Evaluate

Evaluate

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

• IFS Field Service Management software: Overview, pros, cons

  IFS FSM software is meant to manage field staff and assets. Learn about its advantages and disadvantages and whether your company should put it on a vendor shortlist. Continue Reading

• The ultimate guide to ERP

  ERP is the nervous system of modern businesses. Learn how it works, understand its risks and benefits, and get tips on deployment in this wide-ranging guide. Continue Reading

• Use predictive analytics in manufacturing to gain insight

  Predictive analytics in manufacturing is a crucial part of a predictive manufacturing system. Learn about its promise, its drawbacks and why. Continue Reading

• Cloud ERP vs. on-premises ERP: 10 key differences

  Understanding the differences between on-premises ERP and cloud ERP, especially multi-tenant SaaS, is critical in buying decisions. Here's how they compare in 10 important areas. Continue Reading

• Unit4 ERP cloud vision is impressive, but can it compete?

  With the upcoming Unit4 ERPx, the Netherlands-based vendor is again demonstrating its ambition to challenge the market leaders in highly modular, AI-driven SaaS ERP. Continue Reading

• Predictive maintenance: Definition, benefits, example, strategy

  Predictive maintenance is a promising approach to monitoring equipment and preventing failures. Learn about the benefits of this approach and how to get started.Continue Reading

• Guide to supply chain management

  It's no exaggeration to say supply chains sustain life as we know it. The world has seen what happens when the unimaginable breaks them apart. SCM can put them back together.Continue Reading

• Early days for digital twins in the supply chain

  A digital twin that solves every supply chain problem may not yet be a reality. Learn why and which types of projects are realistic for today.Continue Reading

• Data migration vs. data conversion: What are the differences?

  Data migration and data conversion are related, but not the same. Discover how each one factors into an ERP or other software implementation and its importance.Continue Reading

• The disruptive impact of COVID-19 on warehouse automation

  The pandemic has had mixed effects on warehouse automation. Learn why this has been the case and what warehouse leaders say are important takeaways.Continue Reading

• What are the main Microsoft Dynamics ERP products?

  Learn about Dynamics 365 Business Central and Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management, why Microsoft narrowed its ERP portfolio, and why this move is important.Continue Reading

• How can IT improve existing ERP system benefits?

  A canceled ERP project due to the COVID-19 pandemic doesn't have to stall productivity. Here's how to get the most from your current system.Continue Reading

• Augmented reality in field service: Why FSM needs AR now

  Augmented reality can improve field service by empowering technicians with better information. Learn why interest in AR for FSM has grown and what some early adopters are saying.Continue Reading

• Making sense of the cloud ERP architecture of Oracle and SAP

  The top ERP vendors offer more choices than ever for cloud deployment. Learn more about their public cloud, single-tenant and multitenant SaaS and other cloud options in this podcast.Continue Reading

• 10 top ERP systems CIOs and business leaders should consider

  From SMBs to global enterprises, companies of many sizes need the efficiencies the right ERP system brings to their businesses' processes. Here's a look at the top ERP systems.Continue Reading

• 5 supply chain cybersecurity risks and best practices

  Threats to supply chain security have increased in the wake of COVID-19. Learn what they are and how you can defend your organization and prevent disruption and worse.Continue Reading

• Experience management tales from the trenches

  Reports from three users of Qualtrics XM software suggested that experience management technology is gaining real ground in enterprises, but the quick ROI is still in the surveys.Continue Reading

• 9 promising use cases for RPA in finance and accounting

  Finance and accounting tasks require unflagging accuracy. Enter robotic process automation. Learn how RPA can streamline efficiency in multiple areas.Continue Reading

• 7 real-life blockchain in the supply chain use cases and examples

  Leading-edge companies are trying to fight supply chain network complexity with blockchain. Here's a look at seven use cases that demonstrate how well that's working.Continue Reading

• Who are the real leaders among cloud ERP vendors?

