Features

Features

• How to build a successful digital manufacturing strategy

  Digital manufacturing has the power to transform every step of the manufacturing process. Here's how to think about exploring it so that your company reaps the most benefits.  Continue Reading

• 3D technology, additive manufacturing speeds production

  3D modeling, printing and prototyping are transforming how products get designed, manufactured and marketed. Experts explain how 3D technology is transforming manufacturing.  Continue Reading

• Mapping out a cloud migration strategy for your financials

  Once you decide to move financial data and applications to the cloud, you'll need a cloud migration strategy so nothing falls through the cracks. Read how one finance director made the move.  Continue Reading

• SAP Ariba streamlines the full e-procurement process

  Organizations can improve efficiency and lower costs with cloud-based SAP Ariba procurement software, offering complete service throughout the e-procurement process.  Continue Reading

• Know your options in cloud-based financial software

  Several experts said multi-tenant SaaS is a good fit for SMBs, while large enterprises are more capable of handling hybrid or public clouds for their financial software.  Continue Reading

• Cloud financials are tricky balance of functions, platforms

  Analysts see a strong push for putting financials and accounting in the cloud -- once CFOs address a host of fundamental decisions, such as which functions to move.  Continue Reading

• Manufacturers begin to embrace cloud ERP software

  Manufacturers have been slower to embrace cloud ERP software, but more options and familiarity with the technology are spurring more companies to move to the cloud.  Continue Reading

• Reduce costs and improve spending with e-procurement tools

  High costs and maverick spending are just a few of the reasons that lead companies to implement e-procurement tools. We examine more use scenarios for e-procurement software.  Continue Reading

• Basware Purchase-to-Pay features e-procurement tool

  Basware's Purchase-to-Pay software package, made up of multiple modular components, features cloud-based e-procurement software to support organizations of all sizes.  Continue Reading

• E-procurement software uses cloud to its fullest abilities

  Cloud technology makes e-procurement software more affordable than ever and gives users the ability to make data-driven procurement decisions from distributed locations.  Continue Reading

• Sensor data boon spurs supply chain analytics applications

  Supply chain analytics has grown in fits and starts, but cheaper, better-integrated RFID and new IoT-based sensors may be providing the boost it needs to prove its value.  Continue Reading

• Cloud financials taking hold in public sector, SMBs

  Analysts say that with security concerns mostly allayed, government, academia and service companies are becoming heavy users of cloud financials, especially SaaS.  Continue Reading

• Cloud financial software can be a safe bet with preparation

  The controller at benefits provider Hodges-Mace did extra research to ensure that the FinancialForce SaaS offering had good security. One analyst said such diligence is essential.  Continue Reading

• Cloud accounting for small business focus of big shift

  Intacct cloud software provides Education Pioneers with real-time collaboration, more detailed expenses and faster closing of books than on-premises QuickBooks.  Continue Reading

• A PLM systems comparison of the industry's top tools

  Knowing the constraints of an industry and if your company plans to implement a cloud strategy are just some factors to consider when performing a PLM systems comparison.  Continue Reading

• Collaboration and flexibility focus of Aras Innovator

  With flexibility and collaboration the core focus, Aras Innovator offers enterprises a PLM tool they can configure to meet their needs.  Continue Reading

• Arena PLM specializes in medical equipment validation

  Manage the lifecycles of complex products in the medical device and consumer electronics industries with Arena PLM, a scalable, cloud-delivered set of PLM tools.  Continue Reading

• SAP product lifecycle management provides flexibility with varied implementation

  SAP's flexible PLM system gives discrete and process manufacturers a broad range of options for hosting, implementation, functions and features.  Continue Reading

• Mobile financial apps becoming more common

  More users are demanding anywhere, anytime access to financial applications. Software providers are responding with mobile financial apps to meet users' needs.  Continue Reading

• Manage a product from ideation to retirement with Oracle PLM

  Tailored for most industry verticals, Oracle PLM offers a variety of product lifecycle management software on premises, in a managed cloud and in the Oracle Cloud.  Continue Reading

• Mobile experience highlight of Autodesk PLM 360

  For businesses small and large, Autodesk PLM 360 is PLM software that provides a broad range of functions, enhanced by a custom-designed mobile experience.  Continue Reading

• The Siemens product lifecycle management software suite

  The Siemens product lifecycle management software suite comes with loads of different product design and development tools, and is customizable for enterprises' needs.  Continue Reading

• Traits that make for an effective financial IT project team

  Every CFO wants a financial IT project team that's able to execute complex projects successfully. Learn what characteristics to look for when shaping your team.  Continue Reading

• Choosing a PLM system for your company? Start with strategy

  Knowing the scope of the PLM tool and understanding how the PLM system should be implemented can help you select the best tool for your enterprise.  Continue Reading

