Features

Features

• The ultimate guide to ERP

  ERP is the nervous system of modern businesses. Learn how it works, understand its risks and benefits, and get tips on deployment in this wide-ranging guide.  Continue Reading

• Evaluating today's 8 leading ERP software vendors

  Here's an overview to help you understand the strengths, market positioning and major product lines of eight leaders in ERP, with quick takes from industry analysts.  Continue Reading

• AI chatbots for ERP: Assessing the benefits and tools

  Generative AI and other machine learning bots are coming to ERP in a big way. Here's an overview of the terminology, the pluses and minuses, and the top tools and vendors.  Continue Reading

• How AI is shaping the future of ERP

  Generative AI and other machine learning tools are being added to ERP at a rapid pace, bringing new levels of automation and efficiency to business processes across the enterprise.  Continue Reading

• 10 ERP trends for 2024 and beyond

  AI-driven automation is fast transforming an ERP market that continues its long march to the cloud, as many buyers seek modernization, efficiency and help with ESG reporting.  Continue Reading

• Explaining the hidden costs of ERP implementations

  It's easy to know what the software costs, but what about variables like customization, productivity and training? Experts reveal the pitfalls so you can avoid expensive surprises.  Continue Reading

• What role do ERP systems play in supply chain management?

  ERP is involved in every major step in manufacturing products and delivering the right ones to consumers. Here's an overview of its key SCM modules and features.  Continue Reading

• The ERP HR module: Key features explained

  ERP typically includes an integrated HR module. Learn what the HR module in ERP does, how it relates to other components and how it compares to standalone HRMSes and HCM suites.  Continue Reading

• ERP contracts: What you need to consider before negotiating

  Negotiating an ERP contract is a complex process filled with many moving parts and stakeholders. Success depends on selecting the right contract and asking the right questions.  Continue Reading

• Digital tech tops supply chain trends list for 2024

  Supply chain professionals want more technologies such as AI for visibility and traceability in 2024; however, sustainability and reshoring are long-term strategies.  Continue Reading

• Planning provides map for Dynamics 365 ERP journey

  Midmarket beverage-maker Talking Rain used a carefully planned process to select and implement Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP as the system that fits its future needs.  Continue Reading

• 10 AI use cases in manufacturing

  Manufacturing companies are turning to AI to streamline the way they do business and increase efficiency. Here are 10 common use cases.  Continue Reading

• Reshoring manufacturing interest grows but is slow going

  Reshoring manufacturing to the U.S. is on the rise, driven by supply chain risks, sustainability demands, and policy incentives. But the pace and extent of any shift is uncertain.  Continue Reading

• 2 sustainable packaging benefits and 1 challenge to know

  Learn how using sustainable packaging can benefit companies in various ways, including to improve brand image, as well as challenges of which supply chain leaders should be aware.  Continue Reading

• Industrial metaverse, AI set to transform manufacturing

  Manufacturing is moving into the industrial metaverse where companies create and run virtual models of physical facilities, incorporating digital twins, AR, IoT and cloud computing.  Continue Reading

• 8 ideas for increasing warehouse sustainability

  Warehouses can make up a major part of a company's carbon emissions. Learn some ideas for how warehouse owners and operators can improve sustainability.  Continue Reading

• 3D printing has a complex relationship with sustainability

  3D printing promises some sustainability benefits, including creating lighter parts and shorter supply chains, but the overall question of its environmental value is complex.  Continue Reading

• Augmented reality vs. virtual reality vs. mixed reality

  Learn about AR vs. VR vs. MR as well as how companies in various industries are using these extended reality technologies to potentially improve their operations.  Continue Reading

• Timing crucial for Rainier's move to Epicor cloud ERP

  When Rainier Industries implemented Epicor ERP on premises in 2014, productivity rose. Now, the time is right for a cloud move, which will improve continuity and system management.  Continue Reading

• Digitization sparks growth for EAM systems

  The EAM software market is growing with more options for asset management. Experts argue that companies may benefit from tighter integration between EAM and ERP systems.  Continue Reading

• ERP vs. WMS: Which one is right for you?

