Features

Features

• Counting beans: Enterprise accounting software explained

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

• Blockchain adoption must overcome hurdles

  Blockchain applications are not yet widespread, but here are three business models that will be affected and three hurdles to adoption that blockchain must overcome.  Continue Reading

• Integrating IoT with EAM systems can provide insights

  More EAM systems are using IoT data to offer information on systems and equipment, but it takes state-of-the-art analytics to return results quickly and get meaningful answers.  Continue Reading

• Fintech automation and AI may face trust issues

  Fintech automation is gaining the ability to negotiate and execute contracts. But users will first have to learn to trust financial automation before turning on this capability.  Continue Reading

• Why craft beer makers are tapping into ERP for craft brewery software

  As with other process manufacturers, ERP software can help craft breweries maintain quality, while better managing growth and unexpected success. Here's a look.  Continue Reading

• Integrating an EAM system with ERP makes sense, but isn't easy

  Experts say that integrating EAM and ERP systems helps organizations utilize their physical and financial assets, but they need to address challenges to make the systems work together.  Continue Reading

• The supply chain sustainability software market demystified

  Consumers care about corporate social responsibility, which means companies should, too. Here's what to know about boosting CSR efforts with supply chain sustainability software.  Continue Reading

• Major components maker ramps up AI in manufacturing

  Artificial intelligence is making inroads into manufacturing systems. Case in point is printed circuits manufacturer Jabil, which uses AI to improve its processes and products.  Continue Reading

• E-commerce packaging waste becoming a bigger issue

  With the rise of online shopping, the packaging waste is becoming more of an issue. Here's a look at why and at some of the early work to solve the problem.  Continue Reading

• Finding the root cause of ERP implementation failures

  The root cause of ERP implementation failures may be delays in decision-making. Delays add up, which wastes time and imposes extra costs on a deployment.  Continue Reading

• Survey says: ERP changes, more human-machine interactions coming by 2030

  A Dell survey finds strong belief that humans and machines will work as integrated teams within five years. ERP systems, especially inventory, will be top automation target.  Continue Reading

• Scrutinize details when buying accounting software systems

  Two resellers and a CPA offer tips on getting into the right mindset and conducting a rigorous process that pinpoints the account package that meets your current and future needs.  Continue Reading

• Manufacturer fuels growth with outcome-based services

  Saddled with an inadequate ERP field service application, PAC implemented ServiceMax to centralize field service and use service quality as a business differentiator.  Continue Reading

• Estimating cost of ERP as SaaS requires ditching old methods

  Experts suggest the true value of ERP as SaaS derives not from the early savings but from being able to use a more modern, adaptive and secure platform in the long run.  Continue Reading

• Voice user interfaces coming to the enterprise

  As enterprise UX becomes more critical, VUIs may usurp traditional interfaces. For now, learn from advice and experiments, such as FinancialForce's integration of Alexa.  Continue Reading

• Cloud-based accounting software can be hub of tailored 'ERP'

  Users explain why they chose their cloud core financial system and the thought process that goes into adding applications for key functions, like procurement, HR and case management.  Continue Reading

• Mitsubishi Imaging transforms sales with e-commerce B2C software

  When Mitsubishi Imaging wanted a B2C and B2B web store, it used Sana software to open Dynamics NAV ERP data to e-commerce. Changing business processes was the biggest challenge.  Continue Reading

• Cloud accounting software an option for scalable financials

  Organizations that outgrow their on-premises software have more choices in SaaS apps that cover most accounting and financial management needs -- without the overkill of ERP.  Continue Reading

• Automating business processes with simple rules, cloud ERP

  Experts recommend using the tools already built into ERP software -- not overlaying another system -- to achieve simpler processes, improved outcomes and reduced cost.  Continue Reading

• ROI of ERP on SaaS often in easy upgrades, new opportunities

  The case has expanded beyond the upfront savings of SaaS' early days to encompass quicker, cheaper tech upgrades and new lines of business not otherwise possible.  Continue Reading

• Why combining an EAM system with IoT means faster insight

  IoT technology is the next big thing in enterprise asset management and can help companies get richer insight more quickly. Here's a look at the promise -- and the challenges.  Continue Reading

• What are the IoT industrial automation standards to watch?