• CIO feels the pain of an outdated, hard-to-use SAP ERP system

  Studies show that users want more functionality and ease of use from their ERP software. The city of Palo Alto, for one, is taking steps to update its SAP ERP system.  Continue Reading

• The ENOVIA PLM meant to target shorter cycle times

  Dassault Systèmes intends for the ENOVIA PLM tool to enable more efficient product collaboration between designers and engineers, and, in turn, streamline product development.  Continue Reading

• PTC Windchill: PLM technology that's a breeze to use

  PTC Windchill is PLM technology designed for Internet of Things connectivity and data gathering. It's designed to be easy to use and deploy in the cloud or on premises.  Continue Reading

• Synergis aims to provide proficient PLM tool with Adept PDM

  Adept PDM, a scalable PLM tool from Synergis, may allow enterprises to manage product data throughout the entire product lifecycle.  Continue Reading

• PLM tools can cure and prevent product development ailments

  Whether your company needs a cure or wants to take preventative measures, PLM tools can solve a range of product development issues. Here's how to diagnose your enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Cloud sparking innovation in ERP financial systems

  Analysts might suggest that innovation in ERP financial systems is moribund, but thanks to the increasing popularity of the cloud, ERP financials may instead be coming back to life.  Continue Reading

• What can PLM technology do for enterprises?

  Product lifecycle management can be an opaque topic. Here's help understanding exactly what PLM technology is and how it can help your company innovate.  Continue Reading

• Tablet use, mobility in the manufacturing sector gains traction

  Analysts say tablet use is on the rise in the manufacturing sector. As an illustration, here's a look at how Kawasaki Motors is using mobility to drive operational efficiencies.  Continue Reading

• Why cloud ERP software is the best choice for manufacturing SMBs

  Small and medium-sized manufacturers pursue cloud ERP software for lower costs, easier maintenance and greater flexibility. Learn how some SMBs have benefited by moving to the cloud.  Continue Reading

• Cloud ERP platform becoming likely choice for manufacturing SMBs

  Manufacturing SMBs are finding a cloud ERP platform to be their best option. It gives them the advantages of a world-class organization without the cost.  Continue Reading

• Cloud business budgeting software gains in large enterprises

  Intel Security, LinkedIn, Spotify, Golden State Warriors and HomeServices of America this year turned to the cloud for financial planning and analysis.  Continue Reading

• Take a closer look at SAP Business Suite

  The HANA-powered SAP Business Suite 7 is the company's most robust offering yet, giving businesses faster ERP applications and new analytics.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Dynamics AX: ERP business software for the upper midmarket

  Microsoft Dynamics AX is at the high end of the company's Dynamics line, and is available on-premises, hosted or in the Azure public cloud.  Continue Reading

• Infor SyteLine builds on legacy with SaaS, analytics

  Infor SyteLine is an ERP product designed for companies to connect business activities across departments through cloud or on-premises deployment.  Continue Reading

• PeopleSoft ERP suite excels at human capital management

  PeopleSoft ERP software aims to help enterprises recruit and retain top talent, while offering financial and supply chain modules.  Continue Reading

• JD Edwards EnterpriseOne takes legacy into the future

  Oracle JD Edwards takes its EnterpriseOne 9.1 to the next level, with ERP software that supports mobile, Internet of Things and cloud computing.  Continue Reading

• Epicor ERP: Flexible applications with vertical-industry appeal

  Epicor ERP targets midmarket industries that run the gamut and is designed for global scalability and configurability.  Continue Reading

• Sage 100 targets small businesses with on-premises and cloud ERP

  Sage says entry-level ERP is scalable to mid-size Sage 300 and enterprise Sage 500 systems.  Continue Reading

• Budgeting and forecasting software sparks change at Hames

  Hames Corp. CFO Max Rule challenges the status quo with Centage budgeting and forecasting software and video software for self-checkout.  Continue Reading

• 3D printing a key piece of digital manufacturing puzzle

  Barriers to production-class uses of 3D printing are falling, causing digital manufacturers to ramp up its use.  Continue Reading

• Augmented reality provides a change of perspective for manufacturers

  Augmented reality, which enhances the physical world with digital data and images, could make industrial repairs easier.  Continue Reading

• Digital manufacturing helps manufacturers reduce risk

  Digital manufacturing software helps manufacturers plan, simulate and optimize production processes before adding costly infrastructure and tooling.  Continue Reading

• Big data revolution takes root among manufacturers

  The big data revolution is making its way into manufacturing, where big data and analytics are being used to solve critical business problems.  Continue Reading

• ERP platform giants push into SMB market

  With more tailored offerings available, SMB customers look to ERP platform vendors SAP and Oracle for on-premises or cloud products.  Continue Reading

• ERP cloud services reach a new level of maturity

  A wider range of software choices and growing familiarity with clouds are encouraging even skeptical manufacturing executives to consider ERP cloud services.  Continue Reading

• Financial close management software aids finance greatly

  Finance has an ongoing requirement to close the books faster and cheaper -- and financial close management software can help achieve that goal.  Continue Reading

• Product data management software: Secret weapon for manufacturing performance?