  If nuanced warehouse efficiency is necessary to fulfill customer expectations, an ERP system may not be enough. Here's what to consider when it comes to ERP vs. WMS.  Continue Reading

• Challenges and benefits of cloud for the finance department

  Moving the finance function to the cloud can help companies. Learn about some of the benefits that can result from doing so, as well as potential challenges.  Continue Reading

• ERP vs. PLM: What are the differences?

  Agile design and product management are key in today's constantly changing business landscape. Learn why PLM might help and how it's different than ERP.  Continue Reading

• A digital transformation approach to supply chain resilience

  An efficient supply chain starts with proactive preparation and the right technology. Learn more about the potential of digital transformation for supply chain resilience.  Continue Reading

• IT influences shift to net positive enterprise

  In this Q&A, business sustainability expert Andrew Winston discusses why companies need to become net positive by contributing more than they take.  Continue Reading

• RFID in supply chain: 6 examples in use today

  RFID continues to have applicability for supply chain management. Here are six ways organizations can use it to support inventory management and logistics.  Continue Reading

• Why RFID for supply chain management is still relevant

  RFID is comparatively older technology but can still be relevant for supply chain management. Learn some potential logistics uses for RFID and reasons for its increased adoption.  Continue Reading

• CRM vs. ERP: Understand the differences

  Some companies may require CRM software in addition to their ERP system. Learn more about CRM vs. ERP and whether your company requires CRM software as well.  Continue Reading

• New ways of upcycling CO2, decarbonizing steel and cement

  The industrial sector has a massive carbon footprint. That's why some companies are working to clean up steel and cement and find new uses for carbon.  Continue Reading

• Fair Repair Act could help spur circular economy model

  New regulations including the Fair Repair Act coupled with factors like consumer demand for sustainability are motivating manufacturers to consider a circular economy model.  Continue Reading

• 3 strategies for better finance-IT collaboration

  Lack of communication between a company's finance and IT departments can cause problems with organizational goals and decisions. Learn how to improve finance-IT collaboration.  Continue Reading

• Choosing wrong ERP implementation partner: 10 warning signs

  Working with an ERP implementation partner can sometimes bring some warning signs. Learn these 10 indicators that your project team is working with the wrong partner.  Continue Reading

• 8 items to include on an ERP demo scorecard, with template

  Evaluation team members may lose track of crucial ERP features if they attend multiple ERP demos. Learn some items to include on vendor demo scorecards.  Continue Reading

• How to avoid unrealistic ERP implementation timelines: 9 tips

  Determining the length of an ERP implementation can be difficult but doing so is a crucial part of planning. Learn how to avoid an unrealistic timeline.  Continue Reading

• Supply chain technology critical for dealing with issues

  As supply chains face new and unprecedented pressures on a number of fronts, companies look to emerging technologies to automate tasks, get intelligence and become more resilient.  Continue Reading

• Process mining becomes acquisition target, altering the terrain

  Enterprise technology companies like SAP and Microsoft see value in process mining technology, but the current rate of acquisition is rapidly altering the market.  Continue Reading

• Checklist for success after your ERP software go-live

  An ERP go-live checklist can help implementation project teams confirm they've carried out all necessary steps. Learn what items project leaders should add to their list.  Continue Reading

• 8 ways to avoid business disruption from a new ERP system

  A new ERP system can bring business disruptions. Learn the steps project leaders should follow during implementation planning so company work can continue as smoothly as possible.  Continue Reading

• How COVID-19 has affected just-in-time supply chains

  Industry leaders long held up the just-in-time supply chain model as ideal, but the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed its weaknesses. Learn whether just-in-time is over for good.  Continue Reading

• 9 questions to ask the vendor during an ERP software demo

  ERP implementation team members should ask certain questions during a software demo to ensure they receive the information they need. Learn what team members should ask vendors.  Continue Reading