  The competition between SAP and Oracle is as bitter as ever, and contenders like IFS, Infor and Workday have serious offerings. But is multi-tenant SaaS ERP still the objective?Continue Reading

• Cloud ERP adoption options take on greater urgency

  Cloud doesn't always mean what you think it does. Understanding the two main types of SaaS, and how they differ from private cloud, can help cut through vendor claims.Continue Reading

• Cloud ERP implementation answers need for speed and agility

  As demand accelerates for greater speed, flexibility and efficiency in collecting, managing and analyzing corporatewide data, ERP migration to the cloud is paying dividends.Continue Reading

• Discrete vs. process manufacturing: Choosing ERP

  Process and discrete manufacturers use different processes to create products. Here's how the two differ and how these affect ERP and other technology selections.Continue Reading

• 3 benefits of digital manufacturing

  To save time and money while also streamlining production, companies are increasingly turning to digital manufacturing. Here's a look at three benefits.Continue Reading

• Sapphire Now 2020 unveiled a new, more forward-looking SAP

  Lofty goals to fight climate change and link intelligent enterprises signaled CEO Christian Klein's intention to lead a generational shift at SAP and appeal to younger customers.Continue Reading

• 7 use cases for RPA in supply chain and logistics

  Robotic process automation can help companies automate supply chain and logistics workflows. Here's a look at seven areas where RPA shows the most promise.Continue Reading

• Digital twin technology on turbulent climb to stratosphere

  Digital twins may be the hottest thing in the already overhyped IoT. The potential is real, but deciding what goes into digital twins and linking them with enterprise data is no small feat.Continue Reading

• AR vs. VR vs. MR: Differences, similarities and manufacturing uses

  Augmented reality, virtual reality and mixed reality are becoming valuable tools in manufacturing, but it's easy to get them confused. Learn about their similarities and differences.Continue Reading

• What Are the Challenges and Benefits of ERP Software?

  Implementing enterprise resource planning (ERP) will come with a collection of benefits and challenges depending on how well documented the software is.Continue Reading

• 6 ways to address COVID-19 food supply chain disruptions

  The food supply chain may be broken, but there are initial steps companies must take in the near term. Learn how to bring order to the chaos COVID-19 has brought.Continue Reading

• Pros and cons of non-RFP vs. RFP procurement process

  The decision to use an RFP procurement process or skip it rests on each companies' unique needs. Understand how each method works and why each has its own pros and cons.Continue Reading

• 10 AI use cases in manufacturing

  Manufacturing companies are turning to AI to streamline the way they do business and increase efficiency. Here are 10 common use cases.Continue Reading

• SaaS ERP vs. cloud ERP: What's the difference?

  SaaS ERP and cloud ERP represent two types of software systems that share some similarities. Learn what they have in common and how they are different.Continue Reading

• How Does an ERP System Work? Basics, Features and Types

  ERP systems work via a central database. Users look at dashboards to view real-time data across different business units such as sales, supply chain management and personnel.Continue Reading

• What you need to know about fourth-party logistics

  Fourth-party logistics build on the benefits third-party logistics offers. Learn more about how this services model can help create more efficient logistics.Continue Reading

• SaaS ERP

  SaaS ERP is a type of cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) software that runs on the vendor's or cloud provider's servers, is sold through subscription and delivered as a service over the internet.Continue Reading

• Hybrid ERP considerations: Choosing on-premises vs. cloud

  Deciding what to run where requires balancing business processes and strategic goals with infrastructure options. Several experts share advice on how to approach the problem.Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of cloud ERP?

