Alphabet soup

Article Abstract:

An increasing number of activity-based costing (ABC) tools are being introduced in the market in response to the rising prominence of ABC. For users interested in acquiring an ABC tool, they should remember that it should be able to provide practical assistance in cost-control efforts and targeting activities. Ongoing support is also needed because ABC products are usually used on an ongoing basis and not on a one-shot deal. It is therefore important to find out if the provider will still be in the market when tomorrow comes. There are different types of ABC products to choose from. ABC specialist software houses offer specifically designed ABC models while EIS vendors provide toolkits that allow users to create their own ABC model via their fourth-generation language. Some provide tools with focus on process modelling or scenario building while ledger package vendors develop ABC tools that are designed as add-on module to their accounting packages.

Prepackaged software, Financial & Acctg Software Pkgs, Software, Cost accounting

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Electronic data interchange: ties that bind

Article Abstract:

The increasing usage of electronic data interchange (EDI) is expected to facilitate a closer relationship between suppliers and customers in the 1990s. EDI, employing standard structures of sending and receiving documents through computers, saves labor costs, reduces the probability of errors and accelerates processing time. However, a commonly accepted EDI standard is yet to be developed. The alignment of the EDIFACT standard, commonly used in Europe, with X12, the standard accepted in the US, to standardize international EDI communication is expected to be realized only until 1994. Meanwhile, software companies are doing their share by offering softwares that link users' applications and the different EDI networks. Twenty-four interconnections are already available to EDI users worldwide.

Evaluation, Electronic data interchange, EDI (Electronic data interchange)

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Time to think about the unthinkable

Article Abstract:

Companies should implement computer disaster recovery plans in order to forestall severe losses resulting from the unexpected downtime of their computers. There are three types of contingency plans for dealing with a disaster leading to computer down-time: cold start standby arrangements, flying start standby arrangements, and hot start standby arrangements. Cold start standby arrangements entail having a computer room with power connections that quickly can be fitted with data processing equipment, while a hot start entails having in place a spare computer updated with the latest information. Flying start standby arrangements entail having multiple computer centers which back each other up.

Methods, Management, Data processing, Electronic data processing, Disaster recovery (Computers)

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