• 7 items to include on an ERP vendor demo checklist

  Creating an ERP vendor demo checklist before the presentation can prove beneficial for both the implementation team and the vendor. Learn several items to include on the checklist.  Continue Reading

• Choosing the right accounting software: SMB to enterprise

  To find the best enterprise accounting software, businesses must outline specific criteria and compare those criteria against accounting software features and benefits.  Continue Reading

• 5 best practices for creating a data-driven supply chain

  Turning to data and analytics to manage supply chain disruption only helps if leaders use good practices for extracting insights. Here are five that can help.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise accounting software explained

  Evolving companies often turn to enterprise accounting software, especially when they grow out of SMB software, but aren't yet ready for a complex ERP system.  Continue Reading

• Robots in manufacturing help Cheer Pack meet labor needs

  Cheer Pack, which makes spouted pouches, uses an IFS ERP system to manage a team of robots in its manufacturing operations, saving on labor and eliminating mistakes.  Continue Reading

• Exploring the benefits of enterprise accounting software

  Enterprise accounting software benefits extend beyond balancing the books, with many advanced products perfect for companies not yet ready for full-on ERP.  Continue Reading

• How to prevent scope creep in your ERP implementation

  Scope creep can cause major problems for an ERP implementation. Learn what it is and how to prevent it, including some specific steps project leaders should follow.  Continue Reading

• 4 questions to ask about an outsourced cloud ERP IT help desk

  IT leaders outsourcing their cloud ERP help desk should consider various factors before selecting a vendor. Learn the criteria to consider when you choose one.  Continue Reading

• Does concurrent planning in the supply chain work?

  Does concurrent planning in the supply chain work to address disruption? Some experts say the promise doesn't yet match reality during major crises.  Continue Reading

• VC investment fuels supply chain innovation

  Venture capital funds are now flowing into startups that are working on technologies and platforms to tackle longstanding supply chain issues.  Continue Reading

• SaaS ERP customization vs. out of the box: Pros, cons

  Companies considering SaaS ERP should weigh various factors when deciding on customization vs. out of the box. Learn what to consider when making the choice.  Continue Reading

• Internal SaaS ERP support vs. outsourcing: 3 factors to consider

  Is outsourcing SaaS cloud ERP support the best fit? Learn the factors that IT leaders must weigh when deciding whether to keep SaaS cloud ERP support internal vs. outsourcing.  Continue Reading

• Digital transformation strategy needs realistic expectations

  A digital transformation can improve business operations, but companies need to strike a balance between business goals and technology investments to achieve success.  Continue Reading

• How to modernize your legacy ERP system

  Modernizing a legacy ERP system can be vital for staying relevant in today's marketplace. Learn what IT leaders need to know about the process.  Continue Reading

• ERP critical to achieving sustainability goals in 2022

  Sustainability is a major priority for businesses in 2022, driven by internal goals, customer demand and regulations. ERP systems are at the center of sustainability projects.  Continue Reading

• Why asset management software is more important than ever

  Doing more with less has long been important -- but in the last couple of years, the idea has taken on new relevance. Learn how asset management software can help.  Continue Reading

• 6 benefits of asset performance management

  Asset performance management can help improve a company's bottom line by reducing costs and making devices more reliable. Learn more benefits of asset performance management.  Continue Reading

• Experts predict flexibility as a top ERP trend in 2022

  In the year ahead, industry experts expect the ERP market to be less monolithic and more industry-specific.  Continue Reading

• Digital twin simulation helps baristas make a perfect espresso

  A century-old Italian maker of high-end coffee machines used digital twins to virtually eliminate physical prototypes and set the stage for IoT-connected product as a service.  Continue Reading

• Supply chain disruption will persist in 2022, but tech may help

  The supply chain problems of the last two years will persist into 2022, but companies can use the opportunity to redesign processes and update technology to solve long-term issues.  Continue Reading