  More and more businesses have turned to cloud technologies, even when it comes to their ERP systems. Here's a look at the many benefits cloud ERP systems offer.Continue Reading

• The top ERP trends for 2020 and beyond

  The cloud is the seedbed of the new technologies affecting ERP, including AI and IoT. It could soon lead to autonomous software that takes over many everyday business processes.Continue Reading

• Mega-suites, cloud shape 20 years of ERP history

  Big suites from SAP and Oracle showed how ERP could run an entire business. The same complexity that led to lawsuits and cost overruns now makes the move to cloud challenging.Continue Reading

• A look inside the new Redwood Oracle UI design

  The two designers who head Oracle's Redwood user experience and branding effort explain the philosophy behind the new look and share the timeline for the multi-year rollout.Continue Reading

• CPM software Prophix organizes Spacesaver sales info for success

  CPM software helped consolidate financial data, which allowed Spacesaver to cut its monthly close time by two-thirds and replace Excel spreadsheets with OLAP-based analytics.Continue Reading

• 10 ERP software choices for process manufacturing

  Selecting ERP software for process manufacturing can be confusing, and different industries have different requirements. Learn about some of the leading choices for process manufacturing.Continue Reading

• Follow these guidelines for a successful ERP upgrade project

  Get a handle on the time and cost variables of upgrading an ERP system and stay laser focused on value drivers, like analytics, that have the biggest impact on business strategy.Continue Reading

• Financial business analytics transforms numbers into gold

  AI-driven business analytics provides finance departments with the tools to exercise more influence over corporate strategy, but only with the right skills and training.Continue Reading

• Financial tools for business breathe life into transaction data

  No longer limited to simply crunching numbers, today's financial technologies can transform customer transaction data into improved operations, product development, CXs and ROIs.Continue Reading

• ERP evolution sees major shifts in holistic view of business

  Implementers and users recall the late 1990s move off mainframes and the rise of SaaS and monolithic suites. Plus, ERP founders Hasso Plattner of SAP and Evan Goldberg of NetSuite share their insights.Continue Reading

• How to improve the manufacturing process: 6 keys to tech success

  AI, analytics, IoT and modern apps can serve important roles in today's manufacturing companies. Learn six steps that put these technologies to good use.Continue Reading

• Best practices when analyzing order management system features

  It's important to lay the groundwork before purchasing and implementing an order management system. Supply chain users and experts examine key factors in making the right decision.Continue Reading

• Order management systems take on multichannel, multipurpose role

  As the focal point for customer orders and activities, data collected by order management systems can help companies determine behavior patterns and buying habits and improve CX.Continue Reading

• How big of an advantage is Oracle autonomous technology?

  Oracle continues to spread machine learning 'autonomous' software throughout its infrastructure and application offerings. But is it as revolutionary as Oracle claims?Continue Reading

• Ease ERP software selection to make the best purchase decision

  Implementation of ERP software is a daunting task. This guide covering ERP system use cases, components and top options in the marketplace can help.Continue Reading

• Discover the best ERP software for your organization

  Discover the best ERP software for your organization in this product roundup that covers features, user reviews and integration.Continue Reading

• The best ERP software of 2019 for your organization

  No matter the company size and requirements, there is an ERP system for every organization. Discover the best ERP software based on your company's needs, such as project-focused or multinational.Continue Reading

• Digital transformation of finance unleashes analytical minds

  Host Analytics CFO Dan Fletcher explains how finance technology supports growth and frees analysts from repetitive tasks to focus on strategic work.Continue Reading

• Introduction to supply chain management software of 2020

  Discover the functions of supply chain management software and learn how SCM software helps companies manage the complex demands of today's customers.Continue Reading

• IoT and augmented reality in manufacturing show promise

  Manufacturers such as Howden and Volvo are using AR and IoT applications built on PTC ThingWorx and Vuforia technology to optimize operations and improve asset management.Continue Reading

• Host Analytics FP&A software aids Digital Realty decision-making

  Digital Realty digitized financial planning and analysis to enable data-driven decisions. Here's a look at how that has enabled growth for the $3 billion business.Continue Reading

• Discover the core ERP system components

  Discover core ERP systems components, as well as the benefits and challenges of implementing ERP in your organization.Continue Reading

• Interest in industrial augmented reality grows

  The augmented reality market is gaining traction in the manufacturing sector. Learn how the market has grown and why AR might improve operations and training.Continue Reading

• 9 ERP use cases to consider before buying an ERP system

  Choosing the right ERP system requires considering a dizzying array of factors from company size to business goals. To that end, here are nine use cases that can help simplify your research.Continue Reading

