions/business-integration/a2a-and-b2b-integration/ibm-sterling-b2b-integrator"> tools</a> can help organizations build a more robust collaboration network, with automated protocols that can keep processes going even if there is a problem on the front lines. <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/business-integration/b2b-cloud-services/b2b-cloud-services/">EDI and B2B cloud services</a>, or <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/business-integration/b2b-cloud-services/b2b-cloud-services/">B2B Integration SaaS</a>, give companies more secure, adaptable modes of communication that can provide resilience in the face of uncertain conditions.</li> <li><strong>Evaluating performance: </strong>Clearly, freight, shipping and container movements cannot be judged by the same rubrics as faster-moving, land-based operations. Many advanced metrics and analytics are geared toward real-time, instantaneous evaluations, producing insights that can be immediately leveraged to improve some aspect of the supply chain. While these metrics can improve long-term forecasting, inventory and product management efforts, they cannot work with quite the same effectiveness in the short term. A container can't exactly be stopped in the middle of the Pacific because a new predictive analytics insight determined that it is bringing surplus inventory.<br> <br> This puts pressure on businesses to increase their predictive capabilities and <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/supply-chain-management/order-management/order-management-solutions/">order management</a> effectiveness in the face of the contextual limits imposed by the realities of oil tankers and containers. It means paying attention to environmental changes and drafting continuity plans that can better handle the impact without too much of a dent in the bottom line. This process also requires organizations to build up their communications portfolios, especially in the area of B2B interactions, to ensure that problems can be handled swiftly and with a minimum of internal confusion. More robust security tools and protocols are also a must.</li> </ol> <p>The maritime industry is vital to supply chains performing at peak effectiveness, but these processes will always be filled with risks. It’s up to organizations to make smart decisions about outsourcing IT infrastructure, bringing on skilled supply chain management consultants and paying attention to their B2B relationships in order to develop a satisfactory strategy.</p> <p><strong>If you liked this article, check out others from</strong> <a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_blank"><b>Lightwell</b></a><strong>:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/157221/4-ways-to-make-supply-chain-management-more-efficient">4 ways to make supply chain management more efficient</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/156729/CFOs-Get-involved-in-supply-chain-management">CFOs: Get involved in supply chain management</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/156979/The-top-pressures-impacting-supply-chain-management-in-2014">The top pressures impacting supply chain management in 2014</a></li> </ul> <div><em>Order management is critical for the smarter supply chain:</em></div> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="hs-cta-wrapper" id="hs-cta-wrapper-a0c3c247-a9bf-4247-bdc9-9cb6b0790537"> <span class="hs-cta-node hs-cta-a0c3c247-a9bf-4247-bdc9-9cb6b0790537" id="hs-cta-a0c3c247-a9bf-4247-bdc9-9cb6b0790537"> <a href="http://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/115969/a0c3c247-a9bf-4247-bdc9-9cb6b0790537"></a> </span> <script type="text/javascript"> (function(){ var s='hubspotutk',r,c=((r=new RegExp('(^|; )'+s+'=([^;]*)').exec(document.cookie))?r[2]:''),w=window;w[s]=w[s]||c, hsjs=document.createElement("script"),el=document.getElementById("hs-cta-a0c3c247-a9bf-4247-bdc9-9cb6b0790537"); hsjs.type = "text/javascript";hsjs.async = true; hsjs.src = "//cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/cs/loader.js?pg=a0c3c247-a9bf-4247-bdc9-9cb6b0790537&pid=115969&hsutk=" + encodeURIComponent(c); (document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0]||document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]).appendChild(hsjs); try{el.style.visibility="hidden";}catch(err){} setTimeout(function() {try{el.style.visibility="visible";}catch(err){}}, 2500); })(); </script> </span></p> </article> <article> <h1>As enterprise demands evolve, so do B2B managed services</h1> <p>Wed, 18 Jun 2014 12:00:00 GMT</p> <p><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/services/business-integration-and-e-commerce/edi-b2b-managed-services/">B2B managed services</a> don't just prepare companies for the IT and process challenges to come; they help organizations navigate the most pressing demands of today. As the speed of business accelerates, the distant future can quickly become tomorrow. As such, planning for the road ahead needs to be completely integrated with imminent needs. This can complicate the relationship-building process between two companies. Neither one wants to jump headfirst into a problem with no easy resolution, and it's almost always easier (and cheaper) to do the research than risk the unknown.</p> <p>The changing dynamics of strategic business planning disrupt the fabric of traditional B2B relationships, however. The same characteristics that may have helped a business ensure a solid foundation in its B2B and supply chain relationships - tact, deliberation, caution - may end up being a hindrance, if applied too rigidly. At the same time, careful considerations can't disappear. Organizations need is to confront new wrinkles with new solutions, and B2B managed services provides the frictionless support to productive efficiency. </p> <p>To understand how B2B relationships will have to change as each enterprise shifts, it’s useful to look at three elements currently affecting most businesses: the need for visibility, rising IT costs and information security. </p> <p><strong>The need for visibility: The new normal</strong><br> B2B managed services can help businesses gain a clear picture of how their environments are functioning, which can help them build better relationships with trading partners in a more efficient fashion. Organizational silos and decentralization contribute to diminished productivity in critical business processes, as stakeholders in different divisions aren't able to see the forest for their own trees. Globalization and the expanding range of supply chain responsibilities make the need for visibility a premium requirement.</p> <p>The advantages of B2B managed services stem from an approach that combines technological demands with business expectations. When based on a highly reliable hosting infrastructure, B2B managed services can be leveraged for complete insight into B2B processes and communication. As organizations gain more insight into the strengths of their operational processes and identify ways to improve, they can automate and consolidate within the company, as well as improve the relationships they create with business partners. </p> <p><strong>Rising IT costs: A threat to the bottom line</strong><br> As part of a mission to become more scalable, companies want to reduce costs. Many of these hoped-for expense reductions come from areas in which IT and business needs overlap, such as systems management, data oversight and communications support. However, the resources recouped from reducing hardware spending or becoming more software-centric often need to be immediately repurposed for escalating mobility, application environment and IT continuity support. This can leave companies in a precarious place, feeling like they have no way to become leaner in the face of imminent challenges.</p> <p>IT is now more firmly integrated into regular business operations than ever, as CIO.com contributor Tom Kaneshige observed. In some cases, it means that non-IT executives <a href="http://www.cio.com/article/751767/IT_Departments_Not_Losing_Ground_to_Managed_Service_Providers_Yet_" target="_blank">now exert more power</a> over IT purchasing decisions than before, while in other scenarios, IT staff are faced with more business-centric purchases and management. Both situations are not ideal for continued on-premises IT management. <br> <br> B2B managed services can help companies integrate changes in IT purchasing directives and management into their business relationships. On a macro level, B2B managed services acts a gateway for companies to address needs all at once, increasing automation and flexibility. On a micro level, the provider can work with the business to target the most pressing issues, alleviating complexity and unnecessary spending with as much direct oversight as the company requires.</p> <p><strong>Information security: Still thorny</strong><br> When will information security ever not be an issue? Staying ahead of hackers is increasingly the best - perhaps only - way to avoid increasingly common data breaches and malware attacks. Research that shows <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/capitalbusiness/cyber-attacks-present-a-greater-risk-to-firms-as-they-collect-more-data-about-customers/2014/05/11/ee861a90-d494-11e3-95d3-3bcd77cd4e11_story.html" target="_blank">cyberattack risk essentially correlates</a> to the amount of customer data a company collects, as The Washington Post reported, highlights how virtually every modicum of progress a company makes is accompanied by heightened vulnerabilities.</p> <p>The larger the ecosystem - the more users, applications, companies and lines of data exchange present - the higher the risk. Many of the most pressing information security challenges stem from things like user error and file transfer protocols, which can become dangerously outmoded almost overnight. </p> <p>B2B managed services and <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/services/business-integration-and-e-commerce/overview/">EDI support</a> can help companies struggling with information security. They can aid an organization in exploring its weaknesses, and ensure that the supply chain ecosystem is insulated from emerging coordination and incident resolution issues. At <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com">Lightwell</a>, B2B managed services and EDI support can be customized to an enterprise’s specific needs, ensuring optimal administration of related tasks, better handling and mapping of EDI transactions, and overall management and monitoring support.</p> <p><strong>If you liked this article, check out others from</strong><b> </b><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_blank"><b>Lightwell</b></a><strong>:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/157680/seamless-b2b-integration-a-journey-to-the-center-of-the-cloud">Seamless B2B integration: A journey to the center of the cloud</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/165657/b2b-integration-and-the-changing-role-of-the-cio">B2B integration and the changing role of the CIO</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/170602/like-a-layer-cake-a-guide-to-the-levels-of-b2b-managed-services">Like a layer cake: A guide to the levels of B2B managed services</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/157561/why-the-healthcare-sector-is-in-desperate-need-of-b2b-integration">Why the healthcare sector is in desperate need of B2B integration</a></li> </ul> <p><em>Check out our</em><em> </em><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/services/business-integration-and-e-commerce/edi-b2b-managed-services/," title="B2B managed services page" target="_blank"><em>B2B managed services page</em></a><em> and download our</em><em> </em><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Lightwell_B2B_Managed_Services.pdf" title="Managed Services brochure" target="_self"><em>Managed Services brochure</em></a><em> or check out our video below for more information from </em><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/">Lightwell</a><em> >></em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"></p> </article> <article> <h1>Getting over common hurdles in omni-channel commerce</h1> <p>Mon, 16 Jun 2014 12:00:00 GMT</p> <p><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/supply-chain-management/supply-chain-management-solutions-overview/" target="_blank">Omni-channel commerce</a> is the way of the future for both brick-and-mortar and digital selling, but it can be hard to conquer. Hurdles abound as companies and supply chains make the transition from a single or siloed selling strategy to one that fully integrates both physical and virtual vending. What is needed is not simply an expansion of current strategies to encompass digital stores and expanded order and inventory chains. A company that wants to optimize its omni-channel commerce investment must address some fundamental transformations. </p> <p>In a recent interview with Power Retail, omni-channel commerce expert Will Bosma crystallized the ongoing nature of <a href="http://www.powerretail.com.au/multichannel/omnichannel-retail-strategy-mulesoft-interview/" target="_blank">the challenges retailers face</a>. </p> <p>"Almost every retailer is somewhere in their journey towards becoming an omnichannel retailer," said Bosma. "Some are leading from the front and are aggressively building out this capability, while others are laggards who see one or other of these channels as mostly a necessary evil."</p> <p>Companies can start by dispensing with the attitude that omni-channel commerce is just an inevitable obligation, something that they'll migrate to as the market demands. A proactive business model that embraces omni-channel commerce as not just the approach of the future, but as a comprehensive strategy with myriad positive results for both productivity and the bottom line, will help convert the company and set it up for success.