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Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.
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Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.
traceability
Traceability, in supply chain traceability, is the ability to identify, track and trace elements of a product or substance as it moves along the supply chain from raw goods to finished products. Continue Reading
vendor-managed inventory (VMI)
Vendor-managed inventory (VMI) is an inventory management technique in which the supplier of goods, usually the manufacturer, is responsible for optimizing the inventory a distributor holds. 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
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service lifecycle management (SLM)
Service lifecycle management (SLM) describes the strategy and software for managing the maintenance and repair of products and maximizing the profit opportunities from these activities. Continue Reading
4 benefits of using mobile ERP
Mobile ERP can help improve data quality and customer service. Learn more about some of the benefits a company can potentially gain from using mobile ERP. Continue Reading
hybrid ERP
Hybrid ERP is a combination of on-premises enterprise resource planning systems for managing essential business processes, such as financials and manufacturing, and cloud software for more specific functions.Continue Reading
ERP implementation: 10 steps for success
Follow these well-trod steps, line up the best people, be fully aware of the most common mistakes, and use the right metrics to ensure your ERP project delivers on its promises.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
go-live (go live)
Go-live is the time at which something becomes available for use.Continue Reading
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WMS vs. WCS vs. WES: Learn the differences
Companies often implement a WMS, then potentially add a WCS or a WES later. Learn more about WMS, WCS and WES as well as the differences between the three systems.Continue Reading
inventory turns (inventory turnover)
Inventory turns, also referred to as inventory turnover and inventory turnover ratio, are a popular measurement used in inventory management to assess operational and supply chain efficiency.Continue Reading
ERP finance module
The ERP finance module is the software component that handles the main accounting and financial management functions of an enterprise resource planning system.Continue Reading
poka-yoke
A poka-yoke is a mechanism that is put in place to prevent human error.Continue Reading
bank identifier code (BIC)
A bank identifier code (BIC) is a unique identifier for a specific financial institution. A BIC is composed of a 4-character bank code, 2-character country code, 2-character location code and optional 3-character branch code.Continue Reading
BAI2 file format
BAI2 file format is a specialized and standardized set of codes used for cash management and bank reconciliations, and introduced by the Bank Administration Institute (BAI).Continue Reading
WMS vs. OMS: Learn the differences between the two systems
While WMS streamlines warehouse processes, OMS can help improve order management and customer data tracking. Discover more about the differences between WMS and OMS.Continue Reading
digital thread
Digital thread is a communication framework that connects traditionally siloed elements in manufacturing processes and provides an integrated view of an asset throughout the manufacturing lifecycle.Continue Reading
7 tips for implementing a transportation management system
Implementing a transportation management system can be a challenging process, so supply chain leaders should follow some best practices to ensure success. Learn more.Continue Reading
digital supply chain
A digital supply chain is a supply chain whose foundation is built on web-enabled capabilities.Continue Reading
manufacturing execution system (MES)
A manufacturing execution system (MES) is an information system that connects, monitors and controls complex manufacturing systems and data flows on the factory floor.Continue Reading
hybrid manufacturing
Hybrid manufacturing is a term that describes combining additive manufacturing and subtractive manufacturing in a single machine system.Continue Reading
advanced shipping notice (ASN)
An advanced shipping notice (ASN) is a document that provides detailed information about a pending delivery.Continue Reading
GR/IR clearing account (goods receipt/invoice receipt clearing account)
A GR/IR clearing account (goods receipt/invoice receipt clearing account) is a bookkeeping device that can be used when goods arrive before the invoice is generated or when an invoice arrives before the goods are delivered.Continue Reading
value driver
A value driver is an activity or capability that adds worth to a product, service or brand.Continue Reading
6 advantages and disadvantages of value chain analysis
Company leaders seeking to optimize efficiency and reduce costs should learn the advantages and disadvantages of value chain analysis to determine if it's the right choice.Continue Reading
Value chain vs. value stream: What are the differences?
Understanding value chains vs. value streams can be difficult, but both approaches can help companies improve their operations and customer service. Learn more.Continue Reading
PLM vs. ALM: Compare the differences
Company leaders must be aware of the critical distinctions between PLM and ALM. Learn each system's features and how they can potentially work together.Continue Reading
PLM and PDM software: Learn the differences
PLM and PDM software may seem similar, but they fulfill different needs for manufacturers. Learn the differences and which is more useful for your company.Continue Reading
strategic sourcing
Strategic sourcing is an approach to supply chain management that formalizes the way information is gathered and used.Continue Reading
Oracle, Salesforce, SAP go big into generative AI products
TechTarget editors analyze recent major introductions of generative AI products from Oracle, Salesforce and SAP.Continue Reading
Value chain vs. supply chain: What are the differences?
