Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• How do I choose an effective supply chain analytics system?

  Supply chain analytics promises rich insight into operations and better decision making. Here are a host of considerations when thinking about what you need.  Continue Reading

• How can the Internet of Things benefit process manufacturing?

  IoT technologies hold promise for sectors that produce chemicals, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and other process goods. Here's a glimpse of how the technology is being used today.  Continue Reading

• How do I choose transportation management system software?

  If you're trying to determine the TMS that's right for your company, start with four considerations. They will help guide your software requirements.  Continue Reading

• Can MRP be successful without 98 percent inventory accuracy?

  Effective MRP requires prioritizing inventory accuracy and true troubleshooting over a reliance on safety stock and other compensating factors.  Continue Reading

• What is perpetual inventory and why does it matter?

  To ensure an accurate inventory balance, don't overlook the practice of perpetual inventory. Here's what you need to know.  Continue Reading

• How do we account for WIP inventory?

  It may require a manual process, but WIP inventory can – and should -- be tracked to ensure accountability.  Continue Reading

• What is your best advice for integrating software applications?

  Ian Charles, CFO of Host Analytics, advises to invest time in scoping and consider future needs when integrating software applications.  Continue Reading

• What features are best in a global transportation management system?

  Global functionality is available in the TMS market, but you should look beyond marketing materials and scrutinize your options carefully.  Continue Reading

• Is a change in logistics needed to support an omnichannel strategy?

  Having a game plan with alternatives and costs already known will allow you to influence a customer's omnichannel strategy to your advantage.  Continue Reading

• Is my warehouse system ready for an omnichannel strategy?

  An expert outlines key factors to consider when readying your warehouse system for an omnichannel strategy.  Continue Reading

• Is it possible to outsource transportation management systems?

  An expert explores two ways to outsource transportation management systems.  Continue Reading

• How can distribution requirements planning help inventory management?

  An expert explains how distribution requirements planning can help companies gain better control over their inventory and prevent shortages.  Continue Reading

• Which technologies do companies need to support product as a service?

  While companies may be considering the product as a service trend, most will need to make some profound changes to their technology infrastructure -- and their perspective on product lifecycle management -- to make the new model work.  Continue Reading

• What kind of warranty management software do manufacturers need?

  In addition to simplifying administrative tasks, warranty management software can help companies improve customer relationships. An expert outlines the technology and best practices needed for a better warranty management process.  Continue Reading

• How does wearable tech fit manufacturing needs?

  What are the most feasible, near-term applications of wearables in manufacturing and the supply chain?  Continue Reading

• When does it make sense to deploy a demand signal repository?

  A demand signal repository can aggregate sales data to help business users make better short-term demand planning decisions. But is a DSR right for your needs?  Continue Reading

• Why should companies consider ERP consolidation?

  Many companies use a mix of disconnected ERP systems and poorly integrated third-party applications that block efficiency and increase costs. An expert explains how to start consolidating ERP.  Continue Reading

• Which demand planning tools are right for your company?

  Should companies use the built-in planning capabilities of an ERP system, or select from best-of-breed demand planning tools? An expert debunks some myths about the pros and cons of each, and outlines best practices for choosing the right approach.  Continue Reading

• What's the true definition of demand management?

  The demand management market can be difficult to navigate because of the over-abundance of terms for technology and processes. What do companies really need to know about the various categories of demand management?  Continue Reading

• How can manufacturers improve field service operations?

  Equipment providers and distributors are shifting their focus to improving field service. What are some best practices and technologies that can boost customer engagement and increase sales?  Continue Reading

• What are the most promising innovations in ERP technology?

  An expert outlines recent innovations in ERP technology and their practical applications for manufacturers.  Continue Reading

• How have the capabilities and cost of RFID tags evolved?

  In the past, the cost of RFID tags has limited where RFID could be used. Today, lower prices and more advanced capabilities are starting to enable wider, more effective use.  Continue Reading

• What is item-level RFID, and how can companies benefit from it?