</p> <p><span class="hs-cta-wrapper" id="hs-cta-wrapper-0def557f-6af1-4a18-9a1d-3361d033d265"> <span class="hs-cta-node hs-cta-0def557f-6af1-4a18-9a1d-3361d033d265" id="hs-cta-0def557f-6af1-4a18-9a1d-3361d033d265"> <a href="http://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/115969/0def557f-6af1-4a18-9a1d-3361d033d265"></a> </span> <script type="text/javascript"> (function(){ var s='hubspotutk',r,c=((r=new RegExp('(^|; )'+s+'=([^;]*)').exec(document.cookie))?r[2]:''),w=window;w[s]=w[s]||c, hsjs=document.createElement("script"),el=document.getElementById("hs-cta-0def557f-6af1-4a18-9a1d-3361d033d265"); hsjs.type = "text/javascript";hsjs.async = true; hsjs.src = "//cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/cs/loader.js?pg=0def557f-6af1-4a18-9a1d-3361d033d265&pid=115969&hsutk=" + encodeURIComponent(c); (document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0]||document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]).appendChild(hsjs); try{el.style.visibility="hidden";}catch(err){} setTimeout(function() {try{el.style.visibility="visible";}catch(err){}}, 2500); })(); </script> </span></p> <p>Here are three common hurdles businesses face as they shift to omni-channel commerce:</p> <ol start="1"> <li><strong>Engaging customers: </strong>Interacting with customers in a digital environment has several fundamental differences from the way consumers would be approached in a physical store. Many of the expectations and habits online consumers exhibit have implications for the supply chain, particularly in <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/supply-chain-management/order-management/overview/">order management</a>, <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/supply-chain-management/order-management/overview/">inventory oversight</a> and customer service. With the face-to-face element remove, customers' expectations to be immediately understood and catered to by an online shop can be harder to handle. And as is often the case, digital shoppers are more impatient and willing to put an end to their shopping than their physical store shopping peers. <br> <br> In order to ensure communications are a source of omni-channel commerce strength, companies should focus on strategies that <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/it-pro/business-it/strategies-to-go-digital-and-boost-your-business-20140516-zrf20.html" target="_blank">empower the customer</a>, according to Sydney Morning Herald contributor Cynthia Karena. Specifically, concentrating on integrating real-time inventory and order reporting can ensure that customers have the latest information about product availability as they browse. This avoids any "out of stock" surprises that could lead to shopping cart abandonment. Additionally, customer service representatives - whether on an in-website messaging tool, on social media or on the phone - need to have access to software and communications tools that put information they need to answer customers' queries at their disposal. In turn, this effort can help centralize <a href="http://www.oxford-consulting.com/services/supply-chain-management/supply-chain-management-overview" target="_self">supply chain management</a> and increase the capacity of customer service representatives, both of which are wins for the overall business.</li> <li><b>Integrating key processes: </b>Supply chains have a variety of time-intensive management and fulfillment processes. While one company can't tell another how to spend its money, it's worth noting that as omni-channel commerce accelerates, wide discrepancies in infrastructure and fulfillment approaches quickly become problematic. Individual stakeholders can improve their own infrastructure by investing in B2B managed services tools that offer scalable, automated architecture. By consolidating and outsourcing their own infrastructure, organizations are better able to manage their sleeker asset portfolios. They can than leverage this newfound flexibility and visibility for more productive connections with other supply chain contributors.<br> <br> One of the reasons many companies invest in <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/services/business-integration-and-e-commerce/edi-b2b-managed-services/">B2B managed services</a> is precisely because of the difficulty communicating and coordinating infrastructure over large supply chains. Working with a <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/services/supply-chain-management/supply-chain-consulting/supply-chain-managed-services/">managed service provider</a><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/services/supply-chain-management/supply-chain-consulting/supply-chain-managed-services/"> to improve order management</a> and supply chain visibility helps enterprises make more informed provisioning decisions, better crunch data and increase collaboration across relationships. With enterprises needing to work in tandem to provide the level of support expanding fulfillment systems demand, a managed services provider can help streamline the integration process.</li> <li><strong>Ensuring security: </strong>Digital online stores bring numerous challenges to omni-channel commerce supply chains that they’ve never had to deal with before. The recent high-profile information security struggles at retailers like Target and healthcare providers like Columbia Medical Center highlight the escalating complications that arise from enterprise security with even a minimum of vulnerabilities. Protecting information in transit is the most critical element of supply chain and B2B data security, and a variety of issues in authentication, access control and human error make comprehensive safeguards hard to come by.<br> <br> It's important that businesses focus on preventative, holistic security. While compliance standards such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard and Healthcare Information Portability and Accountability Act offer guidelines - and penalties - designed to police lapses in data protection, they aren't the be-all and end-all in proactive safeguards. Organizations need to focus on high-visibility access control, accountability within supply chains and security tools that ensure information in transit arrives at its intended destination, protected all the way.<br> <br> <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/managed-file-transfer-overview/" target="_blank">Secure and managed file transfer solutions</a> offer the kind of information protection that today’s omni-channel supply chains demand. They help organizations become compliant with more control, cut down on data shared outside of approved channels and provide scalable support for enterprises that need to build up their architecture. <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/file-transfer-visibility/ibm-sterling-secure-proxy/">File transfer monitoring tools</a> for more oversight of data in motion offers a preventative, comprehensive front against file transfers increasing in volume and scope</li> </ol> <div> <p><strong>If you enjoyed this article, check out others from</strong><b> </b><strong><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_blank">Lightwell</a>:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/156430/IBM-study-Consumers-willing-to-give-personal-data-in-exchange-for-value-experience">IBM study: Consumers willing to give personal data in exchange for value, experience</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/157310/Omnichannel-retail-and-supply-chain-management-lessons-from-the-Sochi-Olympics">Omnichannel retail and supply chain management lessons from the Sochi Olympics</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/156287/Why-IT-needs-to-be-part-of-your-omnichannel-retail-strategy">Why IT needs to be part of your omnichannel retail strategy</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/166151/keeping-up-with-the-omnis-overcoming-challenges-in-omnichannel-retailing">Keeping up with the 'Omnis': Overcoming challenges in omnichannel retailing</a></li> </ul> </div> <div>Want to be an omni-channel industry leader? Learn more:</div> <div style="text-align: center;"></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br><br></div> </article> <article> <h1>6 reasons organizations need managed file transfer solutions</h1> <p>Fri, 13 Jun 2014 12:00:00 GMT</p> <p><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/managed-file-transfer-overview" title="Managed file transfer" target="_self">Managed file transfer</a> may not be a frontline concern for many organizations, but they only push it to the backseat at their own risk. Over the past few years, it's become evident that hackers will take any and all means available to them to illegitimately access business data and exploit it. The news earlier this year that cybercriminals managed to <a href="http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/01/17/hackers-use-smart-refrigerator-to-send-750000-virus-laced-emails/" target="_blank">breach a smart refrigerator</a> and distribute 750,000 virus-laden emails sounds like a headline ripped straight from humor pages, but it is real. The same goes for the revelation that hackers found a way to <a href="http://www.cellular-news.com/story/Technology/64654.php" target="_blank">pass around a virus using Wi-Fi hotspots</a>, hitting area computers like a common cold. </p> <p>With so much hazardous debris floating in the digital air, companies need to be extremely careful about the methods they use to exchange sensitive data. This is especially true as supply chains expand on a global level, putting more information in play that is sent to farther-flung operatives. There are also a variety of operational issues that make the implementation of <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/managed-file-transfer-overview" title="managed file transfer solutions" target="_self">managed file transfer solutions</a> not only a secure choice, but a decision that will have a positive impact on an enterprise's bottom line.</p> <p>Here are six reasons organizations should invest in managed file transfer solutions:</p> <ol start="1"> <li><strong>Organizations want and need change: </strong>The current file transfer system is broken, too sluggish and unsustainable for emerging IT needs. Traditional models require a significant amount of direct oversight and manual configurations from IT teams, who are being stretched increasingly thin by the sheer number and variety of business-critical tasks for which they are responsible. Standards such as service level agreements demand heightened accountability and visibility for file transfer protocols. Managed File Transfer solutions can be deployed and maintained by a services provider, which uses automation, layered security and customized process solutions to deliver a reliable system.</li> <li><strong>Standardization can prevent unplanned complications: </strong>In supply chains, and even within large enterprises, disparate file transfer protocols can create security, compliance and usability complications. By standardizing its in-house file transfer protocol and working with supply chain partners, organizations can eliminate these issues from scuttling productivity and creating security problems. Twentieth Century Fox, one of the biggest film companies in the world, was recently able to <a href="http://www.computerworlduk.com/news/security/3514139/20th-century-fox-reduces-risk-of-film-leaks-by-standardising-file-transfer-systems/">standardize its file transfer procedures</a> in order to cut down on leaks of pre-released material, reported ComputerworldUK. The organization did so to cut down the complex variety of email and public cloud services its employees were using to communicate. <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/cloud-based-file-transfer/ibm-sterling-file-transfer-service/">Managed file transfer services</a> can help companies safeguard their own intellectual property by eliminating decentralization and silos.</li> <li><b>Companies need to achieve compliance without breaking the bank (or losing their minds): </b>Taking control of compliance mandates and information governance is one of the toughest tasks facing today's enterprises. File transfers are required to meeting various SLAs, as well as compliance standards that vary by industry. As eWeek contributor Christ Preimesberger pointed out, using a managed file transfer solution in place eliminates the <a href="http://www.eweek.com/networking/slideshows/10-tips-for-making-managed-file-transfers-less-stressful.html" target="_blank">seemingly never-ending cycle</a> of manual oversight and adjustments. While compliance is costly, failing an audit can really derail an enterprise's future spending plans. A managed filed transfer solution like <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/enterprise-wide-file-transfer/ibm-sterling-file-gateway/" target="_blank">IBM Sterling File Gateway</a> provides support for companies struggling to comply with federal and industry regulations.</li> <li><strong>Access monitoring must improve: </strong>Larger enterprises are often overwhelmed with the task of monitoring data movement. They need to be able to manage the transport of data files of all sizes and track delivery, activities that can quickly swallow time and resources. A recent survey by ESG found that many organizations simply don't have the resources to monitor data movement sufficiently - <a href="http://www.networkworld.com/community/blog/enterprises-are-not-monitoring-access-sensitive-data" target="_blank">43 percent of IT security professional</a>s said that their companies lack the security staff to keep track of data access activities all the time; 37 percent said that doing so is too costly; 31 percent said their companies lack proper tools. Managed file transfer solutions like <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/file-transfer-visibility/ibm-sterling-secure-proxy/" target="_blank">IBM Sterling Control Center</a> offer support for data management and loss prevention efforts.