Although value chains and supply chains can be interchangeable, they are separate approaches to producing goods. Learn more about value chain vs. supply chain.Continue Reading
discrete manufacturing
Discrete manufacturing is an industry term for the manufacturing of finished products that are distinct items capable of being easily counted, touched or seen.Continue Reading
pick to light
Pick to light is order fulfillment technology that employs alphanumeric displays and buttons at storage locations to guide the manual picking and recording of items for shipment.Continue Reading
supply chain transformation
Supply chain transformation is the addition and integration of technology to improve supply chain performance, optimize costs and mitigate risks.Continue Reading
distribution requirements planning (DRP)
Distribution requirements planning (DRP) is a systematic process to make the delivery of goods more efficient by determining which goods, in what quantities and at what location, are required to meet anticipated demand.Continue Reading
5 uses for IoT in field service management
IoT can benefit field service management in various ways. Learn about some of its applications in FSM, including inventory management and remote monitoring.Continue Reading
ERP vs. accounting software: What are the differences?
A financial management system helps organizations efficiently record and report financial information. Discover how accounting software differs from ERP.Continue Reading
3PL (third-party logistics)
A 3PL (third-party logistics) provider offers outsourced logistics services, which encompass anything that involves management of one or more facets of procurement and fulfillment activities.Continue Reading
logistics
Logistics is the process of planning and executing the efficient transportation and storage of goods from the point of origin to the point of consumption.Continue Reading
MRP vs. MPS: What are the differences?
Learn about MRP vs. MPS, including how each focuses on different aspects of the manufacturing process but can help manufacturers in a variety of ways.Continue Reading
working capital
Working capital is the difference between a business's current assets and current liabilities.Continue Reading
How ChatGPT will transform artificial intelligence in ERP
Matt Hobbs, Microsoft practice leader at the consulting firm PwC, explains ways to embed AI in ERP and why generative AI could transform business process automation.Continue Reading
supply chain planning (SCP)
Supply chain planning (SCP) is the process of anticipating the demand for products and planning their materials and components, production, marketing, distribution and sale.Continue Reading
logistics management
Logistics management is the governance of supply chain management functions that helps organizations plan, manage and implement processes to move and store goods.Continue Reading
process manufacturing
Process manufacturing is a production method in which goods are created by combining supplies, ingredients or raw materials using a predetermined formula or recipe.Continue Reading
two-tier ERP
Two-tier ERP is a technology strategy taken by large, multinational enterprises that uses tier 1 ERP for financials and other core common processes at the corporate level and tier 2 ERP for divisions, subsidiaries and smaller locations of the ...Continue Reading
9 ERP KPIs for post-implementation success
Project leaders can ensure ERP system success by deciding on useful metrics ahead of time. Consider these 9 ERP KPIs to help measure post-implementation success.Continue Reading
Cloud CAD software helps usher in digital manufacturing era
SolidWorks and Onshape co-founder Jon Hirschtick, now chief evangelist at PTC, shares his cloud-centered vision of the future of product design technology.Continue Reading
dual sourcing
Dual sourcing is the supply chain management practice of using two suppliers for a given component, raw material, product or service.Continue Reading
asset performance management (APM)
Asset performance management (APM) is both a strategy and a set of software tools for tracking and managing the health of an organization's physical assets.Continue Reading
procure to pay (P2P)
Procure to pay is the process of requisitioning, purchasing, receiving, paying for and accounting for goods and services.Continue Reading
integrated accounting system
An integrated accounting system is a type of software that combines major financial accounting functions into one application.Continue Reading
MRP vs. MRP II: Learn the differences
MRP II software gives companies much greater control over their scheduling and production processes than MRP software. Learn more about MRP vs. MRP II.Continue Reading
cross-docking
Cross-docking is the practice of unloading goods from inbound delivery vehicles and loading them directly onto outbound vehicles.Continue Reading
budgeting, planning and forecasting (BP&F)
Budgeting, planning and forecasting (BP&F) is a three-step strategic planning process for determining and detailing an organization's long- and short-term financial goals.Continue Reading
value stream mapping
Value stream mapping is a lean manufacturing tool that visualizes every repeatable step required to deliver a product or service to the customer.Continue Reading
7 3PL KPIs that can help you evaluate success
Supply chain leaders should look at some particular KPIs to determine whether their company's 3PL provider is meeting their needs. Learn the most helpful KPIs.Continue Reading
order management
Order management is the administration of business processes related to orders for goods or services.Continue Reading
ERP and SCM: Understand the differences
Some companies' supply chain management needs may not be fulfilled by their ERP software, so they may require SCM software. Learn more about ERP and SCM software.Continue Reading
prototype
A prototype is an early version of a product from which future versions are developed.Continue Reading
Digital twins of buildings can help decarbonize environment
John Turner and Anil Sawhney of the Digital Twin Consortium explain how deploying a digital twin of a building could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Continue Reading
service supply chain
The service supply chain is the part of the supply chain dedicated to providing service on products.Continue Reading
Additive manufacturing: Learn about powder bed fusion
Powder bed fusion may cost less than other additive manufacturing approaches, but it can be time-consuming. Learn whether powder bed fusion is right for your manufacturing needs.Continue Reading