• 5 potential benefits of blockchain in supply chain logistics

  Blockchain is poised to disrupt a number of industries -- including logistics. Here's how the technology might help get products into the hands of customers more efficiently.Continue Reading

• How blockchain energy consumption affects supply chains

  Blockchain's use of energy is proving to be a problem in supply chains, but why? Experts are diving into the issue and providing insight on two key factors: computation and speed.Continue Reading

• Integrated platform supports digital finance transformation

  Integrating digital technology is a challenging step in transforming financial operations. Investment firm The Carlyle Group turned to a CPM platform to help achieve its goals.Continue Reading

• Celonis co-CEO on impact of digital transformation on jobs

  Digital transformation will lead to changes in the workforce, as companies adopt new business processes. Employees must be ready to adapt, according to Celonis co-CEO Alex Rinke.Continue Reading

• Blockchain food supply chain growth depends on clean data

  Traceability to ensure freshness, safety and compliance is an obvious benefit of blockchain in the food supply chain, but it won't happen without solving data acquisition issues.Continue Reading

• A glimpse into the future of AI enterprise applications

  Hands-on experience building bots on the Azure cloud and briefings from Microsoft experts show that the future of AI is here, and it's more user-friendly than you might expect.Continue Reading

• The benefits of implementing RPA in finance

  Now is the chance to begin transforming your company's finance department by implementing RPA, which can automate the tedious, manual tasks that are keeping it from evolving.Continue Reading

• A deep dive into Oracle Adaptive Intelligent Apps

  Oracle Vice President Melissa Boxer provides details on how Oracle Adaptive Intelligent Applications take 'repetitive and mundane' ERP and supply chain tasks off people's hands.Continue Reading

• What does digital transformation in finance really mean?

  Digital technology can transform finance processes and create better data to drive revenue and customer satisfaction. So what's holding back digital transformation?Continue Reading

• Vendors step up efforts to marry blockchain and ERP

  Companies are working on enabling their ERP platforms to support the distributed ledger technology, along with courting partners and consortiums to create industry-specific solutions.Continue Reading

• Test your knowledge of supply chain management basics and key terms

  To gain a better understanding of supply chain management, take this 13-question quiz and ensure you have a firm grasp of the key terms and processes it encompasses.Continue Reading

• ERP and blockchain work together for complex, multiparty transactions

  Blockchain -- the immutable, distributed ledger technology -- is well on its way to strengthening the multiparty transactions that fuel complex supply chain networks.Continue Reading

• What are the roles of 3PL and 4PL in supply chain management?

  Third-party logistics providers have long been part of warehouse and transportation operations, but 4PLs are also in the mix. How can they improve your supply chain together?Continue Reading

• Mating season for SaaS financials and business processes

  Integrating SaaS financials with business processes like HR, CRM and supply chains can immediately provide companies with valuable insights in a centralized location.Continue Reading

• SaaS enterprise financial applications inspire one platform

  Single cloud integration platforms are among the options, from simple to complex, for hooking up multiple business processes like HR, CRM and supply chains with SaaS financials.Continue Reading

• ERP alternatives are small but powerful systems for SMB manufacturers

  Small manufacturers that want full-functioning ERP systems don't have to go to the major vendors, as smaller ERP companies offer cost-effective systems and more personal service.Continue Reading

• Integrating business processes with SaaS financial applications

  Organizations should consider integrating business processes, such as HR and supply chain, with SaaS financial applications to attain better business alignment and better results.Continue Reading

• Learn which cloud ERP system can best benefit your company

  Explore all aspects of cloud ERP software -- including pros and cons, use cases and top vendors -- to discover if your company will benefit from moving into the cloud.Continue Reading

• 5 ERP trends the C-suite should keep an eye on

  ERP has been around for decades, but technology development is not stagnant. Here are some of the biggest ERP trends taking shape in 2019.Continue Reading