  PTC's CTO of industrial automation and former Kepware CEO Tony Paine explains why messaging technology is crucial for gathering data from connected devices.  Continue Reading

• AWS ERP migration required staff buy-in and curiosity

  East Tennessee State University is moving its ERP systems from its data center to Amazon Web Services. It's a big project, and essential to its success was getting the IT staff on board.  Continue Reading

• Critical advice on the enterprise asset management market

  Infor, SAP, Epicor and Oracle all offer EAM products. Here's a look at why you might consider one over another.  Continue Reading

• EAM systems work best when well integrated with ERP

  Asset-intensive industries that rely on the effective performance of their physical assets need to start seeing EAM and ERP systems as partners, and not competitors.  Continue Reading

• New GRC tools include analytics, AI to keep businesses safe

  As the governance, risk and compliance market changes, organizations can pass on the full-blown GRC suite and instead choose a tool that targets a specific issue.  Continue Reading

• SaaS financial software proves to be right-size ERP replacement

  A SaaS analytics vendor itself, Market6 decided the cloud technology enabled it to add the revenue recognition and financial management features it needed, without ERP.  Continue Reading

• Intelligent BPM helps connect ERP with other enterprise apps

  As more enterprises seek to overlay iBPM atop ERP systems, experts recommend they target complex processes, modularize applications and avoid extensive ERP customization.  Continue Reading

• Is Microsoft Dynamics ERP in it for the long haul?

  Microsoft may be squandering a great enterprise product set with Dynamics ERP, says one analyst, but others believe that the platform is just undergoing a shift to cloud.  Continue Reading

• How one CIO's move to cloud MES brought significant gains

  Led by Manesh Patel, Sanmina moved from an on-premises system to 42Q -- a cloud MES -- for real-time manufacturing and supply chain visibility, improved quality control and yield.  Continue Reading

• Intelligent business process management enables smarter insights

  As enterprises increasingly use data and analytics to sharpen decision-making, iBPM's connecting capabilities empowers them to make better decisions more quickly.  Continue Reading

• New report highlights next-gen manufacturing roles in the U.S.

  Research by UI LABS and ManpowerGroup identified 165 roles that'll shape the "factory of the future," and why there couldn't be a more exciting time to be in manufacturing than now.  Continue Reading

• Using predictive logistics to improve and expand supply chain visibility

  Getting real-time information on where goods are in a supply chain is commonplace with sensors and big data, but some firms use machine learning to predict more accurate ETAs.  Continue Reading

• Birmingham City University embraces Oracle ERP software

  Birmingham City University turns to Oracle ERP Cloud and HCM Cloud to revamp its IT strategy and employee-facing functions, but finds fast-paced implementation a challenge.  Continue Reading

• Why the GRC platform is fading in importance

  While GRC suites offer the promise of achieving governance, risk and compliance, their use can be problematic for companies. Here's a deeper look at the issues.  Continue Reading

• Sage Intacct's Reid on pending accounting standards changes

  In this Q&A, Rob Reid, managing director of Sage Intacct, discusses the new ASC 606 revenue recognition standards and what companies need to do to meet looming deadlines.  Continue Reading

• Compare the top ERP systems and decide which best fits your business

  With a lot riding on a successful ERP implementation, it's best to know what you're getting before you buy. Here are overviews of the top ERP systems available today.  Continue Reading

• AI for finance adoption affected by legal, ethical issues

  Some experts say that for the foreseeable future, machine learning algorithms and other AI technologies will require human oversight for finance services and data privacy.  Continue Reading

• Digital manufacturing technologies a challenge for ERP

  As the manufacturing sector undergoes digital transformation, poorly integrated ERP systems will soon be a thing of past, driving ERP vendors to reinvent.  Continue Reading

• Know your ERP requirements before an ERP implementation

  When considering an ERP implementation, make sure the training, scalability and vendor performance can meet your company's needs.  Continue Reading

• Using AI for finance is easy to imagine, but hard to do

  Chatbots, machine learning and fraud detection are real, and excitement is building for algorithms that can forecast better than humans. But true AI remains a slippery concept.  Continue Reading