</li> <li><b>Enterprises need to conquer the scalability gap: </b>Organizations dealing with big data and innovations like machine-to-machine communications must contend with far more data transfer needs than they likely have planned for. This means that legacy infrastructure is often inadequate to support file transfer needs. <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/managed-file-transfer-overview/">Managed file transfer solutions providers</a> can offer critical back-end infrastructure at a fraction of the cost of upgrading all legacy equipment in house. Then, companies can reduce infrastructure spending, relying on a services provider for hardware and software support with scalability potential.</li> </ol> <p><strong>B2B relationships depend on it: </strong>File transfers are a key part of B2B partnerships, but <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/services/business-integration-and-e-commerce/trading-partner-management/">onboarding trading partners</a> can be a time-intensive and costly process. Organizations need to be able to exchange and access information in near real-time, but relying on legacy equipment and management strategies too often delays transmission. <a href="http://www.oxford-consulting.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/enterprise-wide-file-transfer/ibm-sterling-file-gateway">IBM </a><a href="http://www.oxford-consulting.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/enterprise-wide-file-transfer/ibm-sterling-file-gateway">Sterling File Gateway</a> can ensure that business partners can send and receive critical, time-sensitive information with a minimum amount of potential headaches.</p> <p><strong>If you liked this article, check out others from</strong><b> </b><strong><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_blank">Lightwell</a>:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/157535/managed-file-transfer-needed-to-stop-ongoing-ftp-problems">Managed file transfer needed to stop ongoing FTP problems</a></p> <p><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/166212/managed-file-transfer-getting-compliant-becoming-secure">Managed file transfer: Getting compliant, becoming secure</a></p> <p><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/166162/managing-global-challenges-to-data-integrity-with-secure-file-transfer">Managing global challenges to data integrity with secure file transfer</a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Your file transfer solution should propel your bottom line, watch our free on-demand webcast below:</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="hs-cta-wrapper" id="hs-cta-wrapper-6160e27a-f0c9-4688-8fde-1c0910459890"> <span class="hs-cta-node hs-cta-6160e27a-f0c9-4688-8fde-1c0910459890" id="hs-cta-6160e27a-f0c9-4688-8fde-1c0910459890"> <a href="http://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/115969/6160e27a-f0c9-4688-8fde-1c0910459890"></a> </span> <script type="text/javascript"> (function(){ var s='hubspotutk',r,c=((r=new RegExp('(^|; )'+s+'=([^;]*)').exec(document.cookie))?r[2]:''),w=window;w[s]=w[s]||c, hsjs=document.createElement("script"),el=document.getElementById("hs-cta-6160e27a-f0c9-4688-8fde-1c0910459890"); hsjs.type = "text/javascript";hsjs.async = true; hsjs.src = "//cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/cs/loader.js?pg=6160e27a-f0c9-4688-8fde-1c0910459890&pid=115969&hsutk=" + encodeURIComponent(c); (document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0]||document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]).appendChild(hsjs); try{el.style.visibility="hidden";}catch(err){} setTimeout(function() {try{el.style.visibility="visible";}catch(err){}}, 2500); })(); </script> </span></p> </article> <article> <h1>Why managed EDI is necessary for healthcare data management</h1> <p>Wed, 11 Jun 2014 12:00:00 GMT</p> <p><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/services/business-integration-and-e-commerce/b2b-integration-consulting/edi-b2b-translation-and-mapping-services/" target="_blank">Electronic data interchange</a> services offer critical support for healthcare organizations dealing with information overload. In few other sectors are the positive effects and untapped potential of data-driven processes more evident than they are in the healthcare industry, with smart devices and analytics applications theoretically capable of providing significant benefits for patient care, research and facility improvement. One of the major developments in healthcare is in the capacity to share information between providers and practitioners. It can improve treatment, enhance diagnostic efforts and automate key processes.<br> <br> However, a variety of connectivity, continuity and security issues have the potential to derail data management and translation efforts, thus obscuring the benefits information sharing can offer. Few organizations have the IT resources and infrastructure suitable to eliminate all current and future barriers. By investing in <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/services/business-integration-and-e-commerce/edi-b2b-managed-services/">managed EDI services</a>, healthcare providers can ensure the integrity, protection and usability of their information as it moves across a collaborative provider system.</p> <p><strong>Why EDI issues cannot be ignored</strong><br> The influx of data in the healthcare industry is occurring at a fairly rapid rate, with excitement over its potential generally outstripping concerns about its security and management. More data-driven healthcare is being championed as a vital and transformative solution to many of today's most pressing issues; one recent EMC study of government agencies involved in the healthcare sector <a href="http://www.meritalk.com/big-data-cure.php" target="_blank">found that 59 percent</a> said that fulfillment of their agency's five-year missions will hinge on successful incorporation of data and information exchanges.<br> <br> EDI adoption has risen as organizations grapple with management and administrative efforts. The global market for EDI is expected to <a href="http://www.itbusinessnet.com/article/Healthcare-Electronic-Data-Interchange-(EDI)-Market-Worth-16811-Million-by-2018---New-Report-by-MarketsandMarkets-3253929" target="_blank">surpass $1.68 billion by 2018</a>, according to MarketsandMarkets. Fueling the market are concerns about increasing healthcare and administration costs, claims management and the incorporation of government support and initiatives. By sharing research and patient data across the healthcare supply chain, organizations can reduce redundant analysis, ensure a higher standard for pharmaceutical processes and accelerate patient care. In an interview with InformationWeek, Manmeet Singh, Dataguise co-founder and chief executive officer, <a href="http://www.informationweek.com/healthcare/analytics/healthcare-dives-into-big-data/d/d-id/1251138" target="_blank">highlighted the changes</a> that EDI and big data can bring to holistic healthcare sector improvement.</p> <p>"Earlier, data warehousing and analytics was restricted to larger organizations because it was cost prohibitive. What big data has done has brought it down to smaller orgs. But the biggest challenge with these smaller markets and mid-tier organizations is resources," Singh said. "Cloud is becoming very prevalent. They're going to store a lot of data in the cloud. They'll outsource a lot of that data to the cloud. Automation of compliance is important."</p> <p><b>How managed EDI can make a difference</b><br> Singh's comments also touched on perhaps the biggest problem facing an all-out dive into data - the fact that costs and management still present major hurdles. A <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/services/business-integration-and-e-commerce/edi-b2b-managed-services/">managed EDI provider</a> can help healthcare organizations optimize their EDI strategy through outsourcing in some key ways:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Cost-effectiveness: </strong>Healthcare organizations should be spending money on patient care, not corralling analysis and IT initiatives. A managed EDI provider works with the organization to plan, implement and even manage its EDI environment in the most cost-effective, forward-looking manner possible.</li> <li><strong>Improves B2B relationships: </strong>Many healthcare organizations struggle to be more collaborative and interoperable with partners. With a managed EDI provider, data needs are integrated into overarching B2B concerns, ensuring peak integration of services like data translation, EDI transactions and data management as information moves between providers.</li> <li><b>Continuity and troubleshooting support: </b>With so much data exchanging hands, it's crucial that all infrastructure and software ensure that all tasks are monitored, backed up and secure. A managed EDI provider keeps track of EDI activities with comprehensive reports, and ensures that all system or process incidents are resolved immediately.</li> </ul> <p>The healthcare system can tap almost unlimited potential EDI offer. A managed EDI provider can help organizations ensure they aren't leaving progress on the table.</p> <p><strong>If you liked this article, check out others from</strong><b> </b><strong><a href="www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_blank">Lightwell</a>:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/150954/EDI-misconceptions-prevent-businesses-from-realizing-technological-value" title="EDI misconceptions prevent businesses from realizing technological value">EDI misconceptions prevent businesses from realizing technological value</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/104012/Four-decades-old-electronic-data-interchange-standards-endure" title="Four decades old, electronic data interchange standards endure">Four decades old, electronic data interchange standards endure</a></li> </ul> <p><em>View the video below for an overview of our Managed Services for EDI and B2B Integration.</em></p> <p><em><br></em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><br></em></p> </article> <article> <h1>Solving people problems in supply chain management with managed services</h1> <p>Mon, 09 Jun 2014 12:00:00 GMT</p> <p><span>Overseeing people is a significant part of <a href="http://www.oxford-consulting.com/services/supply-chain-management/supply-chain-management-overview" target="_self">supply chain management</a>. As a supply chain grows and takes on other stakeholders, more people means more complexity. Integrating a new technology or business strategy usually means that some degree of transformation for the supply chain is in store - simply tacking on new applications and objectives isn't a very sustainable way to operate.</span></p> <p><span> Onboarding new people is even more complicated, since there are so many variables in play on an individual or team level. But ineffective people management can have serious consequences for hiring capability, logistics, information security and implementing new modes of operation. This is one area in which a <a href="http://www.oxford-itservices.com/managed-it-services/managed-it-services-overview" target="_self">managed service provider</a> can offer essential support in making up for shortages in certain job candidates and eliminating common issues.</span></p> <p><span>Let's take a look at a few of the potential people problems in supply chain management. There are a variety of ways to limit the negative impact they can have. </span></p> <p><strong><span>Managing hiring and experts shortage issues</span></strong><span><br> Growing supply chains, especially on the global level, will lead to a need for <a href="http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2014/05/01/supply-chain-jobs/?utm_content=bufferd7338&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer" target="_blank">1.4 million more logistics employees</a> by 2018, according to a recent report by the Material Handling Industry. That breaks down to about 270,000 new positions to be filled each year. Many of these jobs are in fields that combine high IT acumen with a business focus, including analytics and application management. Engineering and robotics professionals are also in high demand, while more organizations continue to need experts in information security to fill new and expanding chief information office and chief information security officer positions. </span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>"We've been living with this problem for eight or nine years now," stated Ed Romaine, vice president at a logistics firm, according to CNNMoney. "The competition for talent is so fierce that we've had to get creative."</em></p> <p><span>Creativity takes many forms. One barrier supply chain companies often have to hurdle is that they often aren't able to attain the exposure of organizations with a well-known brand name. These enterprises exist behind the scenes to get things done, and generally, no news is good news - they more often than not only hit the headlines if something bad happens. This relative anonymity - even for a massive global company - can make it harder to attract top recruits. Several logistics organization executives emphasized how many of the most sought-after skills, such as project management, scheduling and data analysis, can be easily transferred from one position or one sector to another. </span></p> <p><strong>Why Managed Services</strong></p> <p><span><a href="http://www.oxford-itservices.com/managed-it-services/managed-it-services-overview">Managed services</a> can also be an asset for organizations looking to proactively innovate their way through people problems. A business can partner with a managed services provider to determine a customized level of support for deployment and management of accounting, data and B2B processes. If a company is still on the lookout for proper staff, the managed services provider can facilitate the rollout of a key application, take care of all infrastructure and support and provide consultation about its use in the organization. As the enterprise brings on employees, the flexible nature of its relationship with the managed services provider allows it to continually redefine the level of support it requires in accordance with its needs.