This year, Emerging Solutions, an Emtec, Inc. Company, is sending 20 brave associates to the starting line and will cheer them on from the sidelines. Running or not, the evening is guaranteed to be a blast.

As the largest single-evening Corporate Challenge in the U.S., last years’ Challenge hosted over 23,000 participants from 635 companies with donations benefitted the Greater Chicago Food Depository. This years’ race anticipates more than 24,000 participants and raise more than $600,000 for Chicago Run and the American Red Cross Association of Greater Chicago.

American Red Cross Association of Greater Chicago is a disaster relief foundation providing food, shelter and emotional support to victims of disaster. Chicago Run is a non-profit that supports free running aimed to promote increased physical fitness, improved self-esteem amongst middle-school youth.

Our associates take pride in being able to give back to the community and support local efforts. The JPMorgan Corporate Challenge one of many ways that we stay involved. To see what other efforts and activities we are involved in, please read our holiday post on Corporate Social Responsibility and view our website for more information.

We are excited to see our associates run as fast as they can and hope to see all of you at the finish line! Below are pictures from past years at the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge.

To learn more about the J.P Morgan Corporate Challenge or to get involved, click here to visit their website!

Happy Running!

With almost 100 guests in attendance, the Medinah Networking Breakfast celebrated a successful 5^th year.

John O’Rourke, Oracle’s Vice President of Product Marketing, kicked off the event with a keynote presentation – Learn how Oracle’s Management Solutions can help companies make the transition to fusion. A series of 12 breakout sessions followed the keynote covering a variety of topics. With such great topics to select from, guests wished they could attend all of them. Sessions included:

• Hyperion Planning Successes
• Turbo-Charging with Essbase
• What’s new in Financial Close Suite
• Migration to OBIEE
• Leveraging PeopleSoft Testing Framework
• IFM with Hyperion Strategic Finance
• Data Governance (DRM, FDM, ERPI)
• Oracle Asset Management Analytics & Operations Analytics
•  Better decisions through Intelligent Data Infrastructure
• Insight and control with PeopleSoft
• What’s New in Planning
• Healthcare Analytics

Attendees shared their thoughts and comments through our live Twitter feed using our #Medinah12 hash-tag. Those who participated were entered into a prize drawing.

As the event began to wrap-up, guests were thanked for attending and prizes were given away. Attendees walked away with more than just new business cards and connections. They gained valuable insight to some of the latest Oracle and PeopleSoft products from well versed consultants from Oracle, Emerging Solutions/Emtec.  Guests were able to connect with and share their experiences with peers who use the same systems.  From the scenery, to the people, to the food- the entire day was an enjoyable one. We want to thank everyone who attended this year’s 5^th Annual MidwestOracle Hyperion and PeopleSoft Networking Breakfast and we look forward to seeing you again next year.

Click here to view a slideshow of images from this year’s event:

Blog Post Recap

Common ARS 7.6.04 Email Engine Issues & Solutions

This week, Todd Alley discusses Common Issues and Solutions for Email Engines in ARS 7.6.04. This post takes a look at some of the issues related to the Email Engine in ARS 7.6.04 SP1 & 2 and provides solutions to fix the problems. If you are experiencing any issues with your Email Engine that Todd did not address, shoot him a message for more information or assistance.

Highlights from Microsoft Convergence 2012

On the CRM front, John Szuberla, recaps this years’ Microsoft Convergence Conference in Houston, Texas. The post highlights the most important news, trends and information shared at Convergence. John also shares some of his own notes and images from the conference. If you are interested in learning more about Convergence – be sure to register for one of our recap webinars, “The best of Convergence,” now through May.

Why Do Successful IT Projects Fail?

Jamal Syed, National Practice Director – Oracle BI discusses why successful IT projects  fail to achieve their desired results, even after a success launch. After the initial excitement of a ‘new’ feature or tool – end users commonly go back to how things were done before. To avoid this and the inevitable resistance to change, Jamal suggests 5 things to keep in mind before your next IT project.

In the News

Emtec’s Peter Lepine, Managing Director of Emtec’s BI and Information Management Practice has been featured in a 5 page interview on TDWI.org.  TDWI is a leading Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing Thought Leadership Organization. Click here to check out read all about “Ensuring Success in Your Enterprise-wide BI Project”.