  In this expert response, learn how RFID is evolving and what companies can do to make item-level RFID a success.  Continue Reading

• Why executive buy-in really does matter in an ERP upgrade

  A director of manufacturing shows how lack of executive buy-in can delay deployment, and shares other ERP upgrade tips.  Continue Reading

• Best practices to ensure an ERP upgrade benefits the business

  The CIO of Ferrari shares the best practices that made the Italian automaker's Infor LN ERP upgrade a winner for business and IT.  Continue Reading

• Five steps to close the books faster

  Faster closes are a perennial goal for finance departments. These five tips can streamline your process.  Continue Reading

• Top treasury management software features for buyers

  Hyoun Park lists critical features finance managers should look for when evaluating treasury management software.  Continue Reading

• Four steps to consolidate disparate core financial systems

  Many large companies have more than one core financial system, which can inhibit data visibility. Learn how and when to consolidate.  Continue Reading

• Recognize the signs that it's time to adopt revenue recognition tech

  Hyoun Park explains the conditions when dedicated revenue recognition software becomes a 'need to have' rather than a 'nice to have.'  Continue Reading

• Prepare for the worst with supply chain risk management

  In this expert response, learn how to build a disaster-proof supply chain risk management plan.  Continue Reading

• Finding the business value of supplier relationship management software

  In this expert response, discover the features and benefits of supplier relationship management software.  Continue Reading

• Dissecting an e-procurement software system

  In this expert response, find out what makes an e-procurement system tick.  Continue Reading

• Which CPM vendors are specializing in what industries?

  The Gartner research firm says more CPM vendors are specializing in certain industries. An expert breaks them down for you.  Continue Reading

• Why finance and IT should buddy up on risk strategies

  Rob Livingstone explains how finance and IT should approach risk and define risk strategies in today's volatile business environment.  Continue Reading

• Taking the green manufacturing plunge

  In this expert response, learn how to begin and succeed with a green manufacturing initiative.  Continue Reading

• Develop supply chain integration through mergers and acquisitions

  In this expert answer, learn how to achieve successful supply chain integration.  Continue Reading

• Should the CFO sit at the top of the IT reporting structure?

  Approximately half of all IT departments roll up to the finance department. Discover how to determine if a hierarchy shakeup is in order.  Continue Reading

• Keep an eye to value in the IT budgeting process

  Don't solely focus on an IT project's price tag. Accounting for projected value and business benefit is also critical, according to Rob Livingstone.  Continue Reading

• Six reality checks to ensure a successful IT deployment

  A lot can go wrong in an IT deployment. But by taking these six gut checks, the potential for failure can be reduced.  Continue Reading

• Excel tip: Replacing nested IF formulas with VLOOKUP

  Just because Excel users can nest up to 32 functions in a single formula doesn't mean it's the best idea. Learn how to simplify nested IF formulas.  Continue Reading

• Get finance and IT to see eye-to-eye on the cloud

  Rob Livingstone gives pointers on how to help finance and IT to agree on a cloud strategy.  Continue Reading

• Five critical factors that define ROI of IT projects

  While cost is certainly an important factor in defining IT projects' ROI, Rob Livingstone recommends that companies also evaluate risk and value.  Continue Reading

• Excel tip: Find missing fractional cents

  Microsoft Excel consultant Bill Jelen, aka MrExcel, demonstrates how an auditor can locate fractional cents hidden by the Decrease Decimal icon.  Continue Reading

• Are large ERP vendors worth the price?

  In this expert response, find the pros and cons of using software from large ERP vendors.  Continue Reading

• Excel tip: Use Alt+Enter to break lines of text in a single cell

  Microsoft Excel consultant Bill Jelen, aka 'MrExcel,' shows why Alt+Enter is a more precise alternative to Wrap Text.  Continue Reading

• The reality of best-of-breed software

  In this expert response, find out how to separate best-of-breed software hype from reality.  Continue Reading

• Software application testing best practices

  In this expert response, learn the most important aspects of software application testing.  Continue Reading

• How to get IT and finance to agree on governance models

  Rob Livingstone explains why understanding tensions among IT, finance and the rest of the organization is critical to agreeing on governance models.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for manufacturing forecasting and automation

  In this expert response, learn how to best use software for manufacturing forecasting and automation projects.  Continue Reading

• Exploring hybrid ERP deployments

  In this expert response, find out how to have successful hybrid ERP deployments.  Continue Reading

• How CFOs can become trusted business partners

  The CFO role is becoming more service-oriented. Rob Livingstone provides tips on how CFOs can develop positive and influential relationships.  Continue Reading

• Seven considerations before launching driver-based planning

  When getting started with driver-based planning, Rob Livingstone recommends taking an inclusive approach and defining accountability.  Continue Reading