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Dealing with threats to supply chain integrity</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span></span></strong><span><br> Supply chain management strategies increasingly have to attend to a variety of possible threats to its security, secrets and brand. Again, as more people are involved in the supply chain, the risks of human error or deliberate wrongdoing heighten. Insider threats can lead to a slew of compliance and data governance issues, while a snafu or oversight by a minor supply chain contributor can up causing a reputation-tarnishing event. Supply chain management professionals are wary of ending up as the next Target, hit with a revenue- and trust-killing breach that stemmed from an HVAC supplier not adequately protecting its network from insidious agents.</span></p> <p><span>While one company can't always tell another how to run its business, it's more important than ever to ensure the integrity of B2B partnerships and <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/business-integration/edi-and-data-translation/ibm-sterling-gentran/">electronic data exchange</a>. Ensuring that all ethical and regulatory conditions are met is important to not only being a good company, but making certain that no surprises derail supply chain effectiveness and ROI. Enterprises also need to take proactive security and operational measures to <a href="http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=ad10b19f-2ea3-492a-ba9c-6a329aa40b44" target="_blank">avoid theft of data or trade secrets</a>, wrote Lexology contributor A. Louis Dorny. This effort should involve a high degree of control over access to information and taking a more all-encompassing approach to information integrity that goes beyond merely meeting compliance minimums.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>"Building an internal culture of compliance communicates the value of the company's intellectual property assets to employees who will interact with your supply chain vendors," Dorny stated. "With favorable contractual terms permitting inspection and auditing rights of the supply chain vendor, budget for period audits and exercise those rights."</em></p> <p><span>Investing in a managed services provider's solutions can also help companies avoid human threats to sensitive information and supply chain functionality. Customized management approaches and ongoing consultations can help an organization develop access, file-sharing and business continuity strategies that prevent people problems from disrupting regular operations. </span></p> <p><strong><span>Building B2B relationships</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span></span></strong><span><br> While B2B relationships begin with a demonstrable business need, they succeed - or fail - on the strength of the people involved. All stakeholders need to have a clear idea of where they stand within the larger supply chain framework, and provide as much transparency into their specific information governance, compliance and management strategies.</span></p> <p><span>One of the key reason to invest in <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/services/business-integration-and-e-commerce/overview/">B2B integration</a><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/services/business-integration-and-e-commerce/overview/"> services</a> is that it provides a support system for the intricate and often difficult process of B2B integration. The services provider can help the enterprise make smart and forward-looking choices with regard to service architecture, software investments and trading partner management. They can collaborate not only on fulfilling the organization's goals and mandates, but craft a <a href="http://www.oxford-consulting.com/solutions/business-integration/overview" target="_self">B2B integration solution</a> that meets information governance and access control objectives. Doing so gives the organization a full arsenal of resources that it leverage for stronger B2B relationships, which thrive on transparency and mitigate the negative consequences of the human effect.</span></p> <p><strong>If you liked this article, check out others from</strong><b> </b><strong><a href="www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_blank">Lightwell</a>:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/157680/seamless-b2b-integration-a-journey-to-the-center-of-the-cloud" style="font-size: 13px;">Seamless B2B integration: A journey to the center of the cloud</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/165657/b2b-integration-and-the-changing-role-of-the-cio" style="font-size: 13px;">B2B integration and the changing role of the CIO</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/170602/like-a-layer-cake-a-guide-to-the-levels-of-b2b-managed-services" style="font-size: 13px;">Like a layer cake: A guide to the levels of B2B managed services</a></li> </ul> <p><span><br></span></p> <p><em>Considering managed services? Learn more:</em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><br></em></p> </article> <article> <h1>How B2B managed services set your business up for success</h1> <p>Fri, 06 Jun 2014 12:00:00 GMT</p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Unlike a B2C connection, in which a buyer can go from never having heard of a company</span><span style="font-size: 13px;"> before to making a purchase within minutes, B2B relationships play a long game. Companies only make purchasing decisions after carefully considering all options, conducting extensive research and getting C-suite leaders to sign off on them. This reality puts more pressure on the vendor to continue answering the potential buyer's questions, provide additional resources and proactively keep the lines of communication open. This element of the B2B buying process likely won't change much, despite the explosion of the startup community. Whether it's viewed as justified prudence or unnecessary red tape, buying decisions have a longer, hurdle-filled course to travel.</span></p> <p><span>What is changing is that everything else around the deliberation process is speeding up. Marketing efforts, lead generation and supply chains have to work better and faster than ever before. Business partners need to prioritize adaptability and flexibility in order to contend with a B2B system in which reaching a decision may take a while, but buyers expect the decision to be acted on swiftly once it is made. </span></p> <p>Companies need to reevaluate internal systems and infrastructure in order to find potential efficiency gains. They need to break down silos, enhance inter-supply chain communication and connect back-end processes to front-facing networks. They need to become more responsive. <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/" title="Lightwell" target="_blank">Lightwell</a> <a href="http://lightwellinc.com/services/business-integration-and-e-commerce/edi-b2b-managed-services/">B2B managed services</a> can help companies alleviate many of the system components that become barriers as the need for speed increases. From systems management to customer fulfillment, B2B managed services are critical to a successful B2B business model.</p> <p><strong><span>The need for better resource management</span></strong><span><br> In today's B2B partnerships, effective resource management is key to a competitive advantage. But it's important that companies avoid becoming saddled with too many responsibilities or oversaturated with more tools than IT personnel can handle effectively. Widening gaps between the potential benefits of technical and <a href="http://www.oxford-consulting.com/solutions/business-integration/overview" target="_self">business integration</a> and the reality of what many companies can actually do represent a problem with increasing effect on the bottom line. </span></p> <p><span>Integrating commerce, supply chain and transaction processes is one of the chief concerns of the forward-looking B2B model. This change cannot happen overnight. Without some outside assistance, it may not happen at all. Demand to accelerate so quickly can cause significant whiplash in confusion, squandered resources and missed opportunities.</span></p> <p><span>B2B managed services can help enterprises make serious inroads in the integration process. The most important part of speeding up this integration is to avoid bloat through operational efficiency. High-performance technologies and automation can help reduce system errors and cut down on the conditions that can lead to lost productivity. B2B managed services also offer support for document management and communications tools, providing monitoring and testing techniques that ensure optimal deployment and use. With fewer responsibilities on its plate and less margin for error, a company can run a sleeker operation that can quickly scale or respond to developments in B2B relationships.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Optimizing customer fulfillment</span></strong><span><br> Today's B2B relationships hinge on their ability to cater to consumer expectations. There's a gulf forming between businesses that offer a product, but not much else, and those companies that go the extra mile all the time. Many of today's most popular B2B and B2C companies are known as much for service quality and other seemingly intangible factors as they are for their actual product. </span></p> <p><span>The strategies a company uses to build its B2B brand vary depending on industry and objectives, but a sales and marketing strategy with little foundation in back-end operations can end up looking like what it is - a facade. Customer fulfillment comes from meaningful brand differentiation. Truly differentiating the company brand, wrote Business 2 Community contributor John McTigue, is a matter of <a href="http://www.business2community.com/b2b-marketing/differentiate-b2b-brand-2014-0848462#!Edbmd" target="_blank">combining speed and quality</a>. Agile product development and extra-mile customer service are two areas that can build up a company's credibility. Most important is to incorporate customer observations into brand development strategies.</span></p> <p><span>"There's no substitute for understanding how and why your customers choose your brand," McTigue wrote. He added, "Pin down what the tipping points are and how your customers perceive your company, people and the way you do business with them. Set aside your pre-conceived ideas of your brand's strengths and weaknesses and go with what's worked instead."</span></p> <p><span>B2B managed services offer both indirect and direct assistance for companies struggling to differentiate themselves from competitors. Direct aid comes in the form of strategies to manage migration services, handle B2B systems and create a framework for customer service representatives that prioritizes their ability to solve customers' problems. Indirect benefits include the extra time and resources companies can devote to developing brand marketing objectives that are freed up by the B2B managed services provider taking on system and infrastructure management tasks.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Building for lasting scalability</span></strong><span><br> As alluded to above, B2B relationships will always have more of a marathon feel than a sprint. However, a vendor needs to be just as rested and energetic in the 18th mile of the relationship as it was in the first. This is why all operational and management shifts need to made with a consideration for future scalability, and why B2B managed services offer the best potential for positioning companies for success in this regard. </span></p> <p><span>Investing in B2B managed services such as software-as-a-service or infrastructure hosting gives an organization resources that provide ongoing support. Being scalable means eliminating as many sources of recurring expenses and productivity-killing situations as possible. Outsourcing activities such as server procurement, operating system upgrades, IT and automation management to a B2B managed services provider for the same defined cost reduces the number of areas companies need to funnel resources into. It also decreases potential sources of unplanned downtime, improving business continuity and disaster recovery efforts. In turn, organizations can take bigger risks in areas such as lead generation and marketing, knowing that they have a robust support system that mitigates security threats and vulnerabilities.</span></p> <p><span>Ultimately, B2B companies need to infuse the speed and dexterity of a B2C relationship into their B2B approach. Even though it may not be required all the time, it makes a significant difference when the time comes. B2B manages services can support companies through <a href="http://www.oxford-consulting.com/solutions/business-integration/a2a-and-b2b-integration/ibm-sterling-b2b-integrator" target="_self">B2B integration</a> and into the future.