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How can manufacturers improve field service operations?
Equipment providers and distributors are shifting their focus to improving field service. What are some best practices and technologies that can boost customer engagement and increase sales? 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
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
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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
Lean and sustainability strategies meld for supply chain transformation
Some manufacturers are expanding lean and sustainability strategies to the supply chain to reduce waste and bolster efficiencies, but extending these practices outside a company's four walls won't be easy. 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
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
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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
Dissecting an e-procurement software system
In this expert response, find out what makes an e-procurement system tick.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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
ERP consolidation and integration
Maintaining multiple ERP systems can be challenging. But should all businesses have only one ERP system?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
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
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
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: 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Fast Guide to acronyms used in manufacturing
These acronyms are often used in internal communications within a manufacturing environment.Continue Reading
product information management (PIM)
Product information management (PIM) is a classification of software products that support the global identification, linking and synchronization of product information across heterogeneous data sources.Continue Reading
SC sustainability
Supply chain sustainability is a holistic perspective of supply chain processes and technologies that goes beyond the focus of delivery, inventory and traditional views of cost.Continue Reading
profitability analysis
Profitability analysis is a component of enterprise resource planning (ERP) that allows administrators to forecast the profitability of a proposal or optimize the profitability of an existing project.Continue Reading
contract management software
Contract management software is a program or series of related programs for storing and managing legal agreements such as contracts with vendors, leases and licensing agreements.Continue Reading
open source ERP
Open source ERP refers to an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software model in which the public has access to the source code of the system.Continue Reading
Basel III
Basel III is a set of standards and practices created to ensure that international banks maintain adequate capital to sustain themselves during periods of economic strain.Continue Reading
EDIFACT
EDIFACT (ISO 9735) is the international standard for electronic data interchange (EDI).Continue Reading
AR-to-GL reconciliation
AR-to-GL (accounts-receivable-to-general-ledger) reconciliation is a process commonly used to balance accounts in bookkeeping, particularly within an Oracle relational database. Continue Reading
financial data management
Financial data management (FDM) is a process and policy, usually assisted by specialized software, that allows an enterprise or institution to consolidate its financial information, maintain compliance with accounting rules and laws, and produce ...Continue Reading
procurement software
Procurement software is a computer program or suite that allows an organization to automate the processes of purchasing materials and maintaining an inventory of goods.Continue Reading
BAI2 file format
BAI2 file format is a specialized and standardized set of codes used for cash management by the Bank Administration Institute (BAI).Continue Reading
X9 (ASC X9)
ASC X9, Inc. (X9) is the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) organization responsible for the development of all financial services standards in the United States.Continue Reading
treasury management
Treasury management is the administration of a company’s cash flow as well as the creation and governance of policies and procedures that ensure the company manages risk successfully.Continue Reading
SWIFT FIN message
SWIFT FIN is a message type (MT) that transmits financial information from one financial institution to another.Continue Reading
SQL-ledger
SQL-Ledger (SL) is a Web-based open source double-entry accounting system that is used primarily in the retail and manufacturing sectors.Continue Reading
spreadsheet controls
Spreadsheet controls are a set of steps that an organization's accounting personnel can take to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial records and bookkeeping procedures.Continue Reading
ISO 20022
ISO 20022 is an ISO standard for developing financial services messages.Continue Reading
ISAE 3402
ISAE (International Standards for Assurance Engagements) 3402 is a global assurance standard for reporting on controls at service organizations.Continue Reading
GR/IR clearing accounts
A GR/IR (goods-receipt/invoice-receipt) clearing account is a bookkeeping device that can be used when goods arrive before the invoice is generated, or when an invoice arrives before the goods are delivered.Continue Reading
ghost asset
A ghost asset is a fixed asset in a general ledger (GL) that cannot be accounted for because it is physically missing or otherwise rendered unusable. Continue Reading
GASB
GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board) is private not-for-profit organization that seeks to establish and improve the standards of accounting and financial reporting for U.S. state and local governments.Continue Reading
financial management system
A financial management system is the methodology and software that an organization uses to oversee and govern its income, expenses, and assets with the objectives of maximizing profits and ensuring sustainability.Continue Reading
financial application
A financial application is a software program that facilitates the management of business processes that deal with money. Continue Reading
financial supply chain management
Financial supply chain management (FSCM) is a set of software tools and processes designed to enhance an organization’s product flow, maximizing profitability and minimizing expenses.Continue Reading
EDGAR
EDGAR (Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval) is an online public database from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).Continue Reading
e-invoicing
E-invoicing (or electronic invoicing) is the delivery of bills and related information by an enterprise to its clients using electronic communications, usually the Internet.Continue Reading
e-filing (electronic filing)
E-filing is the electronic submission of information that is required by law.Continue Reading
cost-benefit analysis software
Cost-benefit analysis software is a computer program or suite that assists personnel in the complex task of determining whether or not a proposed plan or project will pay off.Continue Reading
CIFT
CIFT (Center for Innovative Financial Technology) is a research facility dedicated to the study of new technologies in the financial services sector.Continue Reading
chart of accounts (COA)
A chart of accounts (COA) is a financial organizational tool that provides a complete listing of every account in an accounting system.Continue Reading
BIC (bank identifier code)
A bank identifier code (BIC) is a unique identifier for a specific financial institution.Continue Reading
asset liability management
Asset liability management (ALM) is the administration of policies and procedures that address financial risks associated with changing interest rates, foreign exchange rates and other factors that can affect a company’s liquidity.Continue Reading
accounts payable
Accounts payable is a liability account in the general ledger (GL).Continue Reading
account
An account is a unique record for each type of asset, liability, equity, revenue and expense. Continue Reading
replenishment
Replenishment refers to the movement of inventory from upstream -- or reserve -- product storage locations to downstream -- or primary – storage, picking and shipment locations.Continue Reading
yard management system (YMS)
A yard management system (YMS) is a software system designed to oversee the movement of trucks and trailers in the yard of a manufacturing facility, warehouse, or distribution center.Continue Reading