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Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.
Implementing two-tier ERP with manufacturing in mind
Manufacturers that need to extend their ERP systems to remote locations are considering smaller, lightweight ERP suites as an alternative. With a two-tier ERP system, organizations can consolidate systems and save money while increasing operational ... Continue Reading
ERP hardware and infrastructure: Laying the groundwork for excellence
In this ERP Essential Guide, discover how to find the right ERP hardware and infrastructure to support a robust business application system. Continue Reading
Top treasury management software features for buyers
Hyoun Park lists critical features finance managers should look for when evaluating treasury management software. Continue Reading
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liquid logistics
Liquid logistics is a specialized material-handling and transportation discipline that is used when moving liquid products through a supply chain. Continue Reading
Supplier performance management (SPM)
Supplier performance management (SPM) is a blanket term for any business practice that is designed to manage, measure and analyze the performance of a supplier or suppliers in a network. Continue Reading
enterprise accounting software
Enterprise accounting software is technology that keeps track of an organization's financial transactions and data.Continue Reading
Manufacturers, experts agree: Supply chain sustainability is good business
More manufacturers are realizing that supply chain sustainability efforts hold more value than just good PR.Continue Reading
supplier risk management
Supplier risk management is the process of identifying, assessing and controlling threats to an organization's capital and earnings that are caused by the organization's supply chain. Continue Reading
Finding the business value of supplier relationship management software
In this expert response, discover the features and benefits of supplier relationship management software.Continue Reading
Dissecting an e-procurement software system
In this expert response, find out what makes an e-procurement system tick.Continue Reading
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Financial modeling helps visualize alternate scenarios
Whether it's done in specialized software or cobbled-together spreadsheets, financial modeling usually employs these basic techniques.Continue Reading
inventory optimization
Inventory optimization (IO) is a strategy for balancing the amount of working capital that's tied up in inventory with service-level goals across multiple stock-keeping units (SKUs).Continue Reading
Host Analytics' cloud CPM fits the bill for former Hyperion customer
Host Analytics didn't only address EarthLink's corporate performance management software requirements, it was relatively easy on the wallet.Continue Reading
Taking the green manufacturing plunge
In this expert response, learn how to begin and succeed with a green manufacturing initiative.Continue Reading
Develop supply chain integration through mergers and acquisitions
In this expert answer, learn how to achieve successful supply chain integration.Continue Reading
Anaplan
Anaplan is a Web-based enterprise platform for business planning. Anaplan is also the name of the company that created the platform. Continue Reading
Achieving strong supply chain visibility
In this expert tip, learn what supply chain visibility means today -- and how to achieve it.Continue Reading
Makerspaces inspiring manufacturers to think local
The growth of makerspaces is helping spread 3-D printing beyond hobbyists and encourage more localized and custom manufacturing.Continue Reading
maker movement
The maker movement is a cultural trend that places value on an individual's ability to be a creator of things as well as a consumer of things. Continue Reading
makerspace
A makerspace is a community center that provides technology, manufacturing equipment and educational opportunities to the public.Continue Reading
Lean methods drive IT innovation at railroad equipment maker
Miller Ingenuity uses smartphone catalog, warehouse automation and shop-floor integration to set itself apart as a tech leader in old-line industry.Continue Reading
RFI (request for information)
An RFI (request for information) is a formal process for gathering information from potential suppliers of a good or service.Continue Reading
Intacct provides the back-office backbone for global growth at STS
Manually converting currencies at STS International wasn't cutting it. Learn how Intacct helped in the IT service company's global expansion.Continue Reading
GMP (good manufacturing practice)
A good manufacturing practice (GMP) is one that conforms to the guidelines set by the regulatory agencies that control authorization and licensing for the production and sale of food, beverages and active pharmaceutical products.Continue Reading
Next-generation EPM software embeds modeling logic at critical points
A management consultant says the embedded modeling logic in 'EPM2' software can finally get finance and operations planning in sync.Continue Reading
4-D printing (four-dimensional printing)
4-D printing is additive manufacturing that prints objects capable of transformation and, in some cases, self-assembly.Continue Reading
The reality of best-of-breed software
In this expert response, find out how to separate best-of-breed software hype from reality.Continue Reading
revenue recognition
Revenue recognition is a tenet of corporate financial management that defines when a company officially accounts for revenue.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
Software application testing best practices
In this expert response, learn the most important aspects of software application testing.Continue Reading
Exploring hybrid ERP deployments
In this expert response, find out how to have successful hybrid ERP deployments.Continue Reading
Q&A: Customer experience management software for manufacturing
In this Q&A, learn why more manufacturers are focused on customer experience management software.Continue Reading
Seven considerations before launching driver-based planning
When getting started with driver-based planning, Rob Livingstone recommends taking an inclusive approach and defining accountability.Continue Reading
Buying ERP: Top 10 midmarket ERP systems
This buyer's guide provides a rundown of the top 10 midmarket ERP systems out there today.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
Supply chain tracking possibilities expanding
In this expert tip, learn how technology like RFID and the Internet of Things is changing supply chain tracking.Continue Reading
Excel tip: Fill Handle tricks
Microsoft Excel consultant Bill Jelen, aka 'MrExcel,' shows how to use the Excel Fill Handle to extend series.Continue Reading
Is your company ready for a cloud-based financial management system?
