Features

Features

• Circular economy model enables sustainability and resilience

  In this Q&A, IFS' Colin Elkins discusses the circular economy and how it can improve sustainability, enable business models like servitization and become a competitive advantage.  Continue Reading

• Salesforce-Slack deal heralds the future of collaboration

  Deeper platform integrations, widespread communications tools and a dash of workflow automation are some of the elements that shape the future of team collaboration.  Continue Reading

• 4 cloud collaboration security best practices for CISOs

  In the new era of remote work, cloud-based team collaboration is a virtual necessity, but it can also be risky. Analysts and CISOs explain how to keep your organization secure.  Continue Reading

• MSC Industrial Supply transforms to SAP S/4HANA private cloud

  MSC Industrial Supply needed to cut costs and modernize its ERP system, so it first moved to S/4HANA on a hybrid cloud and has recently completed a transformation to a SaaS model.  Continue Reading

• Facilities planners, managers look to cloud enterprise platforms

  AI, analytics, collaboration software and advanced HVAC technology help reconfigure and manage safe and flexible workplace environments for employees returning to the office.  Continue Reading

• Enhance frontline worker communications with UCC tools

  COVID-19 has changed business processes for frontline workers. Learn how UC and collaboration technology can enhance frontline worker communications.  Continue Reading

• A real-life example of the self-distribution supply chain model

  A self-distribution approach to supply chain management can help a company lower the risk of disruption. Learn how Ahold Delhaize USA is doing just that.  Continue Reading

• 8 diversity hiring mistakes you could be making

  Diversity hiring mistakes are all too common during the recruiting process. Here are some mistakes companies need to avoid for their recruiting efforts to be truly successful.  Continue Reading

• Future workplace planning emphasizes collaboration, flexibility

  ServiceNow's Kevin Nanney discusses the technologies businesses are implementing to smartly manage and reshape their offices into flexible, collaborative neighborhood workspaces.  Continue Reading

• Explore 4 team collaboration apps and emerging competitors

  Team collaboration apps have redefined the UC market. Discover how the leading products compare on calling features, video conferencing support and pricing.  Continue Reading

• HR technology platforms advance return-to-office plans

  ServiceNow's Kevin Nanney discusses the tools and technologies businesses are implementing to ensure worker safety, boost employee engagement and consolidate digital workflows.  Continue Reading

• Hybrid workplace model starts with meeting rooms, video

  The hybrid workplace is the future as not everyone will return to the office full time. Learn how IT leaders at Enterprise Connect Virtual are using UC to support a hybrid workplace model.  Continue Reading

• 5 COVID-19 vaccine rollout lessons for supply chain leaders

  The effort and coordination required to deliver COVID-19 vaccines to people across the globe provides powerful lessons. Here are five.  Continue Reading

• New features in demand for collaboration technology

  Remote work culture has pushed team collaboration vendors to enhance their products. Learn more about video, workflow integration, security, AI and other up-and-coming features.  Continue Reading

• SAP partners sound off on Rise with SAP program

  SAP customers considering a move to S/4HANA may be attracted to the simplicity of Rise with SAP, a recently launched program that may also be a boon for SAP partners.  Continue Reading

• 8 essential ERP vendor evaluation criteria

  Preparing for the ERP vendor selection process is key to success. Here's some criteria you need to ensure that you choose the right software for your organization.  Continue Reading

• Employee poaching risk increases with remote work hiring

  Remote work opportunities may give rise to employee poaching, putting added pressure on HR departments. As geography starts to matter less, employee experience may matter more.  Continue Reading

• Epicor Software applications make transition to SaaS

  In this Q&A, Epicor CEO Steve Murphy discusses how the ERP vendor is moving its products from on premises to a SaaS model but gives customers the choice on when to migrate.  Continue Reading

• Video, security key to support remote work collaboration

  Organizations must deploy more than a meeting platform to support remote work collaboration. Learn what to prioritize to ensure work is productive no matter the location.  Continue Reading