• Keeping ERP costs in check

  In this expert response, learn how to avoid going over your budgeted ERP costs.  Continue Reading

• Easing employees into mobile deployment

  In this expert response, find out how to get all employees on board with a mobile deployment.  Continue Reading

• Excel tip: Fill Handle tricks

  Microsoft Excel consultant Bill Jelen, aka 'MrExcel,' shows how to use the Excel Fill Handle to extend series.  Continue Reading

• Excel tip: Requiring a password to open or edit an Excel workbook

  Microsoft Excel consultant Bill Jelen, aka 'MrExcel,' explains how to set a password to open or modify an Excel workbook in this Excel tip.  Continue Reading

• Four steps to get started with rolling forecasts

  Rob Livingstone recommends validating the business case and assessing technology for rolling forecasts, among other steps.  Continue Reading

• Ask the expert: Are rolling forecasts right for every company?

  Rob Livingstone shares tips to determine whether rolling forecasts are right for a particular organization.  Continue Reading

• Ask the expert: BP&F software budget manager training tips

  Rob Livingstone shares budget manager training tips to make sure new BP&F software is successfully onboarded.  Continue Reading

• Clean ERP before new budgeting and forecasting software: Yes or no?

  Rob Livingstone explains how to decide whether or not to get ERP data in order before implementing new budgeting, planning and forecasting software.  Continue Reading

• Excel tip: Grouping worksheet sections

  Microsoft Excel consultant Bill Jelen, aka MrExcel, explains the value of the Grouping feature.  Continue Reading

• Excel tip: Suppress zero values on summary worksheets

  Microsoft Excel consultant Bill Jelen, aka "MrExcel," shows how to prevent zeros from displaying in a summary worksheet.  Continue Reading

• Excel tip: Entering numbers in thousandths

  Microsoft Excel consultant Bill Jelen, AKA MrExcel, demonstrates an adding-machine-inspired Excel trick.  Continue Reading

• Adding tick marks in Excel

  Microsoft Excel consultant Bill Jelen, AKA MrExcel, shows readers how to add tick marks in Excel step by step.  Continue Reading

• Managing mobile business computing in a manufacturing environment

  In this expert response, learn how to best manage mobile business computing devices in a manufacturing environment.  Continue Reading

• Defining business process management vs. ERP

  In this expert response, learn how business process management differs from ERP systems.  Continue Reading

• Securing mobile business apps

  In this expert response, learn how to make mobile business apps a more secure IT choice.  Continue Reading

• When to take a hybrid approach to cloud-based ERP

  In this expert response, learn when hybrid cloud deployment works for ERP.  Continue Reading

• Preparing for an ERP migration

  In this expert response, find tips for preparing data for an ERP migration project.  Continue Reading

• What are budgeting and forecasting tools for SMBs and enterprises?

  Budgeting and forecasting tools that work for a small company often won't for a large one, and vice versa. Hyoun Park explains what's right for each.  Continue Reading

• Creating a year-over-year report using an Excel pivot table

  Microsoft Excel consultant Bill Jelen, AKA "MrExcel," shows how to use a pivot table feature many Excel users aren't aware of.  Continue Reading

• Excel tip: Charting the top five customers from an invoice register

  Microsoft Excel consultant Bill Jelen, aka "MrExcel," demonstrates how to generate a chart of the top five customers in an invoice register.  Continue Reading

• Finding the next largest match with the Excel MATCH function

  Microsoft Excel consultant Bill Jelen, aka MrExcel, walks readers through an exercise on using the MATCH function.  Continue Reading

• Using VLOOKUP in a range match

  Microsoft Excel consultant Bill Jelen, AKA 'MrExcel,' walks readers through an exercise on using VLOOKUP.  Continue Reading

• How should CFOs calculate the TCO of SaaS software?

  Expert Hyoun Park explains why thinking of a SaaS software investment in terms of TCO isn't the most important consideration.  Continue Reading

• Handling DoS attacks on cloud ERP systems

  In this expert response, learn how best to respond -- and avoid -- DoS attacks.  Continue Reading

• When is it time to move away from Excel for the budgeting process?

  Expert Hyoun Park reveals the signs that it's time to adopt dedicated software for the budgeting process, instead of relying on Microsoft Excel.  Continue Reading

• Are custom mobile apps worth the effort?