</span></p> <p><strong>If you liked this article, check out others from</strong><b> </b><strong><a href="www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_blank">Lightwell</a>:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/157680/seamless-b2b-integration-a-journey-to-the-center-of-the-cloud" style="font-size: 13px;">Seamless B2B integration: A journey to the center of the cloud</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/165657/b2b-integration-and-the-changing-role-of-the-cio" style="font-size: 13px;">B2B integration and the changing role of the CIO</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/170602/like-a-layer-cake-a-guide-to-the-levels-of-b2b-managed-services" style="font-size: 13px;">Like a layer cake: A guide to the levels of B2B managed services</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/157561/why-the-healthcare-sector-is-in-desperate-need-of-b2b-integration" style="font-size: 13px;">Why the healthcare sector is in desperate need of B2B integration</a></li> </ul> <p><em>Learn more at our</em><em> </em><em><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/services/business-integration-and-e-commerce/edi-b2b-managed-services/," title="B2B managed services page" target="_blank">B2B managed services page</a> and download our</em><em> </em><em><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Lightwell_B2B_Managed_Services.pdf" title="Managed Services brochure" target="_self">Managed Services brochure</a> or check out our video below for more information from <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/">Lightwell</a> >></em></p> <p><em>Learn more about our managed services for EDI and B2B Managed Services.</em></p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><br></span></p> </article> <article> <h1>Healthcare needs better B2B integration and Managed File Transfer</h1> <p>Wed, 04 Jun 2014 12:00:00 GMT</p> <p></p> <p>The healthcare and pharmaceuticals sectors are in sore need of a paradigm shift. As industries in which data accuracy and timeliness can make the difference between life and death, it's imperative that healthcare providers enhance their <a href="http://www.oxford-consulting.com/solutions/business-integration/a2a-and-b2b-integration/ibm-sterling-b2b-integrator" target="_self">B2B integration</a>, electronic data interchange and <a href="http://www.oxford-consulting.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/managed-file-transfer-overview" target="_self">managed file transfer</a> systems. It's a tall order with many factors in play: Compliance regulations conflict with client requirements. Federal initiatives impact financial planning. Data analysis complicates insurance processes. And information security concerns make everything more difficult.</p> <p>The complex web that ties together medical providers, insurers, pharmaceutical companies and other sector stakeholders continues to grow more tangled. Traditional approaches simply aren't up to the task of containing emerging concerns without a high risk of bloated budgets or unsustainable resourcing decisions. Fortunately, there are tools that can help organizations in the healthcare sector eliminate miscommunication and information security risks. B2B integration, EDI and MFT can help healthcare organizations make drastic improvements in their most pressure-filled areas.</p> <p><strong>Data breaches and MFT</strong><br> The healthcare sector continues to be a favorite target for cybercriminals. Without preventative measures that eliminate system and supply chain vulnerabilities, the industry will continue to be a hackers' playground. According to Forbes contributor Jacqueline Vanacek, <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/sap/2014/04/03/how-will-big-data-remake-medicine/" target="_blank">90 percent of healthcare organizations</a> will experience an information compromise of some kind, if they haven't already.</p> <p>Bad odds are compounded by the variety of threats. Although malware and distributed denial-of-service attacks may take the central role in healthcare chief information officers' nightmares, physical threats cannot be discounted. These include a physical theft of computers from a Los Angeles-based medical billing company, which the Los Angeles Times reported has now <a href="http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-sutherland-data-breach-20140403,0,7636728.story" target="_blank">affected 338,700 patients</a> in Los Angeles County.</p> <p>More data and better analysis can have a positive impact on patient care, hospital management and diagnostics, to name just a few. However, compliance regulations place strict guidelines on how organizations can store, process and use this data. This creates complications, noted Vanacek.</p> <p>"Today's assortment of compliance regulations, with a host of proprietary data standards and formats, impede our ability to secure the data so we can integrate it and share among stakeholders to create new healthcare models," she wrote.</p> <p><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/managed-file-transfer-overview/">MFT systems</a> can help organizations protect their internal networks through proxy servers, which offer robust encryption and authentication protocols that provide access and session controls that actually combat today's threats. They enable organizations to transmit files within the enterprise and between B2B partners, preventing data or infrastructure from becoming vulnerable.</p> <p><strong>The Affordable Care Act and EDI</strong><br> As more people enroll in insurance plans through the ACA, it will create complications for healthcare supply chains. ACA enrollment <a href="http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/facts/blog/2014/03/marketplace-enrollment-hits-5-million.html" target="_blank">hit the 5 million mark</a> in mid-March, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the government continues a strong push to get more residents involved. Political implications aside, the influx of so many people, many of whom have not had health insurance previously or are changing their plans significantly, into insurance plans can create administrative issues.</p> <p>One of the major impacts that the ACA will have on the healthcare supply chain is that it will increasingly hold providers accountable for service quality, costs and positive outcomes. The need for more transparency and high-quality service will affect data management, as customer-facing providers will need to ensure compliance and rigor in its business partnerships. This will have a profound effect on data processing and security.</p> <p>EDI can be leveraged for enhanced document integration, translation and tracking. <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/business-integration/overview/">EDI systems </a>offer auditing and archiving capabilities that ensure all documents are securely stored and accessible for any customer, vendor or auditor questions. They also provide the opportunity for better data management through centralized communications protocols and holistic monitoring tools. Capabilities such as flexible document scheduling allow users to enhance the configuration of business logic in file transfers and cut down on preventable errors. </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong style="font-size: 13px;">Outside factors and B2B integration</strong></p> <p>Pharmaceutical companies are particularly affected by stricter compliance concerns, as well as the continued integration of automated processing into daily operations. B2B integration software can help these organizations avoid mounting compliance, security and management issues that can stand in the way of premium connectivity. </p> <p>For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced that it will <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/04/03/fda-china-idUSL1N0MV1IW20140403" target="_blank">tighten its inspection</a> of pharmaceutical ingredients manufactured in China due to security and economic concerns, according to Reuters. While this move reflects the sometimes testy relationship between the two global superpowers, China is the source of nearly half of the 80 percent of active ingredients and bulk chemicals that come from overseas and are used in U.S. medicines. A longer and more complex inspection process could have implications on U.S. healthcare order systems and disrupt B2B partnerships.</p> <p><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/business-integration/overview/">B2B integration software</a> offers an intelligent, flexible framework for B2B relationship building, leveraging cloud-based services and automation to reduce the time and resources needed for key payment, order and shipping processes. With more accountability and visibility baked into transactions and process management, companies in the pharmaceutical industry can better interface with business partners and cut down on complications.</p> <p><strong>If you liked this article, check out others from</strong><b> </b><strong><a href="www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_blank">Lightwell</a>:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/157680/seamless-b2b-integration-a-journey-to-the-center-of-the-cloud" style="font-size: 13px;">Seamless B2B integration: A journey to the center of the cloud</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/165657/b2b-integration-and-the-changing-role-of-the-cio" style="font-size: 13px;">B2B integration and the changing role of the CIO</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/170602/like-a-layer-cake-a-guide-to-the-levels-of-b2b-managed-services" style="font-size: 13px;">Like a layer cake: A guide to the levels of B2B managed services</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/157561/why-the-healthcare-sector-is-in-desperate-need-of-b2b-integration" style="font-size: 13px;">Why the healthcare sector is in desperate need of B2B integration</a></li> </ul> <p><em>Be competitive with B2B integration that works together, not against:</em></p> <p><em>View the video below from Lightwell's Chris Halvorson, or visit the <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/">Lightwell</a> website for more <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/resource-center/overview/">resources</a>.</em></p> <br> </article> <article> <h1>4 ways to improve healthcare supply chains</h1> <p>Mon, 02 Jun 2014 12:00:00 GMT</p> <p></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">The healthcare industry is at a critical juncture. Perhaps no sector has had to contend with as much impact to supply chain and information management processes as the healthcare industry, which has been put through a boot camp of data, communication and compliance concerns as it becomes more digitally focused. It's a chicken-and-egg scenario - medical organizations' systems and infrastructure needs to be upgraded to contend with IT and data governance concerns, while new upgrades or strategies put more considerations on the plate. And with budgets concentrated on research and patient care, these organizations often have little flexibility for supply chain transformation.</span></p> <p>By embracing a process of incremental development and targeted improvements, healthcare organizations can facilitate an effective transition to a more integrated, interoperable supply chain. Here are four ways they can improve:</p> <ol start="1"> <li><strong>Invest in EDI: </strong>With the rise of electronic health records and more data-driven healthcare, medical organizations need to be able to exchange documents that can be protected, opened and read in any environment. Without complete document interoperability, healthcare organizations could experience delays or latency in ensuring the right information gets to the stakeholders who need it.<br> <br> By using <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/business-integration/edi-and-data-translation/ibm-sterling-gentran/">EDI software</a>, healthcare providers can automate key information exchange processes, integrate different tools and ensure that information is clear and accurate no matter what format it arrives in. With EDI and B2B tools, medical sector organizations can accelerate purchase order and inventory delivery while reducing administrative costs. <br> <br> There are other benefits to having more interoperable documents and data. As more doctors use EHRs and hospitals face stricter oversight of resource allocations, <a href="http://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/blog/time-supply-chain-health-check" target="_blank">integrating front-end applications</a> with the supply chain can help automate processes and increase system intelligence, observed Healthcare Finance News contributor Roland Butvilofsky.<br> <br> "Using business intelligence components and more sophisticated reporting, healthcare organizations can quickly and definitively answer questions like: 'What's our spend?' 'What's our average days of inventory sitting on the shelf?' and 'Can that be reduced?'" Butvilofsky wrote. </li> <li><strong>Enhance warehouse management: </strong>Effective warehouse management strategies must contend with issues that arise both within the organization and those that stem from outside forces. The healthcare industry has a unique conundrum during a physical or environmental disaster, for example, as it may need supply chains to accelerate in order to provide more care and key services in a time of crisis. It's also essential that hospitals and medical care professionals are not deterred by the same continuity issues that may be plaguing the community.<br> <br> Having robust <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/supply-chain-management/warehouse-management/overview/">warehouse management systems</a> and strategies in place before a time of crisis can help organizations better respond. With these tools, firms can gain a more comprehensive picture of real-time inventory across multiple locations, redirect orders and distribution if necessary and adroitly maneuver in complex supply chains. <br> <br> Without such a program in place, a medical provider may not have the real-time insight into the operations of its supply chain or be able to redirect resources where appropriate. On a day-to-day level, better warehouse and <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/supply-chain-management/order-management/global-inventory-visibility/">inventory management</a> make for a stronger, safer and more scalable supply chain.