Take this 10-question quiz to find out if you're very, somewhat or not at all ready for a cloud-based financial management system.Continue Reading
Four steps to get started with rolling forecasts
Rob Livingstone recommends validating the business case and assessing technology for rolling forecasts, among other steps.Continue Reading
Imagem CFO advises finance professionals to hone creativity
In this Q&A, Imagem Music US CFO Steven A. Storch explains how creative skills help him to be a better business partner and IT manager.Continue Reading
digital modeling and fabrication
Digital modeling and fabrication is a design and production process that marries 3-D modeling or computing-aided design (CAD) software with additive and subtractive manufacturing.Continue Reading
FAQ: Understanding 3-D printing technology
In this FAQ, you'll find an introduction to 3-D printing technology, its potential uses and what it means for manufacturing.Continue Reading
PwC: M&A trends present software challenges, opportunities
In this Q&A, learn about mergers and acquisitions trends in manufacturing.Continue Reading
ERP consolidation and integration
Maintaining multiple ERP systems can be challenging. But should all businesses have only one ERP system?Continue Reading
Supply chain software 101
In this expert tip, learn about the history of supply chain software and how it's evolved.Continue Reading
Dell moves into 3-D printing market with MakerBot
In the wake of a new partnership between Dell and MakerBot, Dell discusses the move and where it sees the 3-D printing market headed.Continue Reading
MakerBot targets home 3-D printing with low prices, but is it enough?
MakerBot's new low-cost printers are targeting the home 3-D printing market, but are smaller price tags the key?Continue Reading
profit and loss statement (P&L)
A profit and loss statement (P&L), also known as an income statement, is a financial report that shows a company's revenues and expenses over a given period of time, usually a fiscal quarter or year.Continue Reading
financial modeling
Financial modeling is the construction of spreadsheet models that illustrate a company's likely financial results in quantitative terms. Financial models can simulate the effect of specific variables so that the company can plan a course of action ...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
Preparing a budget for service-oriented departments in three steps
HR and IT provide services to other departments, which makes preparing a budget a bit more complicated than usual.Continue Reading
tooling
Tooling, also known as machine tooling, is the process of acquiring the manufacturing components and machines needed for production. Continue Reading
rapid prototyping
Rapid prototyping is the speedy creation of a full-scale model. The word prototype comes from the Latin words proto (original) and typus (model).Continue Reading
Should a company keep a rolling forecast? Point/counterpoint
While a rolling forecast can increase a company's agility, it can also sap time and resources. Get the pros and cons of this forecasting model.Continue Reading
3-D printing technology poised for growth in 2014
The year 2014 could be a big one for 3-D printing technology, but when it comes to accessibility and safety, there's still much room for improvement.Continue Reading
FAQ: Getting the most out of mobile ERP
In this FAQ, learn the basics of mobile ERP systems and how mobile devices can enhance a manufacturing organization.Continue Reading
Making sustainable production a reality
It can be tough for manufacturers to find money to invest in sustainable production technology, but modern IT capabilities are making it easier.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
product lifecycle management (PLM)
Product lifecycle management (PLM) is a systematic approach to managing the series of changes a product goes through, from its design and development to its ultimate retirement or disposal. PLM software can be used to automate the management of ...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
Securing mobile business apps
In this expert response, learn how to make mobile business apps a more secure IT choice.Continue Reading
When to take a hybrid approach to cloud-based ERP
In this expert response, learn when hybrid cloud deployment works for ERP.Continue Reading
Test your ERP integration and consolidation know-how
Find out how much you know about ERP integration and consolidation by taking this short quiz.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
Portrait of a green manufacturing partnership
Security gateway manufacturer Stoke and its partner Creation Technologies focus on green manufacturing practices.Continue Reading
Identifying trends in PLM software
In this first installment of a three-part series, find out about the basics of product lifecycle management software.Continue Reading
Cloud ERP software introduces business benefits, culture shock
Moving from in-house to cloud ERP software is a major IT decision. How are companies taking on the cloud, and is it worth it?Continue Reading
Are you an expert in M2M technology?
