Opinion

Opinion

• A glimpse into the future of AI enterprise applications

  Hands-on experience building bots on the Azure cloud and briefings from Microsoft experts show that the future of AI is here, and it's more user-friendly than you might expect.  Continue Reading

• There's time and place for SMBs to adopt SaaS-based ERP

  SMBs face many issues when implementing SaaS ERP operations versus on-premises, plus the fact that one size cloud-based ERP platform doesn't necessarily fit all companies.  Continue Reading

• Rethinking ERP cloud migrations in the age of AI and IoT

  The flight path from your legacy ERP vendor's on-premises software to a cloud version needn't be linear. In fact, you may want to rethink the entire route.  Continue Reading

• Time for CFOs to get serious about cybercrime prevention

  Payment risks and email scams are too complex to pass off to an insurance provider. They call for C-level involvement in making sure the entire trading partner network is secure.  Continue Reading

• Smart manufacturing technology is a dumb idea without good leadership

  A manufacturing CEO explains why the IT-driven revolution in the factory won't amount to much without an educated, engaged workforce and credibility and respect from top managers.  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

• Making sense of IoT and supply chain analytics

  IoT could bring major changes to supply chain analytics. Here are ways businesses can think about the technologies and strategies involved in implementing IoT-based applications.  Continue Reading

• Field service software puts IoT to practical use

  IoT-enhanced field service software could be a beachhead for augmented reality in the enterprise, but it won't happen without a massive effort in the back office.  Continue Reading

• Green manufacturing technology builds on century-old methods

  Whether it's called sustainability or green manufacturing, making things with fewer natural resources is a goal that's within reach of most companies.  Continue Reading

• Early teamwork key to picking financial accounting software

  Experts advise first appointing a cross-functional steering committee to identify requirements and ensure every voice is heard before looking for financial applications.  Continue Reading

• Supply chain provides fertile ground for IoT applications

  As IoT continues to grow, the supply chain has great potential for applications. Here are some things you need to consider when integrating IoT.  Continue Reading

• Mobile manufacturing requires standardization, strategy

  Companies that are interested in realizing mobility's potential must first familiarize themselves with best practices around mobile ERP and manufacturing applications.  Continue Reading

• No more spreadsheets: Users say why they're replacing Excel

  A marvel in its heyday, Microsoft Excel is the tool that many people use for planning, forecasting and analytics -- but shouldn't. Why more are replacing Excel.  Continue Reading

• Now is the time for manufacturers to map out an IIoT plan

  Here are the questions manufacturers need to ask themselves about their current and future infrastructure if they want to migrate to the industrial IoT.  Continue Reading

• Finance looks to business budgeting software for better BP&F

  Many companies are finding that their financial processes can be streamlined through the use of business budgeting software. Here's a look at why, and how the cloud factors in.  Continue Reading

• IoT apps still sparse, but promising

  There's strong evidence that the IoT is gaining acceptance -- but only on a limited basis because of cost and equipment compatibility concerns.  Continue Reading

• Improve business cost management with better collaboration

  Accounts payable doesn’t typically do work to help other departments, but it should. A little altruism could provide better business cost management.  Continue Reading

• Improving data flow with ERP consolidation

  Multiple ERP systems can block data accessibility and kill productivity. Here's how an ERP integration project can help.  Continue Reading

• How midmarket companies should choose a new ERP system

  Finding the right ERP software for midmarket manufacturing doesn't have to be overwhelming. It's all about knowing what you need.  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

• 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

• 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

• Process manufacturing served by enterprise resource software

  Enterprise resource planning software has evolved and today's process-oriented ERP is well suited to meet manufacturing needs in industries like food and beverage, chemical and pharmaceutical.  Continue Reading

• Mobile ERP apps could put managers on the shop floor

  With mobile ERP apps, managers could become more involved in spotting shop floor opportunities and quickly resolving problems.  Continue Reading

• Is transformational change the new business mantra?

  To compete, businesses must undergo a transformational change in how they operate, which begins by transforming company culture. How can companies motivate employees to take a new approach to work?  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

• Can CPM software handle rolling forecasts?

  Manufacturing provides a compelling case for why CPM software must get better at handling complex operational needs such as rolling forecasts.  Continue Reading

• Beware SaaS revenue cliffs, troughs and break-even points

  Vendors are staring at an abyss: SaaS subscriptions siphoning off revenue from huge, upfront licenses. Get ready for new flavors of cloud -- and say goodbye to more legacy systems.  Continue Reading

• Cloud vendors dish up vertical applications

  Vendors have been serving vanilla cloud apps, but now they're mixing in more industry flavor. Should organizations sample that software or make their own?  Continue Reading

• Best EPM software integrates finance, operations

  Enterprise performance management only works if finance and operations talk to each other, according to one expert consultant.  Continue Reading

• Go with the flow: How global networks will change IT

  McKinsey measures cross-border "global flows" and says digitizing them will remake entire economies -- and pose new challenges for IT.  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

• Digital financial reporting harnesses computers for speed, accuracy

  The father of XBRL outlines what it takes to better automate financial reporting and analysis -- and why it's worth the trouble.  Continue Reading

• Cloud, mobile technologies ease ERP installation woes

  It's time to enter the 21st century and make the most out of new technologies to make ERP installation easier and more cost-efficient.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise resource planning software dead? Tell me another one

  Don't believe the hype. ERP isn't going anywhere. It will, however, adapt to a world where mobile and cloud reign.  Continue Reading

• Cloud-based ERP is coming to your company whether you like it or not

  ERP vendors need to replace license revenue from fading on-premises suites, and social, mobile and analytics all need the cloud to thrive.  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

• When financial forecasting stakes are high, analytics can help

  An Anaplan software user shows how SaaS CPM modeling offers finer control over complex projects that could wreak havoc on your bottom line.  Continue Reading

• Can CFOs really use big data for financial analytics? Some say yes

  For CFOs, big data financial analytics have been mostly theoretical. But early adopters see promise in fraud detection and risk management.  Continue Reading

• Moving toward cloud finance? First, some questions

  As more organizations put their trust in the cloud, many will start putting financial applications in it as well. Before making that leap, make sure your process is sound. Then grill those vendors.  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

• Three good reasons to automate the last mile of finance

  APQC data shows how top performers use financial management software and process redesign to reduce costs, cycle times and legal issues.  Continue Reading

• Why integrated business planning is relevant -- and how to automate it

  ERP systems and CPM software already provide some of the best tools for automating IBP.  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