• 5 ways to support a legacy ERP system

  Some companies decide that keeping legacy ERP is truly the best business decision for them. Learn some best practices for supporting a legacy ERP system.  Continue Reading

• 8 ERP security best practices to implement now

  As many employees continue to work from home, ERP security is more important than ever. Learn some best practices to get started protecting your system.  Continue Reading

• Vendors position ERP as heart of circular economy model

  ERP vendors SAP and IFS are positioning themselves at the forefront of enterprise sustainability efforts just as businesses focus on reducing waste and prepare for new regulations.  Continue Reading

• Guide to supply chain management

  The pandemic showed what can happen when the unimaginable breaks apart global supply chains and disrupts life as we know it. Effective supply chain management can restore order.  Continue Reading

• The 10 most common ERP security issues and ways to fix them

  Today's ERP systems are exposed like never before. Learn about the most common ERP security issues companies are facing and how IT and security teams can address them.  Continue Reading

• Managing supply chain risk requires new priorities, tools

  Understanding that cost may not be the top driver in supply chain risk management is critical in the new normal. Learn why and what technologies can help.  Continue Reading

• Supply chain disruption to affect holidays, but analytics can help

  Real-time analytics can be used in demand forecasting and flexibility for long-term supply chain issues but won't provide an easy path out of the current disruption.  Continue Reading

• General-purpose security doesn't go far enough for ERP

  Organizations need to pay more attention to security as ERP systems move to the cloud, are opened up to other applications and services and face an uptick in cyber attacks.  Continue Reading

• The decision to upgrade a legacy ERP system vs. replace it

  How do you know whether to upgrade your current ERP system to the newest version or implement a new one? Here's what you should consider when making this decision.  Continue Reading

• How procurement's little-known importance helps supply chain

  The procurement department's importance is likely little-known within their own company. But procurement can contribute more than cost analysis to the supply chain.  Continue Reading

• 5 key benefits of enterprise asset management software

  Asset-intensive organizations benefit from enterprise asset management software because it helps them support their industrial infrastructure. Here's how EAM software makes that easier.  Continue Reading

• Top ERP systems need ability to deliver as well as tech

  Panorama Consulting Group's '2022 Top 10 ERP Systems' report focuses on function set, technology, usability and ability to deliver on implementation, support and services.  Continue Reading

• ERP digital transformation can fail due to hidden cloud costs

  In this Q&A, Asim Razzaq, CEO of Yotascale, explains why the hidden costs of moving enterprise systems like ERP from on-premises infrastructures to the cloud can cause trouble.  Continue Reading

• Epicor ERP sheds stodgy image in cloud makeover

  At Epicor Analyst Day, Epicor customers described how the company has transformed into a cloud-first industry-focused ERP company, while still supporting on-premises deployments.  Continue Reading

• Understand cloud ERP project team duties

  Assembling an ERP project team is a challenging task, so every group should fill particular jobs. Here are the project team duties every cloud ERP implementation should include.  Continue Reading

• Learn effective cloud ERP implementation methodology

  Each cloud ERP implementation methodology has its pros and cons. Learn more about each strategy and decide which is best suited for your organization.  Continue Reading

• 9 ERP use cases to consider before buying an ERP system

  Choosing the right ERP system requires considering a dizzying array of factors from company size to business goals. Here are nine use cases that can help simplify your research.  Continue Reading

• 6 cloud ERP implementation challenges and how to solve them

  Addressing risks early and closely monitoring the cloud ERP implementation process can help avoid problems down the road. Learn about some of the most common challenges.  Continue Reading

• 7 notable ERP implementation failures and why they failed

  ERP consultants shared their analysis and takeaways from such spectacular ERP failures as National Grid, Revlon and Waste Management and gave advice on avoiding the same pitfalls.  Continue Reading

• Can't-miss expert advice on researching ERP vendors

  The ERP sales and marketing messaging can obscure issues around cloud maturity and other important information. Use this expert advice to start cutting through the hype.  Continue Reading