  In this expert response, learn when building custom mobile apps is a good idea -- and when it's a waste of time.  Continue Reading

• How to test mobile business applications before implementation

  In this expert response, learn how to effectively test mobile business applications prior to launch.  Continue Reading

• Corporate performance management and BI: What's the difference?

  Expert Hyoun Park answers a common question that confuses many finance executives.  Continue Reading

• Identifying and developing an ERP interface

  When working with ERP and other manufacturing software systems, it's important to understand the difference between an ERP interface and ERP integration. In this expert response, learn about developing ERP interfaces.  Continue Reading

• Tips for selling CPM software and technology to business execs

  Get expert tips on getting CPM funding and learn the best ways of selling CPM software and technology to corporate executives, including examining CPM costs and creating metrics.  Continue Reading

• Using supply chain sustainability software in green initiatives

  Vendors are responding to growing numbers of green initiatives by creating applications for supply chain sustainability. In this expert response, find out how to use software to green your supply chain.  Continue Reading

• Understanding GPS manufacturing uses

  Manufacturing can apply GPS technology throughout their supply chains. In this expert response, discover GPS manufacturing uses.  Continue Reading

• Evaluating the ROI of ERP software

  ERP systems are a large investment. In this expert response, find out how to estimate the ROI of ERP software, including payback periods and business changes.  Continue Reading

• How to avoid an open source ERP software deployment failure

  Open source ERP software is a rapidly-growing technology, but deployments aren't always a success. In this expert response, learn some of the warning signs that an open source ERP deployment might fail.  Continue Reading

• How to determine if ERP cloud computing is right for your company

  Operating an ERP system in a cloud computing environment can help manufacturers save in money and labor. Learn how to determine if your manufacturing environment is right for ERP in the cloud.  Continue Reading

• How to find green ERP software and capitalize on green functionality

  More ERP vendors are adding functionality for green initiatives to ERP software. Find out how manufacturers can use ERP to meet environmental compliance metrics.  Continue Reading

• What role does standardized work play in lean manufacturing?

  Discover how standardized work can aid in lean manufacturing efforts and learn the steps to standardizing manufacturing processes in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• Toyota falling short of its own lean principles

  Find out about Toyota's lean manufacturing principles, recent lean manufacturing developments and what Toyota has planned for lean methodology.  Continue Reading

• How to implement Kanban and implementation success factors

  Learn how to implement Kanban and discover implementation tips. Find out what to avoid and what implementation success factors will help to deploy a Kanban system on the shop floor.  Continue Reading

• Recommended books for learning about lean manufacturing

  Discover some helpful books on lean manufacturing and discover other ways to learn lean manufacturing, including the benefits of a lean coach.  Continue Reading

• Starting lean manufacturing employee training courses

  Lean methodology employee training courses can be effective if well designed. Find out how to introduce employees to core lean manufacturing concepts including the objectives of lean and how to reduce waste.  Continue Reading

• How can I set up for open source ERP success?

  Interest in open source ERP software is growing among manufacturers. In this expert response, learn how to determine if open source ERP is a good business investment and read some tips on finding success with open source ERP.  Continue Reading

• Selecting ERP software for engineering-to-order (ETO) manufacturing

  Manufacturers who operate in engineering-to-order (ETO) environments have unique software needs, such as integration with computer-aided design (CAD) and collaboration with suppliers. Learn how to select ERP for ETO in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• What open source skills do we need for open source ERP success?

  Having the right in-house skills is essential to open source ERP success. Find out what your support staff needs to know about open source ERP implementation and maintenance in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• Does poor ERP training cause ERP implementation failure?

  Employee training is an important part of any ERP implementation - but when an ERP implementation project fails, how often is poor training the cause? Find out in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• Selecting the right ERP software upgrade add-ons

  Find out how to select the right ERP software upgrade add-ons to benefit your ERP upgrade package and how add-ons can boost the efficiency of your ERP system.  Continue Reading

• How to choose your ERP upgrade project team

  Learn how to choose which departments are involved in the ERP upgrade project. Find out how to select your ERP upgrade team and how to communicate critical data across your business.  Continue Reading

• Estimating your ERP implementation timeline

  Find tips for estimating your enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation timeline and learn ERP implementation stages for a successful implementation.  Continue Reading