Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• 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

• Is my warehouse system ready for an omnichannel strategy?

  An expert outlines key factors to consider when readying your warehouse system for an omnichannel strategy. 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

• Make sense of sensor technology

  In the supply chain, sensor technology is broadly defined to include devices that can sense location, temperature, chemical composition and other physical qualities. That wide range of abilities is exciting for manufacturers looking to improve their... Continue Reading

• Manufacturing SMBs slow to adopt an ERP platform

  Manufacturing SMBs tread lightly when it comes to moving to an ERP platform. But experts say implementation can be smooth if clear goals are set.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

• Augmented-reality technology may transform work as we know it

  Wearable technology hasn't quite made it to mainstream businesses—but it will, and it's going to change the way people do their work.Continue Reading

• What kind of warranty management software do manufacturers need?

  In addition to simplifying administrative tasks, warranty management software can help companies improve customer relationships. An expert outlines the technology and best practices needed for a better warranty management process.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

• Enterprise manufacturing intelligence comes of age

  Enterprise manufacturing intelligence tools are approaching a tipping point as IDC expects widespread adoption among manufacturers this year.Continue Reading

• Financial apps in the cloud? Count on it

  As the business world becomes more mobile, its cloud comfort level on financial apps will reach greater heights.Continue Reading

• Is your company suited to ERP in the cloud?

  If you're a startup with simple data and don't require tons of customization, the cloud could be a perfect fit. Here are a few other qualities of the most cloud-compatible companies.Continue Reading

• What to consider before moving applications to the cloud

  Before choosing to put applications in the cloud, organizations need to identify the business problems that they are trying to solve -- especially the problems that set them apart from other companies.Continue Reading

• How does wearable tech fit manufacturing needs?

  What are the most feasible, near-term applications of wearables in manufacturing and the supply chain?Continue Reading

• When does it make sense to deploy a demand signal repository?

  A demand signal repository can aggregate sales data to help business users make better short-term demand planning decisions. But is a DSR right for your needs?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

• Choose profitability and cost management software wisely

  Profitability and cost management packages should be examined in terms of their centricity toward activity-based costing, pricing or modeling.Continue Reading

• Risks give pause, but rewards abound with networked devices

  The manufacturing industry -- like many other industries -- stands to gain a lot from the growth of networked devices and the Internet of Things (IoT). Networked devices offer a plethora of information for manufacturers, and this information can ...Continue Reading

• Hobbyists will be first serious users of consumer 3-D printing

  It could be a long time before home 3-D printing becomes mainstream for consumers.Continue Reading

• 3-D printing evolves, finds unique place in manufacturing

  Despite drawbacks, 3-D printing will continue to revolutionize design, development and production of unique, low-volume complex parts.Continue Reading

• Why should companies consider ERP consolidation?

  Many companies use a mix of disconnected ERP systems and poorly integrated third-party applications that block efficiency and increase costs. An expert explains how to start consolidating ERP.Continue Reading

• Integrating finance, HR ties performance data to financial results

  In today’s market, labor can be a sizeable and changing investment. Human resources departments aim to find the right people with the right skills, but without input from the financial team that can be a difficult task -- and that affects the bottom...Continue Reading

• Lean manufacturing and lean accounting go hand-in-hand

  Many companies have adopted lean manufacturing to reduce costs and increase efficiency. But traditional accounting procedures don't measure up.Continue Reading

• Which demand planning tools are right for your company?

  Should companies use the built-in planning capabilities of an ERP system, or select from best-of-breed demand planning tools? An expert debunks some myths about the pros and cons of each, and outlines best practices for choosing the right approach.Continue Reading

• What are the most promising innovations in ERP technology?

  An expert outlines recent innovations in ERP technology and their practical applications for manufacturers.Continue Reading

• Wave after wave: Cloud financials cresting next

  Amid security fears, many CFOs remain cautious about replacing their on-premises financial systems even in the face of major issues they have with existing systems.Continue Reading

• How have the capabilities and cost of RFID tags evolved?

  In the past, the cost of RFID tags has limited where RFID could be used. Today, lower prices and more advanced capabilities are starting to enable wider, more effective use.Continue Reading

• Manufacturer finds success with cloud-based ERP system

  When it came time for international expansion, Shaw Industries turned to a cloud-based ERP system. The company couldn't be happier.Continue Reading

• What is item-level RFID, and how can companies benefit from it?