</li> <li><strong>Focus on <a href="http://www.oxford-consulting.com/solutions/business-integration/a2a-and-b2b-integration/ibm-sterling-b2b-integrator" target="_self">B2B integration</a> for the patient's benefit: </strong>While a medical patient is certainly different than a business customer in several respects, taking pages out of the <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertreiss/2014/04/21/how-top-ceos-transform-companies-around-the-customer-like-the-new-kentucky-derby-videoboard/" target="_blank">increasingly consumer-focused enterprise playbook</a> is a smart choice for healthcare organizations. Medical firms can recalibrate the relationship by viewing patients as partners, Patrick Fry, the CEO of Sutter Health, told Forbes. They can establish a firm foundation for this relationship by investing in B2B integration. <br> <br> By implementing B2B integration, healthcare providers can better educate themselves on the challenges faced by their business partners and work with them to develop solutions that facilitate more efficient, effective service. With <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/business-integration/overview/">B2B integration tools</a>, organizations can better coordinate diverse partner communities, accelerate trading partner relationships and leverage the kind of high-level information protection that healthcare patients need.</li> <li><strong>Leverage Managed Services: </strong>One of the most significant ongoing issues in the healthcare industry’s march to a new digital reality is that many of the applications and infrastructure involved in building sleeker, interoperable supply chains require ongoing support that exceeds budgets and staffing availability. Investing in a managed services provider’s solutions, such as <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/services/business-integration-and-e-commerce/edi-b2b-managed-services/">B2B managed services</a>, can help keep costs down and provide the organization with effective, available tech support.<br> <br> Customized degrees of managed services support can range from expert assistance rolling out a new application to fully-fledged infrastructure and storage support in an offsite data center. A <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/services/business-integration-and-e-commerce/edi-b2b-managed-services/">managed services provider</a> can work with a single healthcare organization or with multiple stakeholders in the supply chain to help develop a software and services package that meets the most pressing needs. With this level of support, organizations have the ability to enhance investment in analytics applications, depend on highly resilient architecture and concentrate more resources on patient-facing initiatives. In short, it can solve the chicken problem and the egg problem in one fell swoop. </li> </ol> <div> <p><strong>If you liked this article, check out others from <a href="www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_blank">Lightwell</a>:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/157221/4-ways-to-make-supply-chain-management-more-efficient" style="font-size: 13px;">4 ways to make supply chain management more efficient</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/156729/CFOs-Get-involved-in-supply-chain-management" style="font-size: 13px;">CFOs: Get involved in supply chain management</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/156979/The-top-pressures-impacting-supply-chain-management-in-2014" style="font-size: 13px;">The top pressures impacting supply chain management in 2014</a></li> </ul> </div> <div> <p><em>Learn more at our <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/services/business-integration-and-e-commerce/edi-b2b-managed-services/," title="B2B managed services page" target="_blank">B2B managed services page</a> and download our <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Lightwell_B2B_Managed_Services.pdf" title="Managed Services brochure" target="_self">Managed Services brochure</a> or check out our video below for more information from <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/" title="Lightwell" target="_blank">Lightwell</a> >></em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><br></em></p> <p> </p> </div> </article> <article> <h1>B2B managed services: The power of automation</h1> <p>Fri, 30 May 2014 12:00:00 GMT</p> <p>When France's initiative to outlaw answering work emails between 6 P.M. and 9 A.M. <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3028945/work-smart/france-just-made-it-illegal-to-answer-work-emails-after-6pm" target="_blank">makes headlines</a>, it's a reminder of how much times have changed. Before the days of smartphones and Web-based applications - an era that wasn't really all that long ago - the expectation that workers remain in communication at all hours of the day was unrealistic. The Internet changed all of that. So did investment in areas as disparate as big data analytics, social media marketing and always-on Web-connected machines. Initiatives like Amazon's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?node=8037720011" target="_blank">Prime Air program</a> and the slew of 24/7 app-based delivery services promise to further blur the formally regimented lines of the average workday.</p> <p>Companies aren't currently expected to operate at workday capacity during off-hours, but it's not hard to imagine those days aren't far off. Of course, supply chain stakeholders are more accustomed to dealing with differences in time zones, geography and operations strategies than organizations in most industries. They've had to navigate these (sometimes literal) waters since the dawn of the supply chain. However, businesses have to become faster, sleeker and more adaptable in order to contend with cultural changes in the way enterprises operate.</p> <p>Automation of key processes is one the most effective ways companies can cost-efficiently speed things up. <a href="http://lightwellinc.com/services/business-integration-and-e-commerce/edi-b2b-managed-services/">B2B managed services providers</a> offer many options for companies to automate the tasks that can benefit most from accurate acceleration.</p> <p><b>The advantages of automation: 3 examples</b><br> Automation of certain supply chain, ordering and customer-facing activities can help companies better allocate resources and avoid impeding their own progress. Efficiency gains realized through automation continue to build as organizations more quickly respond to emerging challenges and opportunities. These three examples illustrate the ways that automation can benefit commerce processes:</p> <ol start="1"> <li><strong><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/supply-chain-management/order-management/order-management-solutions/" target="_blank">Order management</a>: </strong>Maintaining accurate and up-to-date information on all orders is critical, especially in a commerce environment where customer demand has accelerated the need to become more responsive across a wider range of fulfillment channels. Disconnects between B2B partnerships can quickly decelerate delivery times, create gaps in the cross-channel shopping experience and leave customers feeling unfulfilled. By automating order management processes, companies can achieve the benefits of connecting order management systems across the supply chain, product sourcing improves and inventory is more visible across the chain. Automation also produces data, which can be used to understand how processes function across stakeholders and locations. It offers holistic improvement for a process- and metric-driven <a href="http://www.oxford-consulting.com/solutions/supply-chain-management/order-management/order-management-solutions" target="_self">order management system</a>. </li> <li><strong>Payments: </strong>As Bank Systems & Technology contributor Ed Glassman pointed out, B2B payments have <a href="http://www.banktech.com/payments-cards/automating-b2b-payments-the-next-frontie/240155621" target="_blank">lagged behind B2C and personal payments</a>, retaining paper-based and digital methods that rely on manual calculations. These processes are costly, prone to error and can take a long time to complete. Payments can take months to complete, affecting customer relationship management and resource provisioning decisions in the process. By automating payment systems, companies can streamline purchasing programs, increase transparency and bring more data insights to supplier negotiations. It can also be integrated with virtual payment card applications and account workflows to speed up and simplify transactions.</li> <li><strong><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/supply-chain-management/order-management/drop-ship-solutions/" target="_blank">Shipments</a>: </strong>Shipping systems require a complex web of data entries, tracking tools and logistics considerations. <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/supply-chain-management/order-management/drop-ship-solutions/">Drop shipping</a> contains many hidden hurdles, including missing or inaccurate order status information, a lack of interoperability across supply chains and IT issues that prolong fixing problems in order processing systems. By automating shipment processes with <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/solutions/supply-chain-management/order-management/drop-ship-solutions/">IBM Sterling Drop Ship</a>, organizations can leverage a Web-based supplier portal that can be used even by trading partners with less technical acumen. Businesses can better configure shipping routes and order management based on real-time visibility into availability, shipping requirements and order status information.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Why companies need B2B managed services</strong><br> Many enterprises that stand to benefit from automation are dragging their feet on investing. One B2B Fortune 500 survey <a href="http://www.clickz.com/clickz/column/2337765/53-percent-of-b2b-fortune-500-companies-use-marketing-automation" target="_blank">offered two reasons</a> that drive reticence: available capital and amount of red tape. To many firms, automation can represent a significant investment with many unknowns. It doesn't have to be this way. B2B managed services can alleviate concerns and provide expert management for adoption of process automation technologies.</p> <p>Automation can be a big step. Many companies don't have the time, resources or technical expertise to oversee the deployment of automation. They prefer to stick to the status quo and avoid any possible disruption. This is why it pays to work with a B2B managed services provider. The provider can pilot a seamless integration of automation technologies, using a customized process that operates according to the company's specific needs and requirements. It means that the <a href="http://lightwellinc.com/services/business-integration-and-e-commerce/edi-b2b-managed-services/">B2B managed services provider</a> like <a href="www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell " target="_blank">Lightwell</a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span>can offer significant upfront assistance, if that is what is required, before handing the keys over to the company. An enterprise with more significant challenges can use the service provider as a source of ongoing technical support, so that the gains realized through automation technologies aren't lost due to system snafus or incompatible components.</p> <p>B2B managed services providers like Lightwell want organizations to get the full value out of their automation investment. This means that fully-fledged tech support should be as automatic as the tools themselves. Ensuring backup, failover mechanisms and IT assistance are just part of the service provider's toolbox. Although France's effort to keep email at the office is certainly admirable, it's not likely to be adopted everywhere. In an increasingly 24/7 workday, process automation is vital to remaining competitive.</p> <p><strong>If you liked this article, check out others from</strong><b> </b><strong><a href="www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_blank">Lightwell</a>:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/157680/seamless-b2b-integration-a-journey-to-the-center-of-the-cloud" style="font-size: 13px;">Seamless B2B integration: A journey to the center of the cloud</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/165657/b2b-integration-and-the-changing-role-of-the-cio" style="font-size: 13px;">B2B integration and the changing role of the CIO</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/170602/like-a-layer-cake-a-guide-to-the-levels-of-b2b-managed-services" style="font-size: 13px;">Like a layer cake: A guide to the levels of B2B managed services</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/157561/why-the-healthcare-sector-is-in-desperate-need-of-b2b-integration" style="font-size: 13px;">Why the healthcare sector is in desperate need of B2B integration</a></li> </ul> <p><em>Learn more at our <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/services/business-integration-and-e-commerce/edi-b2b-managed-services/," title="B2B managed services page" target="_blank">B2B managed services page</a> and download our <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Lightwell_B2B_Managed_Services.pdf" title="Managed Services brochure" target="_self">Managed Services brochure</a> or</em></p> <p><em>view the video below. Visit the <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/">Lightwell</a> website for more <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/resource-center/overview/">resources</a> >></em></p> </article> <article> <h1>B2B integration: 4 pitfalls to avoid</h1> <p>Wed, 28 May 2014 11:08:00 GMT</p> <p><a href="http://www.oxford-consulting.com/solutions/business-integration/a2a-and-b2b-integration/ibm-sterling-b2b-integrator" target="_self">B2B integration</a> can be a game-changing force for many companies, but that doesn't mean implementation will be painless. There are a variety of problems that can complicate the efficiency and effectiveness of a B2B integration initiative. If they are not adequately addressed in deployment plans, minor issues can morph into major roadblocks to a high ROI. They can complicate B2B efforts to the degree that an enterprise can be worse off than before it tried to implement B2B integration at all.