Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• 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

• How can manufacturers begin an Industry 4.0 roadmap?

  Are you driving toward the next industrial revolution? Industry 4.0 will transform the manufacturing landscape, according to experts. Here's how to get ready. Continue Reading

• Nine critical features of budget management software

  Workflow tools, multidimensional data structures and flexible reporting are among the capabilities that ensure the budgeting process supports strategic and financial goals. Continue Reading

• Why is digital twin technology important for manufacturing's future?

  The industrial IoT landscape and the concept of Industry 4.0 both rely heavily on digital twins to push them forward. Here's some explanation of why that is. 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

• 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 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

• 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

• How are companies solving the last-mile delivery problem?

  E-commerce has radically changed how goods are transported, and put a spotlight on the last-mile delivery problem. Learn how retailers are changing their tactics to address the issue.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

• What is the difference between 3PL and 4PL?

  If you're unclear on what differences separate 3PL vs. 4PL providers, you'll want to read this explanation of how these two types of logistics compare to one another.Continue Reading

• Taking stock of Oracle AI application and database moves

  Holger Mueller of Constellation Research gives his take on Oracle AI developments, including the Autonomous Database, and explains why the new recruiting module in Oracle HCM Cloud is a big deal.Continue Reading

• How will self-driving vehicles affect the environment?

  Autonomous vehicles are on track to change logistics forever. Some believe that might be a good thing for the environment.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

• 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

• How is e-commerce packaging waste an issue, and what can be done?

  As the world turns to online shopping for convenience, a pressing issue is developing -- packaging waste. Here are some considerations to get the conversation started.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

• 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

• 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

• Is your digital transformation process truly transformative?

  People confuse one-off digitization projects with real digital transformation. Here's how to tell the difference and set your strategy on the right course.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

• Are supply chain risk assessment and management CFO issues?

  Supply chain disruption interrupts the flow of goods, and that means it has the potential to have a major effect on a company's financials. Here's what business leaders -- including CFOs -- should know.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

• Assessing Infor's new Coleman AI applications and platform

  Analyst Jon Reed says Infor AI push compares favorably to SAP and Oracle moves, especially in making enterprise apps more conversational, but on-premises ERP data presents challenges.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

• What are some reasons to use inventory optimization software?

  Knowing how much inventory to keep on hand can make or break your customer service. Here's a look at software that can help you get it right.Continue Reading

• How can production leveling help companies become lean?

  Eliminating waste is an important principle in lean production. Here's a look at how heijunka, or production leveling, can help achieve that.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

• 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

• Industries turn to digital twin technology, IoT to boost profits

  From design to predictive analytics, the use of digital twins is becoming more prevalent. Here's a look at how it can help different sectors.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

• 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

• Agility, scale rate highly in cloud ERP financial management systems

  By moving ERP functions to multi-tenant SaaS, companies are giving up some control but may be saving costs and benefiting from automatic and regular updates, easier use and scale.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

• 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

• Consultancy shares lessons from its own Oracle ERP Cloud deployment

  Peloton Group CEO says consolidating multiple ERPs on one cloud system provided finer control of projects and company financials.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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Supply chain, logistics and inventory go 3D with additive manufacturing

  Additive manufacturing -- popularly known as 3D printing -- has been touted as the next big thing in manufacturing, but its impact will soon be seen in supply chain management.Continue Reading

• For CFOs, the time to deploy procure-to-pay software is now

  Procurement software from cloud-based vendors such as Coupa and Taulia can save money and reduce errors, but executives need to develop a strategy before purchasing these tools.Continue Reading

• Should your company consider a dual-sourcing strategy?

  Turning to more than one supplier can be critical in a business landscape marked by disruption and complexity. Here's what you should know.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

• 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

• Driverless vehicles to rev up supply chain management

  If self-driving forklifts and fleets of trucks guided by technology sound like science fiction, think again. Here's a look at what's happening today -- and what's coming tomorrow.Continue Reading

• How do digital manufacturing and the PLM process connect?

  Both digital manufacturing and product lifecycle management are concerned with connections, but the two concepts are not the same thing. Here's a look at how these concepts differ.Continue Reading

• How lean production systems cut the fat out of manufacturing, ERP

  From its introduction, the lean approach has influenced manufacturing efficiency, and ERP systems have incorporated its concepts to a greater and greater degree. Here's a look at how lean and ERP have grown increasingly intertwined.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

• Six keys to creating strong data-security measures

  The rush to embrace digital technologies can put organizations at extreme risk. Here are six foundations for creating an information-security strategy that will keep your data safe.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

• Procurement management software cuts costs, improves transparency

  Procurement software from cloud-based vendors such as Coupa and Taulia can save money and reduce errors, but executives need to develop a strategy before purchasing these tools.Continue Reading

• Pleading the business case for Oracle cloud products

  Oracle Senior VP Reggie Bradford says the game-changing nature of the cloud means companies can't sit on the sidelines and expect to survive.Continue Reading

• CFO calls Oracle ERP Cloud move a clear win over legacy Sage system

  Ex-Marriott and Rand McNally CFO John Harris uses Oracle ERP Cloud to streamline accounting and financial planning at progressive-minded San Francisco company.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

• 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

• 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

• Why is OEE a popular manufacturing operations KPI?