• Samsung Quick Share will support Windows 10 use

  Samsung's Quick Share file service is set to gain Windows 10 support, and it may help Samsung device users quickly transfer files for common workflows.  Continue Reading

• Dos and don'ts for ERP selection success

  The ERP selection process can succeed or fail based on seemingly small factors. Here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind as you embark on the process.  Continue Reading

• Employee wellness vs. employee well-being: The differences

  The terms 'employee wellness' and 'employee well-being' are sometimes used interchangeably, but many consider them to be different. Here's what you should know.  Continue Reading

• 8 benefits of a warehouse management system

  A warehouse management system has the potential to save your company money and help improve warehouse efficiency. Learn how a WMS can benefit your company.  Continue Reading

• Understand SAP Industry Cloud and how it works

  SAP's industry-focused approach to the cloud is meant to provide vertical functionality and digital transformation with less disruption. Here are some examples.  Continue Reading

• Manufacturing outlook for 2021 focuses on resilience

  As midmarket manufacturers focus on recovery from the pandemic, many will take advantage of the opportunity to accelerate Industry 4.0 projects, according to BDO USA.  Continue Reading

• Fueled by new technologies, the future of supply chains is here

  An army of digital technologies like AI, IoT, bots and blockchain will reshape supply chains and add resiliency and transparency in the wake of the pandemic. Learn how.  Continue Reading

• Email marketing tools sustain old channel with personalization

  Email is so 1990s. Yet as a marketing communications channel, it thrives into the 2020s with an assist from personalization technology and customer data platforms.  Continue Reading

• Addressing remote video conferencing security issues

  Many organizations have implemented video conferencing security policies that mandate passwords and waiting rooms. But keeping meetings secure focuses on more than just access.  Continue Reading

• Digitizing the supply chain requires standards to succeed

  In this Q&A, Vector's Brian Belcher discusses why interest in digitizing the supply chain has soared recently and why standards are needed for wider use of digital technologies.  Continue Reading

• Kinaxis fuels Technicolor's supply chain digital transformation

  Technicolor Connected Home digitally transformed its manual supply chain operations with the Kinaxis supply chain platform, resulting in improved forecasting ability.  Continue Reading

• Vaccine supply chain needs Starbucks -- not stadium -- model

  In this Q&A, Sylvie Thompson makes the case for small, localized distribution at places like Starbucks for COVID-19 vaccine distribution.  Continue Reading

• Top 5 warehouse technology trends for 2021

  Effective warehouse management has become even more critical. Learn which technologies are most important to creating efficiency and gaining a competitive edge.  Continue Reading

• Top 5 digital experience platforms of 2021

  Digital experience platforms are the next generation of web content management systems. Here are five top examples of DXPs for businesses to consider.  Continue Reading

• The 7 most effective ways to connect with customers

  Businesses need to prioritize building a connection with customers. By doing so, companies get to know their customers on a personal level and can better serve their needs.  Continue Reading

• Internal mobility: Benefits, tools, best practices

  Internal mobility is meant to capitalize on the organization's own talent. Learn why it's important, what stands in the way and how best to support it.  Continue Reading

• Evaluating Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams telephony

  Direct Routing for Microsoft Teams may be the best path to the PSTN for most companies. But organizations should weigh their specific needs when choosing a Direct Routing partner.  Continue Reading

• How to create a customer satisfaction survey

  Businesses need to have a plan in place before sending out customer satisfaction surveys. Acting on customer feedback is just as important as collecting it.  Continue Reading

• Google's SAP on GCP investments may pay off

  Investing in data centers and bringing on former SAP executives, Google is hoping to turn its cloud platform into a public cloud destination for SAP customers.  Continue Reading

• Monitoring productivity of employees crosses privacy boundaries

  As remote work continues, organizations are looking for new ways to monitor productivity of employees. But they walk a fine line between employee monitoring and surveillance.  Continue Reading

• Supply chain trends for 2021 include reshoring, digitization

  The diversifying of manufacturing, including reshoring to the U.S. and the adoption of new technologies, will be top supply chain trends in 2021, according to industry experts.  Continue Reading