</p> <p> </p> <p>There are many moving parts in a B2B integration project. It requires extensive and detailed planning that must account for many contingency factors. A company trying to navigate these variables on its own is likely susceptible to oversights that may fly under the radar for a time, eventually cropping up and scuttling any hope of efficient development. Working with a B2B managed services provider can help businesses address potential pitfalls before they become real ones. B2B managed services providers bring to the table experience and expertise that a business with a budding B2B integration project needs in order to ensure it rolls out smoothly</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="hs-cta-wrapper" id="hs-cta-wrapper-f92ea94f-2f5d-49f3-8864-beeecf662258"> <span class="hs-cta-node hs-cta-f92ea94f-2f5d-49f3-8864-beeecf662258" id="hs-cta-f92ea94f-2f5d-49f3-8864-beeecf662258"> <a href="http://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/115969/f92ea94f-2f5d-49f3-8864-beeecf662258"></a> </span> <script type="text/javascript"> (function(){ var s='hubspotutk',r,c=((r=new RegExp('(^|; )'+s+'=([^;]*)').exec(document.cookie))?r[2]:''),w=window;w[s]=w[s]||c, hsjs=document.createElement("script"),el=document.getElementById("hs-cta-f92ea94f-2f5d-49f3-8864-beeecf662258"); hsjs.type = "text/javascript";hsjs.async = true; hsjs.src = "//cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/cs/loader.js?pg=f92ea94f-2f5d-49f3-8864-beeecf662258&pid=115969&hsutk=" + encodeURIComponent(c); (document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0]||document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]).appendChild(hsjs); try{el.style.visibility="hidden";}catch(err){} setTimeout(function() {try{el.style.visibility="visible";}catch(err){}}, 2500); })(); </script> </span>. </p> <p>Here are four common pitfalls - and how a B2B managed services provider like <a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_blank">Lightwell</a> can help companies avoid them.</p> <ol start="1"> <li><strong>Shifting, not solving the problem: </strong>B2B integration, at its core, is a solution to an overarching pain point for companies struggling with organization and management in extensive supply chains. Deployed poorly, however, it can end up replicating the problems it's designed to solve. B2B integration is supposed to break down silos and automate key processes in order to make the various B2B networks accurate, reliable and easier to manage.<br> <br> A company that elects to deploy its B2B integration tools itself, however, can end up pushing certain stakeholders to adopt new technologies or techniques without meaningfully directing these efforts toward consolidation. Despite the availability of new tools, silos will persist.<br> <br> B2B managed services can help companies avoid this issue by helping to design a custom implementation plan that takes into account the particular needs and challenges of each stakeholder. This way, the integration process addresses these issues head on, with a firm direction toward unification.</li> <li><strong>Leaving the door open for incompatibility: </strong>Deploying B2B integration solutions piecemeal or without a plan for centralization can cause software and data issues as well as the management ones highlighted above. Maybe software installed on one company's computers can't readily function on those of another. Data quality could be compromised in transit between different analytical applications or even affected in server storage. Even word processors that default to different document styles can create the need to convert them in order to view them correctly. Over time, these little tasks can create a significant amount of lost productivity.<br> <br> Over time, software upgrades and the adoption of new applications can create more compatibility issues. Unless organizations stay on top of them and have some way of centrally managing new program deployments, they risk losing time and money to resolving interoperability issues.<br> <br> B2B managed services offer different levels of support, depending on the needs of the company. If it so chooses, an organization can invest in IT and infrastructure support that not only installs updates and makes other necessary system upgrades, but is available to answer any technical support questions. Having this level of oversight at an enterprise's disposal can help it avoid unhappy complications with inter-organization compatibility.</li> <li><strong>Lack of a long-term plan: </strong>Not having a plan for the long-term use of the B2B integration initiative is a common misstep. It can be enough trouble getting the program off the ground, so it makes sense that organizations focus more on the here and now than on the conditional future. However, the absence of defined objectives and a trajectory for accomplishing them can end up resulting in a B2B integration effort that runs out of gas, even after a successful deployment. <br> <br> One of the most important assets a B2B integration provider offers is the level of forward-thinking, proactive planning necessary to turning a smooth roll out into a solution that functions optimally in the months and years to come. Working with a provider enables companies to outsource some of this long-term planning and focus on more immediate objectives. This positions it better for the long run.</li> <li><strong>Ignoring security and continuity concerns: </strong>B2B integration can give rise to a slew of cybersecurity and business continuity issues that cannot be left unaddressed. Any large scale technological and process change brings a corresponding need to reevaluate network protection, system safeguards and employee protocols. This is especially true as compliance and cybersecurity issues loom large over enterprise protection.<br> <br> A B2B managed services provider offers customer-specific security solutions that offer proactive insulation from advanced and emerging threats. Network monitoring and server protection keep information safe whether it's being stored or transferred. Companies can also elect to store their data in an off-premises facility controlled by the provider, backing it up so it's protected in case of disaster and easily recovered for optimal continuity.</li> </ol> <div> <p><strong>If you liked this article, check out others from</strong><b> </b><strong><a href="www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_blank">Lightwell</a>:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/157680/seamless-b2b-integration-a-journey-to-the-center-of-the-cloud" style="font-size: 13px;">Seamless B2B integration: A journey to the center of the cloud</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/165657/b2b-integration-and-the-changing-role-of-the-cio" style="font-size: 13px;">B2B integration and the changing role of the CIO</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/170602/like-a-layer-cake-a-guide-to-the-levels-of-b2b-managed-services" style="font-size: 13px;">Like a layer cake: A guide to the levels of B2B managed services</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/157561/why-the-healthcare-sector-is-in-desperate-need-of-b2b-integration" style="font-size: 13px;">Why the healthcare sector is in desperate need of B2B integration</a></li> </ul> </div> <div><em>Don't make these costly B2B mistakes, <a href="www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_self">Lightwell</a> is offering a complimentary report from Aberdeen Group:</em></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span class="hs-cta-wrapper" id="hs-cta-wrapper-eb286374-3692-4ed4-8522-4240e1504875"> <span class="hs-cta-node hs-cta-eb286374-3692-4ed4-8522-4240e1504875" id="hs-cta-eb286374-3692-4ed4-8522-4240e1504875"> <a href="http://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/115969/eb286374-3692-4ed4-8522-4240e1504875"></a> </span> <script type="text/javascript"> (function(){ var s='hubspotutk',r,c=((r=new RegExp('(^|; )'+s+'=([^;]*)').exec(document.cookie))?r[2]:''),w=window;w[s]=w[s]||c, hsjs=document.createElement("script"),el=document.getElementById("hs-cta-eb286374-3692-4ed4-8522-4240e1504875"); hsjs.type = "text/javascript";hsjs.async = true; hsjs.src = "//cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/cs/loader.js?pg=eb286374-3692-4ed4-8522-4240e1504875&pid=115969&hsutk=" + encodeURIComponent(c); (document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0]||document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]).appendChild(hsjs); try{el.style.visibility="hidden";}catch(err){} setTimeout(function() {try{el.style.visibility="visible";}catch(err){}}, 2500); })(); </script> </span></div> </article> <article> <h1>Like a layer cake: A guide to the levels of B2B managed services</h1> <p>Mon, 05 May 2014 12:04:00 GMT</p> <p><span>Many B2B companies today struggle with some manifestation of the old proverb "you can't have your cake and eat it, too." With business moving faster than ever and so many options for enterprise improvement available, it can be easy for a company to feel like it's taken on more than it can handle. When that competitive spirit kicks in, though, it's hard not to look at another organization and wonder how it does it. Today's top companies seem to easily integrate new innovations and reap the benefits of disruptive technologies without any of the negative interruptions.</span></p> <p><a href="www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_blank">Lightwell</a>'s new B2B managed services offerings provide companies the ability to take whatever approach they want to eating and having their figurative cake. At the risk of belaboring the cake metaphors, think of our B2B managed services offerings as "cake tiers" that can provide a different layer of support according to the company's needs. With different options, organizations can add infrastructure and dedicated IT staff when they need it and not where it would be redundant. This is true whether they just need help getting a better B2B environment off the ground or want sustained outsourced support into the future.</p> <p><span>Breaking down the different layers of B2B managed services available can help organizations understand the best option to "bake in" to their integration development. It's important that companies understand the available service packages, Datacenter Dynamics contributor Ambrose McNevin wrote, in order to <a href="http://www.datacenterdynamics.com/focus/archive/2014/04/people-talk-about-it-what-it-sourcing" target="_blank">make a smart choice</a> amid the often-confusing world of IT outsourcing.</span></p> <p><span>"Advocates of IT sourcing point to benefits such as money savings and solving procurement problems around lack of control," McNevin wrote. He added, "The context for all of this is that current landscape of choice. Whether big or small, for the inexperienced with any type of IT workload requirement, the market can appear bewildering."</span></p> <p><strong><span>Layer 1: Staff augmentation</span></strong><span><br> Companies may already have a handle on what they want to accomplish with <a href="http://www.oxford-consulting.com/solutions/business-integration/a2a-and-b2b-integration/ibm-sterling-b2b-integrator" target="_self">B2B integration</a>. They may have the staff ready to support new B2B techniques and technologies, providing the level of oversight necessary to fluid, fully functional operation. However, the rollout process can be difficult, and it's crucial to get it right. Existing staff might be able to manage B2B systems once they're up and running, but will likely need an experienced consultant to show them the ropes.</span></p> <p><span>We can provide dedicated consultants and IT staff who can help supervise implementation. They work with the business to determine the best method for deployment and get it done within specific timeframes. Once it's up and running, our consultants depart, giving the company full control if that is its prerogative. </span></p> <p><strong><span>Layer 2: On premise support for existing B2B integration solutions</span></strong><span><br> Because B2B integration is such a demanding enterprise area, it requires vigilance and proactive management. A company may find that it has hit a plateau or is worried about further developing its ability to automate processes, manage documents and become more adaptable. In this case, it makes sense to bring in some expertise from a B2B managed services provider like us. We can take command of critical but time-consuming tasks such management and monitoring.</span></p> <p><span>This decision has several benefits. Besides the time and resources freed up that no longer need to go toward daily oversight, managed services teams can uncover <a href="http://www.oxford-consulting.com/solutions/business-integration/overview" target="_self">B2B integration solution</a> inefficiencies. They can effectively become contributors to business development as they offer contextual guidance and ensure that B2B integration systems are operating according to the most advanced best practices. It adds measured, targeted consultation that doesn't disrupt business workflows in any way.