• Cummins and Noble Plastics see factory of the future vision

  When it comes to manufacturing, Cummins and Noble Plastics are embracing technological innovation. But with new technologies come new challenges.Continue Reading

• Keys to mastering the 5 main SaaS ERP subscription models

  Realizing the SaaS promise of cheaper, more flexible and scalable ERP is only possible if you know how to keep usage-based, per-user and other common pricing schemes straight.Continue Reading

• Discover the best cloud ERP software for your company

  Explore the leading cloud ERP software and vendors currently on the market to make this complex decision-making process just a little bit easier.Continue Reading

• Cloud ERP system selection: How to evaluate your company needs

  This article can help you evaluate your business needs and make sure you're getting the right cloud ERP system for your organization.Continue Reading

• Cloud bound: Does your business need a cloud ERP system?

  There are several factors -- including business size and cost -- that organizations should carefully consider when determining whether a cloud ERP system is the right choice.Continue Reading

• Oracle Soar cloud migration not for slackers

  In a Q&A, Oracle senior vice president Beth Boettcher details what's involved in meeting Soar's tight schedule. Get ready to leave those ERP customizations behind.Continue Reading

• Choosing cloud ERP vendors: Know what you need before going in

  Before deciding which cloud ERP vendors and cloud ERP software to evaluate, it's important for a business to determine its unique business needs and situation.Continue Reading

• AWS IoT button now a part of ERP processes

  ERP systems are increasingly being connected to more and more things, including the AWS IoT button. This simple button, with the right use case, can streamline some processes.Continue Reading

• Comparing SAP ERP ROI to Oracle, Microsoft and Infor

  Considering Oracle, Microsoft, Infor or SAP ERP software? We examine these ERP vendors on how well each delivers ERP ROI with their unique implementation methods and strategies.Continue Reading

• computer-aided software engineering (CASE)

  Computer-aided software engineering (CASE) describes a broad set of labor-saving tools used in software development.Continue Reading

• Oracle makes a case for intelligent ERP at OpenWorld 2018

  The OpenWorld conference brought a new crop of Adaptive Intelligent Apps, process automation and voice-enabled bots that Oracle's CTO said will reduce human error in business processes.Continue Reading

• Data dominance the prize in Salesforce ERP integration moves

  Following the MuleSoft acquisition in March, the Dreamforce conference reinforces the cloud CRM leader's ambition to become the front end to enterprise data.Continue Reading

• Cloud is key to linking digital manufacturing technologies

  Traditional manufacturing systems often can't handle new customer demands, so manufacturers are building smart factories that use cloud-enabled next-gen technologies.Continue Reading

• Why some manufacturers stick with on-premises vs. cloud ERP

  Cloud ERP is key in digital manufacturing, but it's not a fit for all companies, especially those with heavy customization needs or the need to maintain control over upgrades.Continue Reading

• Software bots start taking over finance work in Arizona

  Software bots are being used in Arizona to help with some routine finance operations. These systems follow scripts to complete repetitive work, freeing employees for other work.Continue Reading

• The benefits and drawbacks of cloud ERP systems for healthcare

  Is moving to cloud ERP good for your healthcare organizations? Experts tackle just that question and weigh in on issues such as security and compliance.Continue Reading

• Resistance to all-in cloud ERP systems is large

  For many enterprises, ERP and HCM deployments may take the path of hybrid deployments, a trend that is supported by Hewlett Packard Enterprise's quarterly earnings results.Continue Reading

• Postmodern ERP countered by continued appeal of single suite

  The loosely coupled enterprise applications that Gartner predicted may indeed be here, but integration and data integrity challenges make them inferior to monolithic ERP for some.Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of machine learning in supply chain optimization?

  Machine learning is being used to improve a wide array of business processes, including supply chain management functions. Here's a look at three areas it's helping the most.Continue Reading

• SMBs see vertical ERP technology vendors meeting specialty needs

  The industry-specific ERP market is thriving, which is good news for SMBs looking to cost-effectively maintain their existing ERP systems with immediate specialty feature upgrades.Continue Reading