• CES debates the future of remote work trends

  CES usually has a firm grasp on future technology trends, but when it comes to remote work, the road ahead seems unclear.  Continue Reading

• Big Tech's uneasy balance of capitalism, censorship

  Big tech companies' enforcement of acceptable use policies following Capitol riots is questioned, as some say First Amendment rights to free speech should extend to social networks.  Continue Reading

• ERP alternatives poised to take the stage in 2021

  The momentum for companies to adopt cloud-first and industry-specific ERP systems has created an opening for alternative ERP companies.  Continue Reading

• IFS Field Service Management software: Overview, pros, cons

  IFS FSM software is meant to manage field staff and assets. Learn about its advantages and disadvantages and whether your company should put it on a vendor shortlist.  Continue Reading

• SAP Commerce Cloud dresses up digital storefronts

  SAP Commerce Cloud is designed to help companies launch digital commerce sites, which may be useful for large enterprises and digital commerce sites with complex processes.  Continue Reading

• Ensure phone system compliance with 911 regulations

  In this roundup of UC blogs, analysts discuss phone system compliance with 911 regulations, Pexip's private cloud video platform and the growth of intelligent assistants.  Continue Reading

• SAP Business Network, S/4HANA critical for SAP in 2021

  SAP's 2021 will be a mix of familiar challenges such as moving customers off legacy systems to S/4HANA and new opportunities such as its SAP Business Network, according to experts.  Continue Reading

• The psychology of UX design: How design affects CX

  In her book, '100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People, 2nd Edition,' Susan Weinschenk explains how UX design relies on psychology to improve customer experiences.  Continue Reading

• Virtual visits to mature in 2021

  The pandemic forced virtual care's hand in 2020, but healthcare systems and patients have found that the benefits of telehealth outweigh the drawbacks.  Continue Reading

• DoD eyes blind recruiting-type technology for promotions

  The Pentagon may investigate blind recruiting-type technology to remove bias from the promotions process. It wants to improve the diversity in its officer ranks.  Continue Reading

• Remote work and AI drive the future of collaboration technology

  As remote work and hybrid workforces become the new normal, collaboration technology needs to adapt. Tech leaders at WebexOne discussed the drivers for collaboration's evolution.  Continue Reading

• Customer data platforms dominate CX technology headlines

  As the tech titans release their CDPs, it raises a question: Can this technology save itself from becoming another data silo in the marketing stack?  Continue Reading

• 3 critical employee experience technologies for the 'new normal'

  Since COVID-19 hit, HR leaders and their teams have pivoted to support the employee experience in new ways. Here's how technology has been critical to that support.  Continue Reading

• Evaluating endpoints for an Asterisk-based phone system

  Enterprises building an Asterisk-based phone system have three endpoint options. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of these endpoints in this book excerpt.  Continue Reading

• Use predictive analytics in manufacturing to gain insight

  Predictive analytics in manufacturing is a crucial part of a predictive manufacturing system. Learn about its promise, its drawbacks and why.  Continue Reading

• 4 supply chain finance benefits and why they matter now

  Liquidity in the supply chain for buyers and suppliers is just one of the benefits supply chain finance can offer companies. Learn about some others.  Continue Reading

• How to handle layoffs with compassion -- or possibly avoid them

  Handling layoffs with compassion and sensitivity is critical for the employee experience of those who are leaving and staying. Here's advice on how to do so.  Continue Reading

• 10 Dreamforce to You 2020 sessions for sales managers

  DreamTX -- part of the Dreamforce to You 2020 lineup -- will offer a variety of relevant sessions for attending sales managers. Here's a peek at 10 of those sessions.  Continue Reading

• Why customer-centric design is crucial for CX

  In her book, '100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People,' Susan Weinschenk talks about why it is important for companies to know their audience to better design for them.  Continue Reading

• Standalone customer data platforms weather big competition

  Standalone CDP vendors got a years-long head start on Microsoft, Oracle, Salesforce, SAP and Adobe. They stand firm in a year when online channels stayed open during the pandemic.  Continue Reading

