Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• IT plays a key role in SPM software selection and automation

  Understanding the core elements of SPM software will help in its selection, deployment of sales plans, interfaces to other software and developing a strategy to support analysis. Continue Reading

• What can PLM technology do for enterprises?

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

• How do I choose an effective supply chain analytics system?

  Supply chain analytics promises rich insight into operations and better decision making. Here are a host of considerations when thinking about what you need. Continue Reading

• Big decisions: Choose the right ERP platform for your SMB

  ERP is, by its very name, directed more at the big guy. It's enterprise resource planning, not small-business resource planning. That's because smaller companies usually lack the budget or time to put an ERP platform in place. Even so,... Continue Reading

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

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

• How can the Internet of Things benefit process manufacturing?

  IoT technologies hold promise for sectors that produce chemicals, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and other process goods. Here's a glimpse of how the technology is being used today.Continue Reading

• How do I choose transportation management system software?

  If you're trying to determine the TMS that's right for your company, start with four considerations. They will help guide your software requirements.Continue Reading

• Oracle SaaS users could benefit from integrated cloud stack

  Analyst says new Oracle SaaS products and cloud infrastructure developments revealed at OpenWorld conference advance the vendor's plan to become 'the IBM of the 21st century.'Continue Reading

• Oracle cloud strategy: Is it time for a reality check?

  CTO Larry Ellison told an OpenWorld audience that Oracle no longer sees SAP as a cloud competitor. What’s up with that? TechTarget editors explain in this video.Continue Reading

• Cloud ERP platform becoming likely choice for manufacturing SMBs

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

• Cloud business budgeting software gains in large enterprises

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

• What is perpetual inventory and why does it matter?

  To ensure an accurate inventory balance, don't overlook the practice of perpetual inventory. Here's what you need to know.Continue Reading

• Budgeting, planning and forecasting gets an upgrade

  Budgeting, planning and forecasting is a process that companies want to be sure to get right. For some, that means updating their software and possibly investing in a cloud option. In this three-part handbook, learn about the upgrades companies are ...Continue Reading

• A buyer's guide to the top ERP systems

  ERP systems use complex software that comes in many varieties. Learn how to evaluate and invest in top ERP systems for your organization.Continue Reading

• Who's who among midmarket ERP vendors?

  Whatever your ERP needs may be, knowing the makeup of vendor offerings is the first step in choosing the right software. Here is a quick look at midmarket ERP vendors.Continue Reading

• Take a closer look at SAP Business Suite

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

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

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

• Infor SyteLine builds on legacy with SaaS, analytics

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

• CPM consulting services: Tips for choosing wisely

  If you're buying CPM software, consider getting CPM consulting services as well. Consultants can help to ensure a successful software implementation.Continue Reading

• Cloud-based ERP becoming preferred choice for midsize companies

  According to this expert, the cloud could be the right approach for companies needing midmarket ERP.Continue Reading

• PeopleSoft ERP suite excels at human capital management

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

• JD Edwards EnterpriseOne takes legacy into the future

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

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

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

• Budgeting and forecasting software sparks change at Hames

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

• Augmented reality provides a change of perspective for manufacturers

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

• Digital manufacturing helps manufacturers reduce risk

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

• Big data revolution takes root among manufacturers

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

• 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