Features

Features

• Bright spots amid sparse cloud ERP adoption

  With all the talk of cloud ERP services, manufacturers hesitant to move to the cloud risk being left behind. But there are ways to -- cautiously -- stay ahead of the curve.  Continue Reading

• Fan manufacturer airs out its cloud data storage challenges with EMC

  Manufacturer Greenheck is storing and sharing its data in the cloud using EMC's VNX platform.  Continue Reading

• CFOs reap the benefits of BPM tools in efficiency, compliance

  BPM tools can help CFOs reduce errors and enhance the accuracy of reporting and forecasting, experts say.  Continue Reading

• CFOs can seize opportunity to lead good governance over IT

  Get tips from experts on how to enact good IT governance by getting the right people to do the right processes.  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

• Bunting Bearings streamlines product content management with ThomasNet

  A bearings manufacturer picks ThomasNet's Navigator Platform to move its product catalog online and reach more customers.  Continue Reading

• GE customizes asset management tool JackBe Presto

  The water and power division of the manufacturing giant used the BI suite to harness real-time operational intelligence into its capital assets.  Continue Reading

• IaaS business scales faster with Zuora billing software

  While a user testified to the benefits of Zuora specialty billing software, an expert said the niche tool is not necessary for all.  Continue Reading

• Industrial supply company refines product data with Stibo MDM software

  When Grainger wanted to get a better handle on its product data, it turned to master data management (MDM) software from Stibo.  Continue Reading

• ACCO automates hiring process with iCIMS talent acquisition software

  Global manufacturer ACCO Brands has leveraged iCIMS' talent acquisition software to improve its hiring process.  Continue Reading

• Machine-to-machine technology automates the warehouse

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

• Small businesses compete in e-commerce with same-day shipping

  Following mammoths like Amazon and eBay, smaller manufacturers are beginning to pack up their goods the day they're ordered. The industry might never be the same with same-day shipping.  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

• RFID technology options evolve beyond tags

  As basic RFID technology matures, new options are emerging to bring visibility and efficiency to the supply chain. Here are five to keep an eye on.  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

• Manufacturer cuts seven systems down to one with Plex Systems ERP

  When CCI implemented the SaaS ERP suite from Plex Systems, it took the pressure off its one-person IT department.  Continue Reading

• CPM suite adding more BI, tax functions according to Magic Quadrant

  In part two of this Q&A, a co-author of the 2013 Gartner Magic Quadrant for CPM describes where BI and CPM might overlap.  Continue Reading

• Magic Quadrant for CPM suite defines tactical, strategic CPM

  In part one of this Q&A, a co-author of the 2013 Gartner Magic Quadrant for CPM explains why strategic CPM is rising in popularity.  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

• Cloud supply chain software taking off

  The growth of cloud supply chain software options is opening new doors for manufacturers of all sizes.  Continue Reading

• RFID market expanding with new technology options

  A wide range of new technologies is keeping the RFID market alive and well.  Continue Reading

• Cold medicine maker chooses cloud ERP over legacy system upgrade

  Despite a bumpy implementation, one CFO said cloud ERP software from NetSuite has helped shorten the financial close and boosted data visibility.  Continue Reading

• Manufacturing mobility rises while MDM adoption lags behind

  Mobile devices are becoming more commonplace in manufacturing organizations, but the necessary mobile security measures are not being made.  Continue Reading

• Better analytics key to unlocking supply chain financials' possibilities

  Supply chain financials can boost manufacturing, but data accessibility is often a hurdle.  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

• Smaller manufacturers aim to speed shipping times in an Amazon world

  Facing pressure from e-commerce giants like Amazon, manufacturers are turning to software systems to help achieve same-day shipping.  Continue Reading

• Who's blocking the adoption of cloud financial accounting software?

  Experts say that at some organizations, IT might play a bigger role in the slow adoption of cloud-based financial accounting software than finance.  Continue Reading

• For the finance function, IDC analyst sees more risk management ahead

  In this Q&A, find out how one expert thinks cloud adoption and 'big data' analytics will affect the finance function in the short and the long term.  Continue Reading

• Specialty Products gets order automation, fast shipping with VAI ERP

  Manufacturer Specialty Products started from the ground up when it ditched its MRP and implemented the VAI ERP system.  Continue Reading

• With ERP, integrated platform doesn't always mean integrated data

  One city adopted Infor to integrate HR and finance, but an expert warns that buying several modules from one ERP vendor might not have the desired result.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for effective mobile manufacturing

  Make the most of mobile manufacturing with these best practices for development, implementation and security.  Continue Reading

• Beckman Coulter boosts shipping visibility with Oracle Transportation Management