  In this expert response, learn how RFID is evolving and what companies can do to make item-level RFID a success.Continue Reading

• How green manufacturing processes can boost the bottom line

  Sustainable production and supply chain practices are not just good PR -- they often help the bottom line by cutting resource consumption and opening up new lines of business. Those benefits aren’t the only drivers toward greener, most sustainable ...Continue Reading

• CPM tools and BI: A winning combination

  Companies can benefit from further integrating CPM tools and BI, whether they're still evaluating CPM or already use CPM and BI software.Continue Reading

• Business sustainability gains newfound importance

  Business sustainability has moved beyond green initiatives to become an indicator of long-term success in many areas, requiring companies to carefully collect and disseminate data on their sustainable business practices.Continue Reading

• Manufacturing operations management merges ERP and MES

  As integrated manufacturing systems evolve, a new term -- manufacturing operations management -- signifies the merger of ERP and MES.Continue Reading

• Solving optimization problems with specialized software

  Business planning often requires identifying the best option among many. Optimization software can be a big help.Continue Reading

• When financial management applications trump Excel

  Even with Microsoft's efforts to improve its flagship spreadsheet application, Excel -- increasing the number of cells spreadsheets can accommodate, acquiring a spreadsheet management software maker Prodiance -- companies are in need of more ...Continue Reading

• Does SaaS ERP ROI always beat on-premises ERP? It depends

  An ERP consultant shows how to look beyond the early savings of SaaS to determine its true long-term ROI vs. on-premises ERP.Continue Reading

• Six tips for making the move from Excel to BP&F software

  Users and experts share tips on replacing spreadsheets with specialized software for budgeting, planning and forecasting.Continue Reading

• Dissecting an e-procurement software system

  In this expert response, find out what makes an e-procurement system tick.Continue Reading

• Epicor ERP 10 frees users to customize dashboards, go mobile

  Epicor ERP 10, our product of the month, comes with customizable dashboards and mobile interface options for more flexibility.Continue Reading

• SAP SCM expands supply chain management options for manufacturers

  In this expert product review, learn about the modules and implementation options offered by SAP Supply Chain Management.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

• 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

• Navigate the cloud-based financial software buying process

  Workday and NetSuite users reveal how they overcame security worries and functionality snags to sign on with cloud-based financial software vendors.Continue Reading

• Five critical factors that define ROI of IT projects

  While cost is certainly an important factor in defining IT projects' ROI, Rob Livingstone recommends that companies also evaluate risk and value.Continue Reading

• With CloudSuite on Amazon Web Services, Infor stakes claim to cloud

  Learn what Infor's recently announced CloudSuite hosted applications could mean for the cloud ERP market.Continue Reading

• Maximize the ROI of ERP projects with an ERP center of excellence

  An ERP consultant with experience helping organizations establish ERP centers of excellence answers some basic questions.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

• Clean ERP before new budgeting and forecasting software: Yes or no?

  Rob Livingstone explains how to decide whether or not to get ERP data in order before implementing new budgeting, planning and forecasting software.Continue Reading

• SCM systems vs. ERP systems

  In this expert tip, learn how supply chain management systems compare with ERP.Continue Reading

• ERP consolidation and integration

  Maintaining multiple ERP systems can be challenging. But should all businesses have only one ERP system?Continue Reading

• Bringing more users onto financial planning software smart but costly

  While there are several benefits of giving business users access to financial planning software, technology pricing models might block the way.Continue Reading

• Make a priority list of financial software systems

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• Take stock of financial management systems and simplify

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• Predictive analytics, cloud 2014 standouts in finance technology

  Experts expect cloud finance technology to accelerate as more CFOs get comfortable with moving financials -- even ERP -- to the cloud.Continue Reading

• FAQ: Understanding and leveraging 3PL providers

  In this FAQ, learn all about third-party logistics (3PL) providers and what they can offer manufacturers.Continue Reading

• Excel tip: Grouping worksheet sections

  Microsoft Excel consultant Bill Jelen, aka MrExcel, explains the value of the Grouping feature.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

• Updates of cloud-based applications not as automatic as they may seem

  According to experts, some of the onus still falls on users to update cloud-based applications, despite vendor promises of automatic upgrades.Continue Reading

• Distribution customer service benefits from self-service, survey says

  Self-service portals best route to improving distribution customer service, a new study shows.Continue Reading

• Start with basic financial applications software, be an expert in no time

  There's a lot to keep in mind with financial applications software. This roundup outlines the most important topics and how they affect businesses.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

• What's the state of the art in ERP trends?