Upcoming Events

If you are looking find us out and about check out these upcoming events:

• Thursday, April 19^th – The 5^th Annual Oracle Hyperion and PeopleSoft Networking Breakfast at the Medinah Country Club. Registration and more information available here.
• Sunday – Thursday, April 22-26 – Join us at Collaborate12 for our two sessions at this conference centered on technology and applications for the Oracle Community. More info here.
• Tuesday, April 24^th – Convergence 2012 Re-cap: Microsoft Dynamics GP Webinar. In case you missed Microsoft Convergence this year in Houston, we will be covering the best of the conference. Register Here
• Wednesday, April 25^th –Held in Somerset, NJ GMIS 2012 will feature session tracks in governance, current technology and NJ technology issues for State, County, local and K-12 Government. More info here.

In the past 18 years, if I had a dollar every time I saw a successful implementation of an enterprise IT project turned into a dud after going live, I would have about… well $13 dollars by now.  Albeit a small amount to me, these failed initiatives cost a considerable amount of wasted time and money to the respective organizations and resulted in extreme frustration for IT executives.

So why do successful IT implementations fail to achieve desired results?

Answer in almost all cases is lack of user adoption.  I know we have heard it before but humans in general are creatures of habit.  Once we are comfortable with a method – no matter how cumbersome it is – we like to stick with it. We build our comfort zone around it and resist any effort to change it.  Your IT team can implement the nirvana system that solves all problems, but it will never gain the desired results if end-users don’t buy into it.  The IT team needs to be both sales and marketing to get it. In reality, most IT projects focus heavily on the “technical” and completely miss the “human factor”.  Oh, and the sales and marketing process doesn’t start at your launch party. Your end users need to be sold on the change before the project is even started.  So put on your marketing and sales hat and get started.

Keep these 5 things in mind before you launch your next IT project:

1. Business Requirements: Business requirements come from business users, not IT. Sounds obvious but not always practiced. Usually the project team in all sincerity tries to address business problems without consulting the business users, involving them too late in the process, way after the technology/tool selection occurs. For a successful implementation, it is important that the users whose pain you are working to resolve are involved in defining the scope of the project.

2. The right tool for the job: A lot of time, the tool or technology is selected before the problem is completely defined.  This is a recipe for disaster. You should not base your business needs around a tool’s capabilities. It should be chosen in response to your business needs. Sometimes- this will lead to a combination of various tools and technologies to get to the right solution.

3. Focus Groups: Once you have good understanding of business requirements and have decided on the technology, don’t try to solve everything at once. A phased approach is best to get buy in. Start with a small  group of end users and walk them through the complete life cycle of the project. Get this group comfortable with the solution and you will now have end-user champions that will serve as an extended team to help promote within the organization.

4. Training and Rollout: Before you open the system for end users, make sure that you have proper training materials and a training schedule in place. Proper training is a must for successful end-user adoption. As I said earlier, people resist abrupt change. Make sure that your new implementation eases into their daily routine. End users will then realize the true value of the system and the problem it solves. Change will gradually occur.

5. BICC: Last but not least, is the implementation of proper processes and procedures. You should think about developing a BICC (Business Intelligence Competency Center). A BICC is comprised of members from both IT and business users. The days of IT producing data and end-users consuming it are gone.  Now with fourth generation reporting tools like Oracle’s OBIEE, your data consumers are self enabled to access the information themselves when needed. This behooves us to make sure that the information that is being accessed is accurate and readily available. The BICC ensures that the right personnel are involved in the development, distribution and consumption of information in your organization.

Of course, there are many more factors involved in making sure the implementation of an IT project is successful, but following the above mentioned best practices will ensure that your IT project will result in a successfully utilized business solution.  Stay tuned for more on this topic!

April 3-5 | SEWP Users Symposium 2012 – Philadelphia, PA

The annual Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) provides training on SEWP contracts and website and an opportunity for all attendees to network and collaborate to ensure IT purchasing through SEWP continues to be efficient. This event is free to attend and worth 6 Continual Learning Points (CLPs).

Register Here!

April 19 | Oracle Hyperion & PeopleSoft Networking Breakfast – Chicago, IL

Join us for the 5^th networking breakfast for the opportunity to network with existing Oracle Hyperion and PeopleSoft customers and other organizations considering to expand their Enterprise Performance Management and PeopleSoft Capabilities.

Register Here!

April 22-26 | Collaborate ’12 – Las Vegas, NV

A sponsor at this years’ event, don’t miss this event filled with sessions, interactive panel discussions and hands-on learning opportunities.  You will also get breaking product news and insider information from Oracle Executive management and developers. We are excited to have two presentations this year – utilize the Approval Workflow Engine in HCM (Session #101800) and PeopleSoft Testing Framework: Leverage PTF in your Next Upgrade, Implementation or Support Project (Session #103010).

Register Here !

April 25 | NJGMIS 2012 – Somerset, NJ

Don’t miss the third annual Government Technology Education Conference!  A “must attend” for IT professionals will feature an outstanding line-up of session tracks in governance, current technology and NJ technology issues for state, county, local and k-12 government.