  When Beckman Coulter wanted to improve data visibility on its shipping side, it turned to Oracle Transportation Management.  Continue Reading

• SCOR 11 goes closed-loop with new release

  Looking at the new release of SCOR 11, SCM expert William Newman talks about and what it means for supply chain practitioners and software makers.  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

• Manufacturing reshoring grows as outsourcing costs rise

  In the wake of increased fuel costs and higher wages for overseas workers, manufacturing reshoring is slowly becoming a reality in the U.S.  Continue Reading

• Retailer's SaaS CPM tool takes budget tasks from Excel, leaves others

  The Container Store replaced Excel with Adaptive Planning corporate performance management software only where it had to -- budgeting, forecasting, reporting.  Continue Reading

• Experts predict big moves in enterprise mobile apps, cloud in 2013

  Emerging markets and younger executives will encourage growth in areas like mobile and cloud in 2013, experts say.  Continue Reading

• Cloud computing, mobile top manufacturing technology in 2012

  Machine-to-machine tools are among the top manufacturing technology trends of 2012.  Continue Reading

• Will 2013 be the year for SaaS financial management software?

  CFOs warming to the cloud and an increase in viable products have enabled a greater adoption of SaaS financial management software, experts say.  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

• Radio frequency identification tags technology finds supply chain niche

  RFID technology is steadily helping manufacturers gain visibility and intelligently track product throughout the supply chain.  Continue Reading

• Panorama Consulting talks International Financial Reporting Standards and ERP

  The International Financial Reporting Standards are coming. What does it really mean for U.S. companies?  Continue Reading

• Bar code technology remains most popular AIDC

  Combining cost and simplicity, bar code technology remains a time-tested way for manufacturers to track products through the supply chain.  Continue Reading

• Supply chain sustainability leader at DuPont works for greener world

  In this industry leader profile, DuPont's Peter Murray reflects on his career in supply chain sustainability.  Continue Reading

• Software mobility, cloud commerce, Dodd-Frank areas to watch in 2013

  Industry expert William Newman looks ahead for trends to watch in 2013, including cloud commerce and software mobility.  Continue Reading

• Varian streamlines customer service with remote monitoring software

  Varian Medical Systems is using Axeda's remote monitoring software to quickly and efficiently service customers all over the world.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for successful demand-driven manufacturing

  Before embarking on a journey to demand-driven manufacturing, model the inventory environment and then focus on planning and execution.  Continue Reading

• Technologies that enable demand-driven manufacturing

  Manufacturers can leverage technologies from ERP to sales and operations planning to smooth the transition to a demand-driven supply network.  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

• Revenue recognition software helps tech vendors meet accounting rules

  Changes in how companies must report revenue from bundled products creates huge accounting hassles; learn how revenue recognition software is helping CFOs with this struggle.  Continue Reading

• Early adopter CDF finds flexibility in IFS mobile enterprise applications

  When CDF Corporation agreed to beta test the new IFS TouchApps, it found faster ways to report and share manufacturing data.  Continue Reading

• Recurring revenue management software a wise investment, experts say

  Analysts say the release of ServiceSource Renew On Demand could signal the creation of a new product category.  Continue Reading

• Is 'Excel-ling' at corporate performance management even possible?

  Companies that try to use Microsoft Excel for corporate performance management will come up against its inherent limitations, writes one expert.  Continue Reading

• M2M software options expanding for manufacturers

  Larger wireless networks are allowing M2M software vendors to offer expanded services, which can benefit manufacturers.  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

• Tips for managing ERP software consultants

  The right consultant can make an ERP project run smoothly -- and the wrong one can throw everything off track. Learn tips for choosing the right one.  Continue Reading

• SaaS manufacturing shows impressive growth, survey says

  According to a survey by Mint Jutras, manufacturers aren't lagging behind with SaaS adoption -- they're leading the way.  Continue Reading

• Small businesses get savvy with SaaS financial management software

  QuickBooks Online's cloud, mobile and global capabilities help bring SMBs up to speed on the latest trends.  Continue Reading

• New mobile devices expand technology options for manufacturers

  Manufacturers have no shortage of options when it comes to mobile hardware. The challenge is finding the right fit for each business need.  Continue Reading

• Machine-to-machine technology bridges real-time communication gaps

  Machine-to-machine (M2M) technology gives manufacturers access to real-time information, whether their machines are across the plant or across the globe.  Continue Reading

• Can cloud computing make manufacturing compliance easier?