  Manufacturers today rely on technology such as product data management software to manage critical product data, especially when problems arise.  Continue Reading

• Master data management software helps manufacturers control product data

  Strategic tools in master data management software can also improve ROI of ERP systems.  Continue Reading

• The move to SaaS-based applications remains a gradual process

  More organizations are moving business applications off-premises, relying on technology once thought of as cutting-edge, like software as a service—but full steam ahead it’s not.  Continue Reading

• Options abound from manufacturing ERP vendors

  Companies evaluating manufacturing ERP products have many options. Understand your needs to ensure a vendor can meet your specific requirements.  Continue Reading

• E2open boosts sales and operations planning at outsourcer

  Radisys was able to sync plans with China manufacturer after integrating SAP ERP with Steelwedge S&OP and E2open's E2 PR in a hybrid cloud system.  Continue Reading

• Use balanced scorecards to follow through on business strategy

  Balanced scorecards are deceptively powerful tools for defining and tracking key metrics and objectives.  Continue Reading

• Users laud the benefits of tax provisioning software

  Faster closes, automatic uploads, more consistency -- just a few of the advantages companies that scrap Excel for a tax provisioning system can reap.  Continue Reading

• ERP upgrades open a world of infrastructure choices

  ERP upgrades go beyond the usual server and storage sizing to consider a host of new technologies.  Continue Reading

• Is consolidating disparate ERP financial systems worth it?

  While simplifying the financial systems landscape is a smart goal, experts say standardizing on one ERP system might be overkill.  Continue Reading

• Create strategy maps to align business processes with goals

  Strategy maps can help companies choose their key objectives and get every department moving in the same direction.  Continue Reading

• ReconNET streamlines credit card reconciliation at Panera

  Trintech's ReconNET reconciliation software helped cafe chain Panera bake more visibility and efficiency into the credit card reconciliation process.  Continue Reading

• Consumer devices expand mobile warehouse management

  Inexpensive consumer-grade devices are gradually opening the door to new use cases for mobile warehouse management.  Continue Reading

• WMS-TMS integration brings clearer operational views

  Warehouse management and transportation management systems software can boost operational efficiency while improving customer service.  Continue Reading

• MES-PLM integration creates clearer manufacturing visibility

  Manufacturers are using MES-PLM systems integration to get a better understanding of enterprise performance.  Continue Reading

• Spreadsheet governance tools make corporate finance Excel use feasible

  But be warned: A user of spreadsheet governance software clarifies that feasible isn't the same as desirable, or even good.  Continue Reading

• Secrets to PLM implementation success

  PLM implementation has the potential for sweeping business transformation, yet practitioners advise targeting specific pain points and building on those early successes.  Continue Reading

• Is ERP technology going nowhere -- or everywhere?

  ERP technology is going to pieces in loosely coupled cloud apps, embedded analytics, Business Processes as a Service -- and integration headaches.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: Back to basics with ERP 101

  In this FAQ, find answers to the most common ERP questions. Learn about different types of ERP modules, the software selection process and more.  Continue Reading

• How big data is expanding FP&A capabilities

  Steve Player explains how collecting and analyzing big data can make the financial planning and analysis (FP&A) function more agile.  Continue Reading

• Before buying GRC tools, build framework and clear requirements

  When implementing governance, risk management and compliance tools, start small and know that GRC projects are ongoing endeavors that require upkeep.  Continue Reading

• Integration is key for GRC tools to provide comprehensive risk view

  Governance, risk management and compliance tools help a company compare its risk profile to its appetite, but only if you properly integrate them.  Continue Reading

• Data visualization tools bring finance data into focus for operations

  Data visualization tools can help bring data traditionally contained within finance to the rest of the business -- in a readily digestible format.  Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of two-tier ERP

  The right two-tier ERP approach can deliver some of the benefits of standardization without too much cost or complexity.  Continue Reading

• ERP system integration poses ongoing challenges

  Despite improvements on the technical front, ERP system integration faces new obstacles, such as cloud and mobility.  Continue Reading

• Batch scheduling and demand-driven manufacturing can coexist, experts say

  By understanding the benefits -- and limitations -- of demand-driven manufacturing and batch scheduling, manufacturers can optimize both.  Continue Reading