Register Here!

While we’re busy hosting, speaking and attending events across the country, our consultants find the time to offer keen insights on current trends and topics for BI, ERP, CRM and ITSM.

In case you haven’t had the opportunity to read them– here are our most recent blog posts:

Oracle E-Business Suite R12 upgrades – lessons learned

Oracle Applications Architect, Todd Greenquist offers some lessons learned from  Oracle’s E-Business Suite R12 Upgrades. Expecting great benefits like reduced customizations, faster and simplified reporting, increased visibility and lower operating costs? You’ll get it, but as with any upgrade – there are always challenges - Read More…

When it’s good to be square…

Microsoft Practice Manager, Deric Selchow dives into the defining qualities of a cube and reasons to use one. While you may have heard the term before, be sure to check out Deric’s post to see what you might be missing – Read More…

Soon to be released features for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online

This week Bruce Jones shares some of his insights for the latest Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online release – scheduled for Q2 2012. New and extended functionalities include: Mobility, Browser Flexibility, Social Industry Templates and SQL Server 2012 – Read More…

As the key enabling technology underlying cloud computing, virtualization lays the groundwork for new and exciting ways to engage students, support collaborative and individualized learning, and streamline administrative tasks. The cloud (i.e. using the Internet to access web-based applications and IT infrastructure as a service) not only allows schools to dramatically reduce their IT infrastructure costs, but opens the door to a range of exciting learning experiences that leverage mobile and social innovation.

Virtualization in all its forms — including desktop, server and storage virtualization — is the catalyst for a fundamental shift in the way schools will choose, use and manage technology over the next decade.

Many school districts are already moving into cloud computing. The 2011 K12 Horizon Report from New Media Consortium (NMC) cites the cloud as the top emerging technology in K-12 education, with a timeline for widespread adoption of one year or less. The report notes that schools are increasingly using “ready-made applications hosted on a dynamic, ever-expanding cloud that enables end users to perform tasks that have traditionally required site licensing, installation, and maintenance of individual software packages.”

One of the biggest attractions of cloud computing for school administrators is the savings in money and resources. The hard truth is that the computer gear in the vast majority of U.S. school districts is usually outdated long before it can be fully depreciated. The cloud delivers huge budgetary relief by allowing K-12 organizations to scale and grow without having to own the technology.

For their initial foray into the cloud, most school districts have adopted cloud-based tools designed to streamline administrative tasks. Schools now commonly use cloud-based applications to manage calendars, rosters, grade books, and communication between school and home.

In the coming phase, look for schools to further leverage the cloud ecosystem to enhance the classroom experience for students. The ability to access a wealth of online resources from any device, anywhere, at any time is an advantage that cannot be ignored.

Teachers are increasingly utilizing a variety of cloud resources for online curriculum/ learning (Moodle- www.moodle.org, Reading Eggs – www.readingeggs.com , and videos / music from the vast library on YouTube www.youtube.com). The benefit of ubiquitous access is substantial.  The fact that students, parents and faculty can utilize content in the cloud anywhere and at anytime (with appropriate controls & security) is compelling.

The Khan Academy http://www.khanacademy.org) is an example of how social media and the cloud have changed education. A banker trying to teach his niece math and science decided to record videos and post them to You Tube.  Bill Gates saw his vision and invested in their mission to “provide a free world-class education to anyone anywhere”. This free resource has videos that teach everything from kindergarten math to chemistry, history to astronomy- all available to anyone at anytime for free via the cloud.

Another benefit of cloud utilization is the ability to provide individualized learning.  Recognizing that people all learn differently- visually, by listening, or by actually doing- the ability to craft a learning plan for each student , based on an individual assessment or IEP (individualized education program) is on the horizon.  It is happening on a small scale right now in developmental curriculum but think of it on a larger scale. If the infrastructure and right licensing model was there, it would change the course of education.  An IEP for every child, which in turn provides an individualized curriculum and learning method accessible for the child, parents and teachers from anywhere. That is customized education.

Even now, textbook manufacturers are looking toward digitizing textbooks for download to computers and mobile devices. Enabling “free or for a fee” downloads of individual chapters of textbooks vs. the entire text will also expand educators ability to craft customizable, individualized curriculum from various resources without a heavy outlay of cost.

Then there is the fundamental shift toward mobile devices. The mobile computing experience has become commonplace for those in the K-12 age group.  It’s been reported that 83 percent of school-age kids use cell phones. The market research institute Nielsen reported that 44 percent of U.S. children ages 6-14 requested an iPad for Christmas in 2011.