  Manufacturers are assessing whether the cloud can help meet sustainability goals and compliance standards.  Continue Reading

• Five secrets to successful on-premises BI projects

  Maintaining a strong partnership between IT and the business is key to ensuring that on-premises BI initiatives stay on track and deliver real value.  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

• Get ahead of the curve with mobile procurement

  With mobile devices now a part of daily life, manufacturers that want to stay current must learn how to manage applications like mobile procurement.  Continue Reading

• SaaS financial management software the best value for retailer

  When choosing financial management software to bolster and eventually replace a legacy ERP system, the team at Jordan's Furniture went with SaaS.  Continue Reading

• What's ahead for logistics management technology?

  In the future, manufacturers will tighten up their logistics practices due to the high cost of oil, among other factors.  Continue Reading

• Midmarket firms are adopting cloud-based ERP piece by piece

  The technology that put all that data in the cloud has improved quite a bit over the years, and industry watchers say adoption will grow at a decidedly steady pace.  Continue Reading

• More manufacturers hit the road with mobile logistics management

  Manufacturers that own fleets are adopting smartphones for their truck drivers to use for delivery confirmation and other apps.  Continue Reading

• Understanding the "gotchas" of cloud procurement software

  Cloud-based procurement offers manufacturers new opportunities, but also presents a host of new challenges.  Continue Reading

• Manufacturing customer data should be handled with care, experts say

  Manufacturers can learn a lot from personal customer data, but handling this sensitive information correctly is essential.  Continue Reading

• Dissecting logistics management software options

  Logistics management software options cover warehouse, transportation, global trade management systems; the key benefits of such systems can be great.  Continue Reading

• Keep logistics management in mind when selecting a 3PL

  When selecting a 3PL provider, focus on how the provider handles logistics management.  Continue Reading

• Syteline financial consolidation saves time for manufacturer

  Through the use of an Excel add-on, Syteline expedites the financial consolidation process for one manufacturer.  Continue Reading

• Seven financial applications and utilities for small businesses

  These affordable smartphone apps and web services can handle most SMB financial management, workflow and backup tasks.  Continue Reading

• Cloud computing, mobility driving financial management software

  Analysts say enterprises are gravitating to newer, more flexible services to augment their core financial management software applications.  Continue Reading

• Corporate performance management now lynchpin of financial planning

  CPM software needed for forward-looking view lacking in most financial reporting tools, consultants say.  Continue Reading

• Without financial reporting and analysis software, it's just numbers

  The latest financial reporting and analytics technology gives business managers sophisticated but easy-to-use tools for assessing financial health.  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

• Managing volatility in the cyber supply chain

  In this book chapter excerpt, you'll find best practices for managing cyber supply chain volatility and handling complexity on the demand-planning, sales, organizational and supply sides.  Continue Reading

• Identifying cyber supply chain volatility

  In this book chapter excerpt, you'll learn about the different areas that make up a cyber supply chain -- the players, the processes and the systems -- and find out how these elements drive supply chain volatility.  Continue Reading

• Addressing common lean manufacturing implementation myths

  In this book chapter excerpt, find out the truth behind common lean manufacturing implementation myths and misconceptions.  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 risk management FAQ: The role of the IT manager

  To maintain the integrity of their supply chains, manufacturers need to know how to plan for and respond to risk. In this supply chain risk management FAQ, you'll find out how technology can help manage and reduce risk.  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 electronic data interchange (EDI) FAQ

  Integrating supply chain management (SCM) with electronic data interchange (EDI) can help manufacturers transmit data on orders. To accomplish this, SCM EDI integration needs to occur through an ERP system.  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

• Integrating supply chain management (SCM) and warehouse management systems (WMS) FAQ

  These frequently asked questions about supply chain management (SCM) warehouse management system (WMS) integration offer guidance on connecting warehouse systems in a more efficient and responsive supply chain.  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

• Manufacturing ERP FAQ

  Before starting an ERP implementation project, there are some common manufacturing ERP questions that need to be addressed. Read on to find answers to manufacturing ERP FAQ.  Continue Reading

• SCM and RFID: Questions about integration

  Integrating your supply chain management (SCM) system with RFID can be a challenging project. Before getting started, find answers to some common SCM RFID 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

• 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

• Managing ERP business intelligence and reporting FAQ

  To drive ERP business intelligence (BI) and reporting software, you must first understand enterprise data usage. This is the first step to managing ERP business intelligence and reporting.  Continue Reading

• Inventory management software frequently asked questions (FAQ)

  Inventory management software goes beyond simple record-keeping to provide the information and analysis you need to make better decisions. Here are some frequently asked questions.  Continue Reading

• Making the lean manufacturing management commitment

  In order for a lean initiative to be successful, lean manufacturing management must be willing to commit to implementation and training plans. Strong lean manufacturing leadership is able to evaluate what lean needs to do and solve problems down the...  Continue Reading