• Companies respond to customer needs with demand-driven manufacturing

  Demand-driven manufacturing can help companies react to rapid market changes -- and save money in the process.  Continue Reading

• Using the cloud for rapid deployment of FP&A technology

  Steve Player explains five key advantages to using cloud applications in financial planning and analysis and dispels two common objections.  Continue Reading

• What closing the books reveals about a finance function's health

  Find out why one expert thinks focusing on faster monthly closes could diagnose larger problems within the finance function.  Continue Reading

• Choosing an EPM software vendor: Know what questions to ask

  The two-part buyer's guide concludes with advice on key variables to look for in enterprise performance management software and vendors.  Continue Reading

• Machine-to-machine technology automates the warehouse

  Machine-to-machine technology is a handy tool for automating warehouse operations.  Continue Reading

• Excel automation tools save time but don't eliminate error potential

  Users say Excel automation tool Spreadsheet Server reduces manual data entry, but it doesn't nix Excel snags. Analysts say it's typical of the category.  Continue Reading

• Decoding active and passive RFID tags

  Active and passive RFID differs greatly in terms of functionality and cost. Here's what you need to know about the flavors of RFID.  Continue Reading

• Q&A: Overall equipment effectiveness metrics for real-time visibility

  Expert Matthew Littlefield explains how these long-used efficiency measures can support real-time visibility in manufacturing.  Continue Reading

• Head of IT at Pandora urges IT to embrace cloud applications

  Cloud applications can free up time for more innovation, according to the vice president of enterprise information services at Pandora.  Continue Reading

• Four tips for faster financial consolidation

  Users and experts say that collaboration, automation and a defined schedule can cut back the days to close.  Continue Reading

• GPS technology steers towards the manufacturing supply chain

  Rather than replacing other AIDC technologies, GPS complements bar code and RFID technology and is typically deployed for logistics tracking.  Continue Reading

• Know the SCOR model to build strong supply chain metrics

  By following the SCOR model, manufacturers can put supply chain metrics in place to ensure enterprise-wide success.  Continue Reading

• Budgeting and forecasting software rescues firm from 'spreadsheet hell'

  Adaptive Planning's SaaS budgeting, planning and forecasting tools cater to NPD Group's global needs in a way that Excel couldn't.  Continue Reading

• Strategies for collaborative planning with S&OP

  In this book chapter excerpt, find strategies to design and implement collaborative sales and operations planning.  Continue Reading

• Minimize risk in cloud ERP integrations

  Companies considering cloud ERP integration can take steps to minimize risk, according to one analyst.  Continue Reading

• Proper ERP testing essential for successful implementation

  In this book chapter excerpt, learn how to ensure successful system implementations through ERP testing best practices.  Continue Reading

• Best practices to estimate accurate ERP schedules, budgets in an ERP project

  In this book chapter excerpt, find out how to estimate ERP project schedules and budgets and avoid common pitfalls.  Continue Reading

• Six data privacy questions to ask SaaS financial software vendors

  The answers to these questions can help CFOs shake data privacy fears and feel more confident about moving financials to the cloud.  Continue Reading

• Manufacturing requirements planning: The four critical questions answered

  Read a key chapter in the recently revised and updated "Orlicky's Material Requirements Planning," considered by some to be a landmark book by one of the pioneers of MRP.  Continue Reading

• Overcoming lean manufacturing challenges

  In this book chapter, learn how to overcome lean manufacturing challenges and common obstacles to lean success.  Continue Reading

• Supply chain management (SCM) and business intelligence (BI): Questions about integration

  Integrating SCM and BI can boost the effectiveness supply chain analytics. SCM BI integration can be tricky, so before you get started, find answers to some common SCM and BI questions.  Continue Reading

• Integrating supply chain management (SCM) and global positioning system (GPS) FAQ

  Supply chain management (SCM) can work with a global positioning system (GPS) to create a powerful logistics data network. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about SCM GPS integration.  Continue Reading

• SCM CRM FAQ: Integration tips

  Supply chain management (SCM) and customer relationship management (CRM) software can work together to strengthen connections with and better serve a manufacturer's customers. These common SCM CRM questions are a good place to get started when ...  Continue Reading

• SCM and PLM: Questions about integration

  Integrating your supply chain management (SCM) software with your product lifecycle management (PLM) software optimizes the capabilities of both systems. Before getting started, read answers to some SCM PLM integration questions.  Continue Reading

• Manufacturing execution system (MES) FAQ

  Manufacturing execution system (MES) software, which analyzes processes across manufacturing organizations, can be complicated. Read on to learn more about how MES works and find answers to some common MES FAQs.  Continue Reading