  Users shared their pain, and editors went looking for answers in this essential guide to trends and technologies in ERP applications.Continue Reading

• Budgeting process case studies demonstrate how to keep it simple

  Barry Wilderman analyzes two budgeting case studies and breaks down their differences and similarities.Continue Reading

• Defining business process management vs. ERP

  In this expert response, learn how business process management differs from ERP systems.Continue Reading

• Securing mobile business apps

  In this expert response, learn how to make mobile business apps a more secure IT choice.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

• How to choose manufacturing software for business intelligence

  Nowadays there is a plethora of manufacturing BI software -- and vendors -- available. This guide details the many options and their capabilities.Continue Reading

• NetSuite financials helps tech company leave Oracle behind

  NetSuite financials has improved data visibility at SeaChange International, but revenue-recognition capabilities leave something to be desired.Continue Reading

• Budgeting software vs. Excel: Which one meets your organization's needs?

  To make your decision easier, read expert Barry Wilderman's explanation of the pros and cons of each, plus cloud considerations.Continue Reading

• Stretch the benefits of financial benchmarking

  Financial benchmarking can uncover and eliminate bottlenecks, speed up processes and give the entire business a boost.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

• M2M supply-chain connectivity is key, experts say

  The possibilities of M2M supply-chain connectivity are endless -- as long as manufacturers know where and how M2M fits into the business.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

• Which budget technique is right for your organization?

  Budgeting is not one size fits all. The size of your organization may determine which technique fit bests. Try these techniques on for size.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

• How should CFOs calculate the TCO of SaaS software?

  Expert Hyoun Park explains why thinking of a SaaS software investment in terms of TCO isn't the most important consideration.Continue Reading

• Oracle-NetSuite deal benefits users, strengthens vendors

  According to experts, the Oracle-NetSuite partnership fills an HR gap for NetSuite and gives Oracle a foothold in the midmarket.Continue Reading

• How to test mobile business applications before implementation

  In this expert response, learn how to effectively test mobile business applications prior to launch.Continue Reading

• Explore the cloud: A guide to SaaS financial management applications

  For advice on working with SaaS applications and financial management, this guide showcases three organizations that successfully implemented SaaS.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

• 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

• Procurement tutorial: Building on AP software with specialized tools

  An analyst explains how to set up a procurement function in accounts payable software.Continue Reading

• Best-of-breed WMS vs. ERP advanced warehouse management

  Adopting the right WMS is critical to warehouse operations. Find out if best-of-breed WMS is right for you.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

• 10 tips for optimizing ERP vendor support

  Getting the most out of ERP vendors means making sure ERP maintenance costs are reasonable and worth the money. Find out how.Continue Reading

• General ledger tutorial: GL basics and software options

  An expert lays out general ledger basics and tells where to find the best GL software.Continue Reading

• Comparing ERP deployment options: Rapid vs. traditional

  Deciding which ERP deployment option to choose -- rapid deployment or the traditional method -- depends on business needs.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

• 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

• Driver-based planning brings data modeling to EPM software

  Use driver-based planning tools to identify and model the variables that have the biggest impact on forecasts.Continue Reading

• Eleven tips to help prepare your ERP systems for IFRS conversion

  The eventual conversion of U.S. GAAP to IFRS requires preparation for changes to your ERP systems. Here are 11 tips to get you started.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

• RedPrairie JDA acquisition shakes up supply chain software landscape

  RedPrairie recently announced its acquisition of rival vendor JDA. What does this mean for the future of the supply chain software market?Continue Reading

• Demand sensing software part of Kellogg's well-balanced forecasting

  Cereal maker's S&OP head says parallel run of Terra Technology pattern recognition software showed 30% gain after data cleansing.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

• Choosing project management software with the CFO in mind

  Projects have a major impact on the bottom line. CFOs need project management software to stay on top of them.Continue Reading