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Layer 3: On premise support for new B2B integration solution implementations</span></strong><span><br> A company may come to the conclusion that it needs a complete overhaul of its B2B integration solution platform, planning for a massive upgrade or a migration from another B2B solution. In this case, bringing on a B2B managed services provider experienced with the type of B2B integration solution the enterprise plans to install is a good way to take steps forward without significant steps back.</span></p> <p><span>This option offers many of the same process advantages as Layer 2, where we as the managed services provider assume oversight of system monitoring and management. We can also strategize an effective transition from one B2B integration solution to another and help shepherd in on location. This approach <a href="http://www.cmswire.com/cms/digital-asset-management/saas-vs-inhouse-dam-which-is-right-for-you-024761.php" target="_blank">blends the benefits</a> of software-as-a-service with more traditional in-house digital asset management strategies, wrote CMSWire contributor Jeff Lawrence. This hybrid on-premises/outsourcing model enables the company to focus on the areas most affected by a new transition through a smart process of delegation and targeted improvements.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Layer 4: B2B SaaS</span></strong><span><br> The layer that most emphasizes a company's ability to have its cake and eat it too, full-scale B2B SaaS offers the full spectrum of solutions B2B managed services providers offer. It's the most sensible option for a company that needs to ramp up its B2B integration capabilities quickly and doesn't want to have to manage them itself as it focuses on other areas of business development. We can implement the integration system in our preferred data center so it can receive its full attention and infrastructure support. We work with the enterprise through the entire design and roll out process and stays on to continue offering management and support.</span></p> <p><span>As E-Commerce Times contributor Jeffrey Kaplan observed, <a href="http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/80281.html" target="_blank">full-scale SaaS support</a> is part of a trend away from out-of-the-box support and toward service solutions that are specific to a company's individual needs. The benefits of this system are evident as organizations improve supply chains, automate key processes and focus on industry-specific marketing tactics.</span></p> <p><span>"The growing success of the SaaS and cloud movement also can be measured by the widening adoption of on-demand solutions in a broader array of market niches," Kaplan observed. "This is the manifestation of the long-tail market maturation process that many associate with today's Web and software-based environment." </span></p> <p><strong><span>No matter the layer</span></strong><span><br> The important thing to remember about our B2B managed services offerings is that we can shift the scope of our support as business needs change. B2B environments are constantly shifting, so it's important that B2B integration solutions always offer the highest level of ROI. We can ensure that this level of support is always available.</span></p> <p><strong>If you liked this article, check out others from <a href="www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_self">Lightwell</a>:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/157680/seamless-b2b-integration-a-journey-to-the-center-of-the-cloud" style="font-size: 13px;">Seamless B2B integration: A journey to the center of the cloud</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/165657/b2b-integration-and-the-changing-role-of-the-cio" style="font-size: 13px;">B2B integration and the changing role of the CIO</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/170602/like-a-layer-cake-a-guide-to-the-levels-of-b2b-managed-services" style="font-size: 13px;">Like a layer cake: A guide to the levels of B2B managed services</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/157561/why-the-healthcare-sector-is-in-desperate-need-of-b2b-integration" style="font-size: 13px;">Why the healthcare sector is in desperate need of B2B integration</a></li> </ul> <p><em><span style="font-size: 13px;">Learn more at our </span><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/services/business-integration-and-e-commerce/edi-b2b-managed-services/," style="font-size: 13px;" title="B2B managed services page" target="_blank">B2B managed services page</a><span style="font-size: 13px;"> and download our </span><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Lightwell_B2B_Managed_Services.pdf" style="font-size: 13px;" title="Managed Services brochure" target="_self">Managed Services brochure</a><span style="font-size: 13px;"> or check out our video below for more information from <a href="www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_blank">Lightwell</a> >></span></em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"></p> </article> <article> <h1>Managed file transfer: Getting compliant, becoming secure</h1> <p>Fri, 02 May 2014 12:00:00 GMT</p> <p>Most people would agree that <a href="http://www.oxford-consulting.com/solutions/managed-file-transfer/managed-file-transfer-overview" target="_self">managed file transfer</a> offers significantly higher levels of security and management than its predecessors. So why has it not been universally adopted? There are many reasons that cause companies to drag their feet on a new IT investment, even if the benefits of making the switch are clear. Concerns about inter-application compatibility and the scalability of managed file transfer systems cause many organizations to delay deployment.</p> <p><span>However, the rise of compliance issues - as well as costs and penalties - is proving to be an increasingly powerful factor in organizations' information security decisions.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Changing of the guard</span></strong><span><br> Depending on their sector, companies are subject to industry and federal standards that govern information access and sharing protocols. The healthcare, finance and insurance sectors, in particular, must contend with a variety of protocols for data integrity. Conditions for compliance continue to become more stringent as the penalties for a company's failure continue to grow.</span></p> <p><span>A statement by the Payment Card Industry Standards Council about PCI 3.0, which went into effect on January 1, offers an explanation representative of a <a href="https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/documents/DSS_and_PA-DSS_Change_Highlights.pdf" target="_blank">shifting approach toward compliance</a> - namely, that protecting data is a group effort.</span></p> <p><span>"Securing cardholder data is a shared responsibility," the statement read. "Today's payment environment has become ever more complex, creating multiple points of access to cardholder data. Changes introduced with PCI DSS and PA-DSS focus on helping organizations understand their entities' PCI DSS responsibilities when working with different business partners to ensure cardholder data security."</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><span class="hs-cta-wrapper" id="hs-cta-wrapper-eaa46d50-4a2c-43e5-9b01-cdcfc5ece392"> <span class="hs-cta-node hs-cta-eaa46d50-4a2c-43e5-9b01-cdcfc5ece392" id="hs-cta-eaa46d50-4a2c-43e5-9b01-cdcfc5ece392"> <a href="http://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/115969/eaa46d50-4a2c-43e5-9b01-cdcfc5ece392"></a> </span> <script type="text/javascript"> (function(){ var s='hubspotutk',r,c=((r=new RegExp('(^|; )'+s+'=([^;]*)').exec(document.cookie))?r[2]:''),w=window;w[s]=w[s]||c, hsjs=document.createElement("script"),el=document.getElementById("hs-cta-eaa46d50-4a2c-43e5-9b01-cdcfc5ece392"); hsjs.type = "text/javascript";hsjs.async = true; hsjs.src = "//cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/cs/loader.js?pg=eaa46d50-4a2c-43e5-9b01-cdcfc5ece392&pid=115969&hsutk=" + encodeURIComponent(c); (document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0]||document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]).appendChild(hsjs); try{el.style.visibility="hidden";}catch(err){} setTimeout(function() {try{el.style.visibility="visible";}catch(err){}}, 2500); })(); </script> </span><br></span></p> <p><span>The trend toward spreading out accountability across supply chains and business relationships is in the effort of making companies increase their oversight and encourage others to ramp up their own practices. Information is only as secure as the weakest link, and the institution of punishments for those even indirectly involved in information compromise could help force the hand of enterprises otherwise slow to comply.</span></p> <p><strong><span>The costs of noncompliance</span></strong><span><br> Data breaches are expensive. There are a variety of different ways hackers can break into company networks and steal or manipulate data, and any aspect of its information management program that is less than comprehensive leaves weak points. File transfer protocols were designed with efficiency of data transfers in mind, not their security. These security gaps not only make it easier for hackers to infiltrate the system, but increase the likelihood that organizational blind spots can lead to a catastrophic domino effect.</span></p> <p><span>The cost of a data breach <a href="http://blog.veracode.com/2013/07/the-real-cost-of-a-data-breach-infographic/" target="_blank">is $5.4 million</a>, according to Veracode, once penalties, rising insurance rates, halted productivity, lost revenue and damaged reputations are factored into the equation. Even more disconcerting is the fact that only 41 percent of U.S. companies stated that they have the tools, employees and budgets to stop breaches from happening. It is clear that many organizations face an uphill climb in the effort to effectively shield themselves from data breaches While businesses may be facing some very real resourcing issues, it's not going to stop regulators from enacting compliance standards and holding them accountable.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Managed file transfer drives information security beyond standards</span></strong><span><br> Bemoaning a lack of resources also won't stop hackers from attempting to compromise company information. A business may not be able to overhaul its security solution overnight, but a strong first step is to invest in software and services specifically designed for more secure, comprehensive information management. Additionally, compliance offers guidelines - what it doesn't offer is complete protection.</span></p> <p>Managed file transfer solutions from <a href="www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_self">Lightwell</a> keep data protected while in transit, using state-of-the-art access and encryption techniques to eliminate instances in which unauthorized users could find an easy way in. They allow different levels of protection to be set up depending on whether information is being used within the organization or sent outward, reducing internal threats and supply chain compromise swiftly and decisively. </p> <p><strong>If you liked this article, check out other from <a href="www.lightwellinc.com" title="Lightwell" target="_blank">Lightwell</a>:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/157535/managed-file-transfer-needed-to-stop-ongoing-ftp-problems" style="font-size: 13px;">Managed file transfer needed to stop ongoing FTP problems</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/166212/managed-file-transfer-getting-compliant-becoming-secure" style="font-size: 13px;">Managed file transfer: Getting compliant, becoming secure</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.oxford-consulting.com/blog/bid/166162/managing-global-challenges-to-data-integrity-with-secure-file-transfer" style="font-size: 13px;">Managing global challenges to data integrity with secure file transfer</a></li> <li><a href="http://info.lightwellinc.com/blog/bid/155448/No-contest-MFT-vs-FTP-Benefits-of-Managed-File-Transfer" style="font-size: 13px;" title="No contest, MFT vs. FTP: Benefits of Managed File Transfer">No contest, MFT vs. FTP: Benefits of Managed File Transfer</a></li> </ul> <p>It's not enough for the law to simply use freeware for your MFT. <span style="font-size: 13px;">View the white paper below, or visit the </span><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/" style="font-size: 13px;">Lightwell</a><span style="font-size: 13px;"> website for more </span><a href="http://www.lightwellinc.com/resource-center/overview/" style="font-size: 13px;">resources</a>:</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span><span class="hs-cta-wrapper" id="hs-cta-wrapper-9ece788a-3dfa-4efd-b5bb-f71e88995fd8"> <span class="hs-cta-node hs-cta-9ece788a-3dfa-4efd-b5bb-f71e88995fd8" id="hs-cta-9ece788a-3dfa-4efd-b5bb-f71e88995fd8"> <a href="http://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/115969/9ece788a-3dfa-4efd-b5bb-f71e88995fd8"></a> </span> <script type="text/javascript"> (function(){ var s='hubspotutk',r,c=((r=new RegExp('(^|; )'+s+'=([^;]*)').exec(document.cookie))?r[2]:''),w=window;w[s]=w[s]||c, hsjs=document.createElement("script"),el=document.getElementById("hs-cta-9ece788a-3dfa-4efd-b5bb-f71e88995fd8"); hsjs.type = "text/javascript";hsjs.async = true; hsjs.src = "//cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/cs/loader.js?pg=9ece788a-3dfa-4efd-b5bb-f71e88995fd8&pid=115969&hsutk=" + encodeURIComponent(c); (document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0]||document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]).appendChild(hsjs); try{el.style.visibility="hidden";}catch(err){} setTimeout(function() {try{el.style.visibility="visible";}catch(err){}}, 2500); })(); </script> </span><br></span></p> </article> </main></body></html>