Quality assurance refers to the processes being used to manage the project and to build the deliverables. This is in contrast to quality control, which refers to the activities used to create the deliverables. Because you are not responsible for the creation of the deliverables (quality control), you need to be comfortable that the outsourcer ...

Vendors are key to the success of almost every information technology consultant. Strong vendor relationships help good consultants excel, but a dysfunctional vendor alliance can sink even the most astute of consulting firms. Thus, vendor relationships are critical, yet their importance is often (and easily) overlooked. So what’s a time-pressed consultant to do? This checklist, ...

In a competitive global business environment, where the marketplace is defined as anyone and everyone with an internet-connected device, effective e-commerce capabilities are a necessity for successful businesses, regardless of size or industry. Businesses that do not have an efficient and effective e-commerce presence operate at a distinct disadvantage. These guidelines and the accompanying file, ...

Marketing products and services is an essential part of business success, but the process can be difficult and frustrating. In fact, for many SMBs, marketing strategy is an afterthought, considered only after they’ve perfected their products or services. This guide, written by Mark W. Kaelin for TechRepublic Premium, includes information on why email marketing works ...

Internet of Things devices serve a number of useful applications, such as environmental, asset or inventory monitoring/control, security functions, fitness devices and smartwatches. There is an array of IoT functions for both consumer and business purposes, but determining the total cost of ownership and the return on your enterprise investment in a widespread or large-scale ...

While the Internet of Things has been an active presence in the technology world for several years now, the practical use of IoT in business operations has been less than obvious to many. However, with the increasing deployment of Industrial IoT in manufacturing and industrial operations, the practical and vital importance of IIoT is becoming ...

This cheat sheet from TechRepublic Premium is designed to provide a consistent and systematic way to record job candidates’ qualifications, experience, professional goals and temperament. It includes a section for general information followed by position-specific questions. Featured text from the cheat sheet: How have you previously developed a budget for a project with which you ...

Some operations and tasks don’t require painstaking attention to detail. Unfortunately, processing payroll isn’t one of them. With sensitive salary and wage information, bank and direct deposit accounts, Social Security numbers, and other personal information in play, the stakes are high. This guide and the accompanying spreadsheet, created by Erik Eckel for TechRepublic Premium, will ...

Point of sale systems present a wholly different challenge compared to just deploying a new PC. While managed service providers must remember all the same details as with a PC when deploying a new POS workstation, there are a host of additional complex and sensitive elements that must be properly addressed with a POS installation. ...

For SMBs, hiring a service to handle payroll calculation, processing, and documentation can save valuable time and resources. This comparison chart from TechRepublic Premium provides a framework for comparing potential services. Featured text from the download: CHOOSING A PAYROLL SERVICE Payroll processing: This is the primary reason a business will contract with a payroll vendor. ...

Projects are typically complex, which is particularly true when software, hardware and information technologies are involved. Hence, there is a need for a thorough written plan, complete with a budget and defined goals, milestones, and a carefully drafted schedule among other elements. For a project to succeed, it’s important to understand the fundamentals of project ...

For retail businesses, the POS system is arguably their most important IT system. This TechRepublic Premium guide and checklist, created by Mark W. Kaelin, will help you successfully secure a POS system for your business. Featured text from the download: ACCESS CONTROLS The first line of defense in any POS system is the control of ...