• SAP Intelligent Spend Management shows where the money goes

  In this Q&A, SAP's John Wookey explains the current makeup of the SAP Intelligent Spend Management and Business Network group and how it helps companies track their spending.  Continue Reading

• SAP systems integrators' strengths align with project success

  Accenture, Deloitte and IBM approach SAP implementation projects differently. Knowing those differences could help companies save on costs and time.  Continue Reading

• 12 tips for recruiting and hiring ideal remote employees

  The pandemic has made working remotely the new normal in many organizations. Here's how to find and hire the best candidates -- all with a new, more virtual recruiting process.  Continue Reading

• CPaaS market growth broadens amid new use cases

  While the pandemic didn't have a significant effect on CPaaS market growth, organizations accelerating their digital transformation plans are driving demand for APIs.  Continue Reading

• How to choose the right ERP for digital transformation

  Digital transformation is critical to many companies' success and ERP underpins that transformation. Here's a look at how to make that transformation happen.  Continue Reading

• Understand workplace COVID-19 contact tracing issues, methods

  COVID-19 contact tracing for offices, businesses, restaurants and other workplaces is a challenge for employers. Here is a look at different methods and how testing can work.  Continue Reading

• 7 keys to a successful diversity and inclusion initiative

  Today's workforce is calling for a stop to bias and prejudice, and business and HR leaders need to take effective action. Here's a look at diversity initiative best practices.  Continue Reading

• How UC technology supports long-term remote work

  Successful long-term remote work needs unified communications. Learn about the communications tools that organizations need to ensure effective employee communication.  Continue Reading

• The importance of employee well-being and how technology can help

  Technology can serve an important role in promoting employee wellness. Here's a look at why that matters and who should be involved.  Continue Reading

• Epicor ERP 10.2.700 may entice manufacturers to the cloud

  The latest SaaS version of Epicor ERP includes new capabilities designed to appeal to midmarket manufacturers that want to move to a cloud-based system.  Continue Reading

• HRIS administration requires close IT-HR collaboration

  There's no single ownership strategy for HRIS admin, but there may be some preferences. HR departments with on-premises systems are more likely to keep the tech management duties.  Continue Reading

• Predictive maintenance: Definition, benefits, example, strategy

  Predictive maintenance is a promising approach to monitoring equipment and preventing failures. Learn about the benefits of this approach and how to get started.  Continue Reading

• Customer input drives S/4HANA Cloud development

  In this Q&A, SAP executive Jan Gilg discusses how customer feedback played a role in the development of new features in S/4HANA Cloud 2011.  Continue Reading

• IBM's Lisa Seacat DeLuca on being a woman in the tech industry

  IBM's master inventor Lisa Seacat DeLuca gives insight into promoting gender diversity. Learn why both official programs and informal outreach are so important.  Continue Reading

• Integrated collaboration environments offer new ways to work

  By integrating with several other business operations, team collaboration platforms can provide a central workspace for virtual teams to organize their productivity.  Continue Reading

• Slack's growth strategy faces the hurdle of paid users

  In this roundup of UC blogs, analysts discuss challenges to Slack's growth, enhancements to Avaya Spaces video and the drivers for UCC vendor consolidation.  Continue Reading

• Customer data platform tools push personalization, privacy

  Evolving CDPs help companies unify the flood of consumer data collected from disparate sources, resulting in better customer insights and compliance with privacy regulations.  Continue Reading

• How listening to the voice of the customer benefits businesses

  Karen Mangia's book, 'Listen Up! How to Tune In to Customers and Turn Down the Noise' talks about the importance of listening to the voice of the customer in the business world.  Continue Reading

• Bose builds supply chain resilience program that pays off

  An earthquake and floods in 2011 disrupted the Bose supply chain but better prepared the company for the risks and disruptions brought on by COVID-19.  Continue Reading

• 7 ways to avoid remote work burnout in call centers

  Many factors contribute to remote work burnout, including juggling too many tasks, isolation and a work-life balance. Here are some tips for managers to help minimize burnout.  Continue Reading

