Change Is On the Way

With the Presidential Election at the forefront of the news, the term "change" has taken on new shape and meaning.

ecVision realizes that "change" is a good, no great thing! Especially when it means that previous processes are more efficient, time-saving, and cost reducing. As is typical with all automation, "change" doesn't come easy though. "Change" needs to be managed and controlled so that the execution works.

When an organization embraces a software solution that is as dynamic as ecVision's, there is a definite need for some "change management". We have teamed with Kurt Salmon Associates (KSA), the leading retail consulting firm, to offer a service that will assist organizations that are experiencing "change" through the adaption of processes.

In the next few weeks, we will be making available a white paper and webinar that explains the benefits gained from a "change management" initiative. Stay tuned or visit http://www.ecvision.com/.

Rome wasn't built in a day!

And you can’t build an supply chain execution system in a day either!

We’ve learned in our implementations of ecVision XpressCommerce that the best way to approach a system rollout is to tackle it in multiple phases. This is especially the case for newer companies that do not have solid processes in place to lead the way through the implementation or companies looking to revamp their processes to better improve efficiency and productivity. Our advice is to always bite off only what you can chew and to take time to step back and look at the system after each phase moves into production and really determine what the next steps should be – what department needs the most help, which reports are executives looking for, where is the focus of the company moving forward? This will help with prioritizing your phased approach in order to reduce the amount of change requests that will cause delays in your rollout.

http://ecvision.com/Products/XpressCommerce.htm

Daylight Saving Time - Doing More with Less

Conceived by Benjamin Franklin, the notion was, and is, a quite ingenious method to take advantage of the daylight during those times of year when the days are longer.

We might be saving daylight, but what a difficult adjustment period it is for our internal time clocks. There are numerous studies that justify the reasoning behind Daylight Saving Time (DST). Amonth them, the cost savings from power consumption, getting more time for outdoor events during the warm summer months, dramatic reductions in auto accidents, and more. There may also be an economic benefit to DST, as daylight evening hours encourage people to go out and shop, potentially spurring economic growth.

So go out and spend money, stimulate the economy, buy new fashions. Just be sure to stay awake at work during the first week following the change.

TiVo our webcast? Well, sorta.

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life." Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs is one person who would know about managing time. Striking the balance for work, play, family, friends, games, love, eating, working out, doing your taxes, voting, shopping, smelling the roses, learning something new, reading a good book, watching the big game...

I could go on but you get the point.

So how do we keep from "living someone else's life"? This month I launched a new initiative at ecVision. The On-Demand webcast. The concept isn't truly unique but I am glad I was able to put it together. There are so many times that I have registerted for an online or live event, and been sidetracked with more pressing business. To solve this problem, I developed the on-demand model for our webcasts -- just register and get the link, then you can click on the link to watch and hear the presentation when every you want. Stop it, start it, rewind it. Come back another time to finish or replay it. It is there on your demand.

Try it out. Live your life this time.

NRF Big Show 2008

The name of this event was truly fitting this year in New York. It was a BIG SHOW - not just in size but in marketing tactics. In past years, the retail industry has not been "wowed" by the sensationalism that was orchestrated by the exhibitors this year to draw prospective clients to the trade show booth.


I have a firm belief that the product is what makes heads turn, but it is apparent that gimmicks and "tricks" really work with savvy retail leaders. To wit, ecVision has never used this approach at our event booths. (A raffle entry in exchange for a badge swipe is about as far as I go.)So just what did we see this year at NRF?

• Money falling from the sky...noticeably marked with the logo of the company that drew in crowds with their Fez hats, cappuccino barista, and tall, leggy scantily-dressed blondes.



• The dynamic duo of young ladies dressed in nurses uniforms complete with caps -- a retro throwback to days before scrubs and more practical garb.



• Elvis lives! At least a low-rate look-a-like who sings along to recorded tracks while posing with show attendees in front of a pink Cadillac.



• Or the trio of gals in matching silky short dresses that might be better apt for a summer party or nightclub act.
  


• Then you have the illusionists, magicians, and other slight-of-hand con artists that would make any buyer wonder where the con ends.

I can point out other examples of cheap marketing practices, but I think you get the point. I was just pleased that ecVision (and I was proud to notice, most of the companies we compare with) didn't stoop down to the level that belittles the intelligence of the industry.

When the ecVision team left the show we all made an agreement that we would rather develop a supply chain solution that impressed our audience before we resort to marketing tactics that are less than honorable.

ecVision Launches Blog

Hello and welcome customers and prospective customers. We hope that you will find the information on this blog useful as you explore ecVision's solutions.