The current generation of students already relies on their smart devices and social networks like Facebook to communicate, share and get information. So, why should their formal educational experience be limited to a traditional classroom setting?

There are already many mobile apps that can be used to augment the teaching of language, science, mathematics and more. For example, students in chemistry, physics, astronomy and biology can use Socratica (http://socratica.com) to access — and create — study modules.  GapMinder World (http://graphs.gapminder.org/world) allows students to explore statistical information about income, health, life expectancy, fertility rates, natural resources, and more in a visual, interactive way.

The coming use of cloud-based tools in the classroom doesn’t represent just a technology change but also a cultural change. Cloud computing technology has the potential to change traditional teaching methods and give students access to a virtually unlimited pool of resources. The potential to enhance learning opportunities, streamline administrative tasks and cut technology costs presents a compelling case for further investment in cloud computing.

On a personal level, I visited the village where I was born and raised.  It was great to be back home and see my family. My visit there was also for another purpose. Most children from my village need to travel miles to get to school and many do not have access to transportation. Because of this- most don’t get education past the 7^th grade level. To give them the opportunity of higher education, we are building a high school.   Check out the school’s Facebook Page to see project updates and the children’s performances.  We had a wonderful ground breaking ceremony for the school when I was there. The village residents attended and we had wonderful performances from the children. It was truly a happy event. I am very lucky to be a part of it.

On a professional note, the IT sector in India is growing fast and has an impressive pool of IT resources. I am very excited in the potential growth of our commercial sector through the enhancement of our delivery capacity in India.  Our extremely talented Pune team is doing an excellent job supporting Zillow and other clients in software development lifecycle services including high end application development, maintenance and support. Our Bangalore team who supports our back office including accounting, sales and marketing continues to grow and is doing a great job.

On the way back to the US, I stopped off in London to meet with the head of one of our clients that we are providing application, outsourcing, BI and IV&V services. I am happy to see he was very pleased with our performance thus far and that our partnership is growing nicely.  Kudos to our entire team. Keep up the exceptional work!

With the holiday season fast approaching, it is important to stop and think of ways you might give back. At Emerging Solutions, an Emtec, Inc. company our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program focuses on having a positive impact on society and addressing the needs of many organizations. Rather than sending holiday baskets or gift cards, we have honored our employees and clients by making charitable donations to the Children’s Memorial Hospital and the Pancreatic Cancer Network of Chicago. Employees also routinely volunteer their time and skills for these and other foundations to help local communities.

I know that this company truly understands the need for community involvement and is proud to lead by example and help educate other professionals on the importance of working to make a positive impact within their local communities. The decline of involvement from the government and social service programs has made it critical that companies take more responsibility to fulfill the rising needs and overall initiatives.

Each year we work together as a company to help aid multiple organizations and causes. In addition to the Children’s Memorial Hospital and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network; we support the Fairview Foundation in Minneapolis, partake in Habitat for Humanity and the Chase Corporate Challenge every year. Other contributions are in support of Toys for Tots, the Boy Scouts of America, the Vietnam Veterans of America and the American Red Cross. I see these contributions as more than just benefiting the community, they also provide the chance for each employee’s individual growth.

At Emtec, corporate responsibility is not an option, but rather a duty. The emphasis on giving back to the community is very high. There are two main ways to giveback and we embrace them both – monetary/resource donations and volunteering. At Emtec, we instill the importance of giving back to the community as a facet to the company’s success. Giving back is more than just a way to get a tax break. It sends a positive message to the public and makes those involved proud and gives a sense of accomplishment – providing increased employee morale that often outweighs any tax incentive that may result.

While you are celebrating the holidays this season, take a moment to think of ways your company, organization, or business can work together to improve charitable foundations and initiatives within your own communities. Start off the New Year on a more giving note. It is bound to have an impact on your employees.

Have a Healthy and Happy New Year!

As the 2011 year comes to a close I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to our partners, clients and all of our associates. This year has been a year of change, growth and accomplishment. We couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you.

Our clients are the center of our universe. We are blessed to have so many long-standing clients that have been with us for 5, 10, 15, or even 20+ years. We hope to continue to impress you throughout the years ahead.

Our partners both enable us and expand our expertise. We truly appreciate your collaboration and the trust you have placed in us to represent you over the past year.

We have grown from 150 to almost 900 associates in the last few years. The efforts that each of you put forth every day have transformed this company into where we are today.  I thank you. We are a great company with very talented people. I am looking forward to continuing this great journey with all of you in 2012.

I hope everyone enjoys this coming holiday season with your family and friends. My wish for all of you in the coming year is much success, health, happiness, and finding your passion. Isn’t that what life is all about?

Dinesh Desai

“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.” ― Neil Gaiman