• ERP's changing role in digital transformation strategy

  Panorama Consulting Solutions' founder, Eric Kimberling, discusses why ERP remains central to organizations' digital transformation strategy, the roadblocks ahead for ERP vendors and strategies to mitigate them.  Continue Reading

• The modern approach to choosing an ERP system

  Today's ERP landscape offers more options than ever before. Here's a look at how two companies took a strategic approach to choosing the right software for their needs.  Continue Reading

• SaaS financial software speeds transactions for warranty provider

  Moving financials to the cloud allowed The Warranty Group to use Salesforce to improve its customer experience and process payments and invoices faster.  Continue Reading

• Cloud ERP software eases growing pains for emergency dispatch provider

  Priority Dispatch likes Salesforce SaaS platform for ERP and CRM, but says integration was harder than advertised, and that simultaneous deployment was a mistake, in retrospect.  Continue Reading

• How Mitsubishi Hitachi benefits from additive manufacturing technology

  In this Q&A, Paul Browning of Mitsubishi Hitachi explains how additive manufacturing technology helps build gas turbine parts that are more cost-effective and energy-efficient.  Continue Reading

• ERP vendors doing more to support digital manufacturing technologies

  Efforts by SAP, Oracle, Infor and Epicor vary widely in their comprehensiveness and depth, as do their philosophies about whether to develop a separate digital manufacturing platform.  Continue Reading

• CPQ software helps Hitachi Data Systems reduce pricing complexity

  Faced with products and services that were growing in number and complexity, Hitachi Data Systems implemented CPQ software from FPX and improved its pricing and proposal process.  Continue Reading

• New 3D printer technology could be a boon to production efficiency

  Stratasys' new Continuous Build 3D Demonstrator printer technology aims to grow 3D printing in manufacturing with a cloud-connected system that improves speed and reduces costs.  Continue Reading

• Carbon displays new additive manufacturing technology

  Vendor claims new technique provides faster, more flexible production and will help make 3D printing an integral part of the manufacturing process.  Continue Reading

• Supply chain finance platforms might provide 'win-win'

  Supply chain finance enables companies, such as manufacturers, to lengthen their payment terms, while simultaneously enabling suppliers to get paid early. Here's a look.  Continue Reading

• Three promising IIoT platform options aim to improve manufacturing

  Given the exploding industrial internet of things market, surveying the choices can be overwhelming. To get you started, here's a look at three platforms and their focus areas.  Continue Reading

• Why Jabil is ramping up its 3D printing and additive manufacturing

  In a Q&A, John Dulchinos of Jabil, the world's third largest contract manufacturer, explains why it is increasingly using 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies.  Continue Reading

• Next-gen technology helps mitigate supply chain risks

  Supply chain risks can be very disruptive for a company, but technologies like IoT, big data analytics, machine learning and AI can help uncover and mitigate them.  Continue Reading

• The complexity of financial systems in the postmodern ERP era

  With businesses under pressure to operate more efficiently, the finance department must provide better insight. Here's what that means in terms of ERP-related technology.  Continue Reading

• Industrial IoT platforms proliferate while standards slowly percolate

  As frameworks from the Industrial Internet Consortium and platforms like GE Predix gain ground, an array of standards must somehow connect devices to middleware and the cloud.  Continue Reading

• The risks and rewards of a multivendor ERP strategy

  As old-school mega ERP implementations increasingly fall out of favor, companies are now picking and choosing software. Here are some of the issues that these choices create.  Continue Reading

• How specialized SaaS financial software can replace on-premises ERP

  Software-as-a-service financials often provide superior forecasting, analytics and financial close functions. Consultants share advice on choosing the right tool.  Continue Reading

• How Jabil's supply chain visibility software foiled a hurricane

  Global contract manufacturer used its Intelligent Digital Supply Chain to quickly alert supply chain managers affected by a major earthquake in Italy.  Continue Reading

• Business budgeting software boosts productivity for real estate broker

  By subscribing to cloud-based Vena, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices retains the familiarity of spreadsheets and gains major advantages in speed, accuracy and productivity.  Continue Reading