• ERP cloud migration can be boosted by HCM integration

  In this Q&A, Pritam Dutta of ArcLight Consulting explains why some ERP cloud migrations run into trouble, and how integrating HCM systems can aid migration and improve processes.  Continue Reading

• 5 skills supply chain professionals need

  As with any job, there are various skills supply chain professionals need to succeed in their chosen field. Here are the five each leader must possess.  Continue Reading

• What's next for the supply chain? An expert's take

  'Supply Chain Management Best Practices' author David Blanchard discusses pandemic lessons, how the SCOR model can help and why sustainability is so complex.  Continue Reading

• Hidden issues complicate sustainability in IT manufacturing

  Clare Hobby of TCO Development discusses how difficult it is to rate IT products' sustainability. But corporate buyers and consumers have the power to demand something different.  Continue Reading

• 10 strategies for more sustainable last-mile delivery

  Creating eco-friendly last-mile delivery strategies is an important business and societal challenge. Here are some options supply chain leaders can explore.  Continue Reading

• ERP goes green, ahead of customer sustainability initiatives

  As sustainability becomes a more key topic for businesses, enterprise applications vendors are touting programs to support efforts like carbon reduction and the circular economy.  Continue Reading

• 12 cloud ERP data migration best practices

  Data migration is a key component of a successful cloud ERP implementation. Learn what best practices -- such as data mapping and deciding on migration parameters -- you'll need.  Continue Reading

• 8 tips for a successful cloud ERP project plan

  Although the cloud can bring many benefits, migrating to cloud ERP is not without its challenges. Here are the top eight project tips for a smooth transition.  Continue Reading

• Signavio aims to transform SAP software development model

  In this Q&A, Signavio CEO Gero Decker discusses the process mining software vendor's role in Rise with SAP and its criticality to business transformation.  Continue Reading

• Supply chain AI adoption happening too fast

  AI's future in the supply chain seems assured as the pandemic accelerates AI adoption in various industries. Here's why some business leaders think it's happening too fast.  Continue Reading

• The environmental challenges of last-mile delivery

  Current last-mile delivery practices are contributing to climate change, and companies need to address these ill effects. Understand how to start taking action.  Continue Reading

• How 4 companies are improving last-mile delivery sustainability

  Companies such as L'Occitane en Provence and Walmart are trying out different strategies to improve their last-mile delivery sustainability. Here's how they're doing it.  Continue Reading

• Top 7 ways to improve last-mile delivery

  Failed deliveries have a powerful effect on customer experience. Here's how to improve last-mile delivery and increase overall customer satisfaction.  Continue Reading

• The importance of last-mile delivery to logistics

  Last-mile delivery is the key to customer satisfaction. Here are four reasons your supply chain management strategy needs to focus on this critical stage of logistics.  Continue Reading

• Migrating ERP to the cloud: 8 reasons for failure

  SaaS ERP promises ease, but CIOs and project teams need to understand the myriad minefields that can cause deployment failure. Understand eight common ones.  Continue Reading

• Supply chain risks can be costly if companies fall behind

  In this Q&A, Jim Yarbrough of the British Standards Institution discusses the risks supply chains face today and what organizations should consider to address those risks.  Continue Reading

• ERP plays vital role in sustainability trend

  In this Q&A, IFS CEO Darren Roos discusses how enterprise systems like ERP can enable companies to develop and manage more effective sustainability initiatives.  Continue Reading

• 8 benefits of SaaS ERP

  Learn about the benefits of using SaaS ERP software, including lower infrastructure costs, as well as some possible drawbacks, including possible data breaches.  Continue Reading

• Top 5 last-mile delivery challenges

  Last-mile delivery challenges can lead to reduced revenue. Here are some of the most common last-mile delivery problems your company is likely facing and why they occur.  Continue Reading

• WalkMe digital adoption platform eases application overload

  As companies invest in more enterprise applications, digital adoption platforms like WalkMe can both help employees manage the overload and companies drive usage.  Continue Reading