M2M is spreading fast. See how much you know about this growing trend by taking this quiz now.Continue Reading
An essential guide to M2M technology for manufacturers
M2M technology can automate the warehouse by enabling manufacturers to communicate in real time and remotely track and monitor their supply chains.Continue Reading
FAQ: M2M technology for manufacturers
In this FAQ, learn how machine-to-machine technology is becoming a critical tool in real-time communication for manufacturers.Continue Reading
FAQ: Back to basics with ERP 101
In this FAQ, find answers to the most common ERP questions. Learn about different types of ERP modules, the software selection process and more.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
Manufacturing business intelligence tools more powerful than ever, experts say
Better dashboards and improved performance management are making manufacturing business intelligence software more essential than ever.Continue Reading
How business process redesign is affecting ERP
In this expert tip, learn how business process redesign fits into the ERP implementation process and the role that business process management plays.Continue Reading
financial consolidation
Financial consolidation is the process of combining financial data from several departments or business entities within an organization, usually for reporting purposes. Continue Reading
FAQ: Building a customer experience management strategy in a social world
In this FAQ, learn the basics of creating a customer experience management strategy and improving social media interactions.Continue Reading
Test your knowledge of global supply chain management
How much do you know about global supply chain management? Take this short quiz and find out.Continue Reading
How much do you know about WMS technology?
Take this short quiz to see how much you really know about the latest WMS technology and how it's shaping the warehouse.Continue Reading
A guide to warehouse management systems technology
Warehouse management systems technologies are changing, and this guide examines the latest trends and innovations.Continue Reading
Mining the general ledger for financial analytics
To support financial analytics, IT staff must know its way around the general ledger. Here's how to read GL entries.Continue Reading
financial controller
A financial controller, also referred to as financial comptroller, is a senior-level executive who usually reports to an organization's chief financial officer (CFO).Continue Reading
What is IT's role in the order to cash cycle?
The order to cash cycle is an important business process with numerous steps. It's vital for IT to know the system and choose the right software.Continue Reading
financial reporting
Financial reporting is the process of producing the reports, called statements, that disclose an organization's financial status to management, investors and the U.S. federal government.Continue Reading
Master strategic sourcing to keep costs low, customers happy
Learn how strategic sourcing helps manage suppliers for an optimal mix of cost, quality and customer service.Continue Reading
Get schooled on CPM tools
The corporate performance management software (CPM) market is evolving rapidly. Take our quiz and catch up on trends you might've missed.Continue Reading
IT's role in treasury management: A tutorial
Treasury management is a vital function in any organization. An informed IT department is the best bet for accuracy, compliance and data availability.Continue Reading
last mile of finance (LMOF)
The last mile of finance is composed of the management processes that finance executives perform after the monthly, quarterly or annual close to prepare for financial reporting and disclosure. Continue Reading
Demand-driven manufacturing quiz
Think you know the finer points of demand driven manufacturing? Take this short quiz and find out.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
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
BPaaS (Business Process as a Service)
Business Process as a Service (BPaaS) is a form of business process outsourcing (BPO) that employs a cloud computing service model.Continue Reading
integrated business planning (IBP)
Integrated business planning (IBP) is a strategy for connecting the planning functions of each department in an organization to align operations and strategy with the organization's financial performance.Continue Reading
Adaptive Insights (formerly called Adaptive Planning)
Adaptive Insights (formerly called Adaptive Planning) is a cloud-based corporate performance management software (CPM) vendor headquartered in Mountain View, California.Continue Reading
Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR)
Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) is the process reference model used across industries as a supply chain management diagnostic tool.Continue Reading
upcharge
An upcharge is an additional fee that is added to a bill after a contract has already been negotiated.Continue Reading
Best BI and analytics options for midmarket manufacturers
BI is everywhere and it is becoming more affordable for even smaller midmarket manufacturers. As a matter of fact, it's actually becoming possible for this type of business to implement the same sort of BI that even the largest enterprises use. In ...Continue Reading
SCEM (supply chain event management)
Supply chain event management (SCEM) refers to software that is used to manage events that occur within and between organizations or supply chain partners.Continue Reading
quality function deployment
Quality function deployment (QFD) is the translation of user requirements or requests into designs. The goal of QFD is to build a product that does exactly what the customer wants instead of delivering a product that emphasizes expertise the builder...Continue Reading