• Get smarter about supply chain visibility tools, benefits

  As technology-like sensors, IoT and analytics become more common, supply chain visibility systems can help mitigate disruptions, improve demand sensing and ensure product quality.  Continue Reading

• When building chatbot software, keep it simple and user-focused

  Deploying software robots that are truly helpful, and not just annoying or useless, takes some savvy. Experts share early lessons learned about this still-emerging technology.  Continue Reading

• Good budgeting strategy ties business plans to budgets in CPM software

  A well-prepared budget is both the product and the driver of strategic planning that gets results. Here's how the components relate, and how software oils the gears.  Continue Reading

• Top four supply chain strategies to create the omnichannel experience

  The need for omnichannel capabilities is a major force affecting modern supply chain management. Here are four ways to get strategic, so you won't be left behind.  Continue Reading

• Five best practices for using IoT in supply chain management

  Implementing IoT technology in your supply chain can enable major improvements -- but it's not easy to do. Here are five ways to make sure you get it right.  Continue Reading

• The risk analytics software your company really needs

  Risk analytics tools are more and more critical for CFOs seeking to improve operational efficiency. Just one problem: It can be hard to figure out just what those tools are.  Continue Reading

• IoT logistics technology gaining speed in freight industry

  Initially slow to take off, the internet of things is enabling sophisticated sensors that give logistics providers more visibility into inventory and freight vehicles.  Continue Reading

• ERP functionality now often attained piecemeal in cloud applications

  More organizations are foregoing monolithic ERP systems for easy-to-deploy cloud applications that do most of what they need in nimble microservices and access to customer data.  Continue Reading

• Intelligent ERP poised to transform business as we know it

  Intelligent ERP systems are inevitable, according to IDC analyst Mickey North Rizza, so organizations need to plan how they will adopt them and prepare employees.  Continue Reading

• ERP hybrid cloud architecture causes integration headaches

  More manufacturers are choosing a mix of cloud providers and on-premises systems. A hybrid cloud model can provide the full range of ERP functions.  Continue Reading

• Why passing on cyber-risk insurance could be a big mistake

  Insurance that covers data breaches and risk to consumers' personally identifiable information has been slow to catch on in the manufacturing sector. Here's why you might still need it.  Continue Reading

• What the CFO must know about EAM software -- and why it matters

  Enterprise asset management is both a strategy and software. Here's what it is, why it matters to your company's success and how it's different from closely related technologies.  Continue Reading

• AP automation software saves time and paper at Wildman Business Group

  ABBYY FlexiCapture for Invoices seeks to cut costs, save time and improve accuracy by automating the payment of invoices for SMBs, such as Wildman Business Group in Indiana.  Continue Reading

• Q&A: IDC's Simon Ellis on the supply chain software market

  In this Q&A, supply chain expert Simon Ellis of IDC discusses the supply chain software market, why it has been slower to embrace the cloud and why this may be changing.  Continue Reading

• Get smart about IIoT security risks in manufacturing

  For manufacturers, IoT technology brings new cyber-risks. Here's what you should know about keeping your systems safe from hackers.  Continue Reading

• Cloud ERP move requires grasp of different types of cloud computing

  'Cloud' is such a marketing buzzword that it can obscure the type of infrastructure you'll get with a new ERP system. Here's a primer on the different types of cloud computing.  Continue Reading

• CFOs turning to risk analytics software to spot financial, operational threats

  Regulatory compliance, loan covenants and currency risk are common targets, as organizations sift through ERP and other data looking for patterns that might give early warning.  Continue Reading

• The top five supply chain trends companies must address now

  Your company's supply chain is essential to making your customer happy -- and to making sure your company doesn't get left behind. Here's what you should know to ensure both.  Continue Reading

• How a triple bottom line approach benefits your company

  Increasingly, consumers are demanding that companies create strong sustainability and social responsibility efforts. Here's what you need to know.  Continue Reading

• Take it slow when planning a move to cloud-based ERP software

  Cloud ERP can be running in a fraction of the time of on-premises ERP, which makes it tempting to skip the careful early planning that can make business processes more efficient.  Continue Reading

• Mobile logistics technology takes long route to consumer-grade devices

  Mobility is nothing new to logistics operations in the warehouse and on the road, but finding the right place for smartphones, wearables and tablets takes careful planning.  Continue Reading