computer numerical control (CNC)
Computer numerical control (CNC) is a manufacturing method that automates the control, movement and precision of machine tools through the use of preprogrammed computer software, which is embedded inside the tools.Continue Reading
upcharge
An upcharge is an additional fee that is added to a bill after a contract has already been negotiated.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
Additive manufacturing: Learn about sheet lamination
Sheet lamination, which is one type of additive manufacturing, is a comparatively cheap and quick way to prototype products. Learn more about sheet lamination.Continue Reading
cost of goods sold (COGS)
Cost of goods sold (COGS) is the total of the costs directly attributable to producing things that can be sold.Continue Reading
order to cash (OTC or O2C)
Order to cash (OTC or O2C) is a set of business processes that involve receiving and fulfilling customer requests for goods or services.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
ServiceNow workflow can smooth ERP edges with partner help
ServiceNow vice presidents Jeff Gore and Kirsten Loegering explain what's involved in implementing the platform to improve the employee experience on ERP and HR systems.Continue Reading
Bullwhip Effect
The bullwhip effect is a supply chain phenomenon describing how small fluctuations in demand at the retail level can cause progressively larger fluctuations in demand at the wholesale, distributor, manufacturer and raw material supplier levels.Continue Reading
lean water spider
Lean water spider, or water spider, is a term used in manufacturing that refers to a position in a production environment or warehouse.Continue Reading
10 digital transformation goals to consider
Setting goals before embarking on a digital transformation will help an organization allocate resources and measure progress. Learn some common digital transformation goals.Continue Reading
Building a shared services organization structure
Amid the shifting economic climate and new reality of hybrid workforces, there's no better time for companies to consolidate business functions and centralize support services.Continue Reading
accounts receivable (AR)
Accounts receivable (AR) is an item in the general ledger (GL) that shows money owed to a business by customers who have purchased goods or services on credit.Continue Reading
Learn the 7 types of additive manufacturing
Additive manufacturing is a process in which technology creates 3D shapes by layering materials. Learn how additive manufacturing can support a company's supply chain strategy.Continue Reading
lean manufacturing (lean production)
Lean manufacturing is a methodology that focuses on minimizing waste within manufacturing systems while simultaneously maximizing productivity.Continue Reading
financial analytics
Financial analytics is the creation of ad hoc analysis to answer specific business questions and forecast possible future financial scenarios.Continue Reading
production planning
Production planning is the act of developing a guide for the design and production of a given product or service.Continue Reading
RFI (request for information)
An RFI (request for information) is a formal process for gathering information from potential suppliers of a good or service.Continue Reading
What's behind the low-code/no-code development trend in ERP?
Holger Mueller of Constellation Research says low-code/no-code development tools from ERP vendors offer significant benefits to both professional developers and non-technical business users.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
Learn the 6 digital transformation stages
Company leaders should know the six digital transformation stages so they know what to expect when undertaking the sometimes complicated and intimidating process. Learn the stages.Continue Reading
Learn the 4 types of digital transformation
A company's business requirements affect which type of digital transformation strategy is most likely to succeed. Learn more about the four types of digital transformation.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
barcode (or bar code)
A barcode (sometimes seen as two words, bar code) is the small image of lines (bars) and spaces that is affixed to retail store items, identification cards and postal mail to identify a particular product number, person or location.Continue Reading
enterprise asset management (EAM)
Enterprise asset management (EAM) is the process of managing the lifecycle of physical assets to maximize their use; save money; improve quality and efficiency; and safeguard health, safety and the environment.Continue Reading
digital twin
A digital twin is a virtual representation of a real-world entity or process.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
How to use the Excel LARGE function, with examples
The Excel LARGE function can help users who need to rank numbers in a list. Learn how to use it, some related functions and some errors to avoid when doing so.Continue Reading
Anaplan
Anaplan is a web-based enterprise platform for business planning.Continue Reading
What is a commonly overlooked step in an ERP implementation?
Overlooking critical stakeholders in an ERP implementation can negatively affect the project. Learn how including them early can help keep the project on schedule.Continue Reading
RFID vs. NFC: Learn the pros and cons of each
While NFC is a subset of RFID technology, the two have some key differences, including cost and security. Learn more about RFID vs. NFC and which works best for your organization.Continue Reading
bill of materials (BOM)
A bill of materials (BOM) is a comprehensive inventory of the raw materials, assemblies, subassemblies, parts and components, as well as the quantities of each, needed to manufacture a product.Continue Reading
Follow these steps when recovering from ERP project failure
An ERP implementation failure is a worst-case scenario. However, project leaders who follow these steps can still potentially salvage the project. Learn how to recover.Continue Reading
replenishment
Replenishment is the controlled and regular movement of inventory from an upstream point on the supply chain to a downstream location that requires sufficient stock to cover demand.Continue Reading
SWIFT FIN message
SWIFT FIN is a message type (MT) that transmits financial information from one financial institution to another.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