• Early days for digital twins in the supply chain

  A digital twin that solves every supply chain problem may not yet be a reality. Learn why and which types of projects are realistic for today.  Continue Reading

• How to write a marketing email: 10 tips

  There are a number of components that make up a compelling marketing email, including content readers want, photos and videos, calls to action and mobile optimization.  Continue Reading

• How to navigate video conference recording privacy

  Video conferences are convenient for companies whose employees are working remotely due to COVID-19, but now they must determine how to deal with recording and privacy concerns.  Continue Reading

• The disruptive impact of COVID-19 on warehouse automation

  The pandemic has had mixed effects on warehouse automation. Learn why this has been the case and what warehouse leaders say are important takeaways.  Continue Reading

• Why social media is key to collecting customer feedback

  Social media offers companies a way to hear opinions about their products, as well to interact with customers to improve CX. Businesses must know how to gather and use feedback.  Continue Reading

• Smartphones and laptops for business hinge on cost, use, apps

  Factors like cost, usage, applications, management, longevity and security figure in the selection of company-issued smartphones, laptops and printers for digital workers.  Continue Reading

• Baseball team digitizes media, uses AI to uncover metadata

  The San Francisco Giants' digitization and metadata tagging project helps the baseball organization revisit old content and deliver history to engage fans.  Continue Reading

• Headless CMS powers personalized, omnichannel e-commerce

  As the headless CMS gains steam, understand why e-commerce companies are the most likely ones to reap the benefits and what trends are driving its adoption.  Continue Reading

• Election apps, advertising target mobile phone users

  As political campaigns ramp up their use of mobile technology to do battle this election season, apps have arisen to inform citizens and encourage them to vote.  Continue Reading

• 7 essential remote worker security policies for IT departments

  With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing so many to work remotely, IT admins need to update the security aspect of their organization's work-from-home policies to keep pace with this trend.  Continue Reading

• SharePoint Syntex automatically uncovers document metadata

  AI can help organizations automatically uncover metadata and tag documents. Discover how Microsoft's SharePoint Syntex achieves this using machine learning and machine teaching.  Continue Reading

• Crafts Technology manages COVID-19 changes with ECI JobBoss

  Crafts Technology, a medium-sized manufacturer that performs small-volume jobs, is using ECI JobBoss ERP software to manage workplace changes from the COVID-19 pandemic.  Continue Reading

• Employers scramble to build upskilling, reskilling programs

  Robotics, automation and the COVID-19 pandemic have governments and private businesses trying out new ways for rapidly upskilling and reskilling employees and, more broadly, the workforce.  Continue Reading

• Zoom Phone system users share their success stories and setbacks

  Tech leaders at Zoomtopia explained how migrating to the Zoom Phone system provides their employees with an integrated communications experience and improved business continuity.  Continue Reading

• A breakdown of inbound marketing vs. demand generation

  Inbound marketing and demand generation are easy to confuse, but they are different. While inbound marketing is marketing-centric, demand generation tends to be more sales-centric.  Continue Reading

• Choosing the right collaboration suite for business

  Collaboration suites are an essential component of remote work, enabling teamwork throughout a distributed enterprise. Decide which option is best for your organization.  Continue Reading

• UC presence evolves amid remote work revolution

  UC presence technology must evolve to be effective in today's world of remote work and multi-device communication. Learn how presence can adapt to new ways of working.  Continue Reading

• Remote teams centralize collaboration on Slack platform

  Deploying collaboration technology has played a key role in supporting remote teams during the pandemic. Tech leaders at Slack Frontiers share their success stories.  Continue Reading

• 8 strategies HR can use to recruit Gen Z

  Gen Z is the newest generation entering the workforce. Learn some strategies HR teams and hiring managers can use to recruit the right candidates more quickly.  Continue Reading

• Decide on SAP S/4HANA Cloud: Single-tenant vs. multi-tenant edition

  Understanding the benefits and limitations of S/4HANA Cloud versions is essential to making the right choice. Here are some factors for consideration.  Continue Reading