• Why benefits of 3D printing are attracting more manufacturers

  Manufacturing companies are looking into more and more ways to incorporate additive manufacturing. Here's a look at some of the reasons and ways 3D printing use is evolving.  Continue Reading

• 3D printing company Carbon selects Oracle Cloud ERP

  Carbon, a young company with an innovative new 3D printing technology, says using Oracle Cloud ERP for its business applications will help to ensure long-term platform stability.  Continue Reading

• Tools and best practices you'll need for a hybrid ERP implementation

  If you're moving some of your business processes to the cloud and leaving some on premises, a sound ERP integration strategy is critical. Here's advice on creating one.  Continue Reading

• Which hybrid ERP business processes should you move to the cloud?

  Hybrid ERP -- a mix of cloud and on-premises applications -- will be the reality for many companies for years to come. Here's one manufacturer's experience, as well as advice from experts.  Continue Reading

• Plex cloud ERP system proves to be mobility catalyst for manufacturer

  Quatro Composites knew easy, widespread access to production and customer data was at the core of its vision for ERP. A cloud ERP system was the logical route.  Continue Reading

• Why ERP mobility requires enterprises to be proactive

  Historically, enterprise resource planning systems were designed to stay firmly -- and securely -- put. That's why you'll need to address multiple challenges to achieve mobile ERP.  Continue Reading

• Supply chain tool speeds funding of invoices and improves cash flow

  High-end application developer Atimi Software uses cloud-based PrimeRevenue to trade receivables from Kellogg to financiers and receive earlier payments in exchange for small fee.  Continue Reading

• With ruggedized devices, how much does the mobile OS even matter?

  Adapting to an environment for a specific purpose is the main criterion for ruggedized devices, but that could start to change with more capable versions of Android and Windows.  Continue Reading

• How do the three main OSes compare for rugged mobile computers?

  Apple iOS is losing ground to its competitors for good reason, but the rise of mobility management tools and HTML5 make the device OS choice less crucial than in the past.  Continue Reading

• Epicor ERP system helps ChemArt ornament the holidays

  Specialty ornament manufacturer ChemArt implemented an Epicor ERP system that has reduced data redundancy and greatly improved manufacturing processes.  Continue Reading

• Where the industrial IoT vulnerabilities lurk in your plant

  When you connect manufacturing machinery to the internet, you've created a potential gateway for hackers. Here's a look at the risks you might be facing.  Continue Reading

• Financial management tool scores performance at burger restaurants

  Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews uses cloud-based Anaplan for calculating scorecards on business metrics at restaurants and for giving operators access to budgets and forecasts.  Continue Reading

• Six essentials to becoming a data-driven company

  If you want to harness the power of analytics and automation to ensure your organization's relevance, you'll have to create a culture of data. Here's how.  Continue Reading

• Blockchain not a panacea for supply chain traceability, transparency

  Many in manufacturing are excited about blockchain's ability to verify goods moving through the supply chain. Unfortunately, the technology's readiness might not be what it seems.  Continue Reading

• Procure-to-pay software becoming a sophisticated tool for CFOs

  Most companies start out with P2P systems just to automate invoicing and procurement, but the savviest ones know how to tap them as working capital and cash-flow engines.  Continue Reading

• The top seven ERP trends for 2017 -- and beyond

  The monolithic ERP systems of yesteryear are going the way of the dinosaur, and the future is bringing a growing number of enterprise system changes. Here are seven.  Continue Reading

• Slow in coming, ERP mobility boosted by cloud, web application tools

  Analysts say legacy vendors are reluctant to rewrite code, but cloud ERP offers an inherent advantage for viewing reports and analytics on smartphones and tablets.  Continue Reading

• No one-size-fits-all strategy for cloud ERP software migration

  Experts say a cloud ERP transition plan will vary according to a variety of factors, from company size to an organization's predisposition for risk.  Continue Reading

• Who's the leader in mobile OS market share for ruggedized devices?

  Google's Android rules the roost in consumer devices and is gaining on the many flavors of Microsoft Windows that dominate mobile OS market share in manufacturing.  Continue Reading