  Getting a big picture indication of how well plant processes are doing is important for manufacturing. Here's how OEE can help you determine just that.Continue Reading

• How are business intelligence and predictive analytics different?

  Understanding what sets predictive analytics apart from business intelligence is important in an age when gathering key insights in critical. Here's what you need to know.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

• The best WMS software is software that meets your needs

  To select the best WMS software for your company, learn about the new capabilities of WMSes such as cloud deployment, mobile connectivity and scalability.Continue Reading

• LogFire is cloud-based WMS software suited for omnichannel warehouses

  With LogFire, users get cloud-based WMS software that's scalable, easy to use and integrates with other Oracle supply chain management systems.Continue Reading

• Select the best WMS software for different business scenarios

  Selecting the best WMS software for the right warehouse scenario is a matter of knowing what WMS vendors offer in terms of scalability, deployment and integration.Continue Reading

• How to take charge of solving your manufacturing skills gap

  Some experts predict that 2 million manufacturing jobs will go unfilled over the next decade, but not all leaders are resigned to that bleak statistic. Here's what they're doing.Continue Reading

• Why your company needs the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard

  If you think Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard is just for merchants, think again. Here's why virtually every company can boost security and address risk issues using PCI DSS.Continue Reading

• Blockchain use cases evoke hope, skepticism for savvy C-suite leaders

  Many in the financial space -- not to mention other areas -- are pinning high hopes on Blockchain, a type of distributed ledger and the technology that underpins Bitcoin. Here's whyContinue Reading

• Are both an engineering bill of materials and a manufacturing BOM needed?

  Manufacturing a product can be very different than what engineers have envisioned. Here's a look at what that means for different bills of materials.Continue Reading

• Optimize the warehouse with the Infor WMS module of its SCM suite

  Offered with the Supply Chain Execution suite, the Infor WMS module lets companies across a range of verticals manage warehouses and inventory based on sales peaks and valleys.Continue Reading

• SAP's adaptable warehouse management software boosts supply chain ops

  SAP's warehouse management software, EWM, integrates with different SAP SCM applications and other ERP systems and provides automation and support for multiple warehouse locations.Continue Reading

• The six most important criteria when evaluating WMS software

  Number of sales channels, deployment, integration and agility are just some of the important variables to consider when evaluating WMS software for your business.Continue Reading

• HighJump's cloud-based WMS brings warehouse operations to the cloud

  Whether in a private or public cloud, find flexibility and scalability with HighJump Software's cloud-based WMS, the warehouse management system that adapts to businesses' needs.Continue Reading

• Define warehouse workflows and processes with Manhattan SCALE

  See how Manhattan SCALE could aid your organization with warehouse operations. Deployed in the cloud or on premises, it's WMS software that works for businesses of all sizes.Continue Reading

• The Industrial Internet Consortium tackles Industrial IoT security

  The IIC has published a technical security framework intended to guide companies toward cybersecurity in the age of IoT. Here's what manufacturers should know.Continue Reading

• Optimize warehouse operations with NetSuite WMS software

  With scalable, cloud-based WMS software, NetSuite offers users a customizable warehouse management system that works for a variety of industry verticals.Continue Reading

• Five scenarios where WMS technology can help your organization

  From distribution center and warehouses globalizing, to omnichannel strategies and manufacturing software integration, WMS technology solves many needs in the warehouse.Continue Reading

• Your guide to choosing the right e-procurement software

  Know that you need to upgrade to e-procurement software, but unsure which to choose? Learn how to select the right e-procurement software for your business.Continue Reading

• Select the best e-procurement software for your company

  Some e-procurement software vendors work better for global companies, and some work better for smaller startups. Find out which e-procurement tool fits your company best.Continue Reading

• Manufacturers need to adopt IoT and analytics into processes

  In this Q&A, Mark Lockwood and Patrick Chartrand of Logi Analytics discuss what manufacturers need to think about as they adopt IoT and analytics into machines and processes.Continue Reading

• Are strategic CPM tools any good for strategic planning?

  To stay relevant, strategic CPM software will need to incorporate more advanced modeling and other tools for integrated planning and performance management.Continue Reading

• Natural language generation software turns data into plain English

  Artificial intelligence guru Robert Dale explains the benefits and shortcomings of natural language generation technology and advocates for disclosure of use of the software.Continue Reading

• JDA's WMS technology integrates with virtually any ERP system

  JDA provides WMS technology that helps organizations manage all aspects of their warehouses, including people, products, space and equipment.Continue Reading

• Click Reply WMS technology provides greater visibility into warehouse ops

  With the ability to tightly integrate warehouse operations with logistics, Click Reply's WMS technology helps businesses in a number of verticals with their warehouse management needs.Continue Reading