ERP & Supply Chain
Top Stories
-
Feature
31 Jul 2026
Composable ERP strategy: Key benefits and steps for success
In this Q&A, ERP expert Sanjay Mhaskey explains the advantages and challenges of composable ERP and how to decide if this major architectural change to core systems is worthwhile. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
30 Jul 2026
Who owns the workflow? Why enterprises are managing the wrong thing
Enterprises manage applications well but often lack owners for cross-functional workflows. AI automation reveals that application ownership alone doesn't ensure business outcomes. Continue Reading
-
Answer
05 Jun 2018
Can low-code development benefit supply chain management?
The low-code/no-code movement is exploding as it puts app development into the hands of business users. One possibly overlooked area for this technology is the supply chain. Continue Reading
-
Answer
04 Jun 2018
Is the lack of IIoT standards holding back industrial progress?
Some companies are blazing forward in their efforts to implement industrial IoT, while the issue of standards causes some to hold back until there is more clarity. Continue Reading
-
Feature
04 Jun 2018
Supply chain risk mitigation strategies on multiple fronts
Experts say you can't tackle supply chain risk with a one-size-fits-all approach. It has to address many facets -- and supplier relationships are the key. Continue Reading
-
Feature
24 May 2018
IoT may throw a lifeline to PLM systems
PLM systems have functioned mostly in engineering, but now IoT-connected devices are allowing PLM to be more useful across the entire product lifecycle. Continue Reading
-
Feature
24 May 2018
Dalsin Industries returns to on premises with Epicor ERP system
Dalsin Industries implemented a Plex cloud ERP system to replace an old Epicor system but moved back to on-premises Epicor when the cloud proved to be inadequate for its needs. Continue Reading
-
Feature
23 May 2018
Smart manufacturing technology is changing business processes
The future is here: AI enablement and smart manufacturing technologies are transforming business systems today, according to technology futurist Jack Shaw. Continue Reading
-
Feature
23 May 2018
Analyst details industrial roles of 3D printing technology
In this Q&A, Gartner analyst Pete Basiliere discusses how advancements in 3D printing may move beyond prototyping to help improve traditional manufacturing processes. Continue Reading
-
News
21 May 2018
Contract lifecycle management highlighted at Apttus conference
Analysts, users tout CLM's risk management and revenue benefits at event by Apttus, maker of a 'middle office' repository for managing contracts across ERP, CRM and departments. Continue Reading
-
Feature
14 May 2018
Supply chain risk management tools vary from generic to niche
Specialized supply chain monitoring and risk tools exist, but you're more likely to use an assortment of general-purpose analytics, financial and GRC applications. Continue Reading
-
News
09 May 2018
Oracle Autonomous Database concept extended to PaaS, apps
Having earlier laid the foundation with Oracle Autonomous Database, the vendor unveiled self-driving, self-repairing tools for application development, analytics and integration. Continue Reading
-
Feature
09 May 2018
Three companies display 3D printing advances
Take a look at three printers from Nano Dimension, XJet, and HP demonstrated at the Rapid + TCT additive manufacturing conference that are prime examples of advances in 3D printing. Continue Reading
-
News
01 May 2018
Financial management software vendors march ahead
Financial management software vendors FinancialForce, Vena Solutions and Model N have made recent moves to upgrade products, add third-party integrations or accelerate innovation. Continue Reading
-
News
30 Apr 2018
Additive manufacturing industry still small but innovative
The Rapid+TCT 3D printing conference shows new developments in machines, materials and digital systems may fuel growth as an industrial manufacturing option. Continue Reading
-
Answer
23 Apr 2018
Why do EDI standards dominate for electronic transactions?
The EDI standard format is the only option accepted by Walmart and other retailers. But as technology and data formats have changed over the years, is there a better way? Continue Reading
-
News
20 Apr 2018
Acquisition gives ERP public sector firm Tyler a data cloud
Tyler Technologies, a firm solely focused on government verticals and public sector ERP, has added data-as-a-service capability by acquiring Socrata. Continue Reading
-
Feature
19 Apr 2018
Blockchain adoption must overcome hurdles
Blockchain applications are not yet widespread, but here are three business models that will be affected and three hurdles to adoption that blockchain must overcome. Continue Reading
-
News
18 Apr 2018
Santa Fe's ERP implementation project fix stirs debate
ERP implementation projects may be IT's most challenging, something the city of Santa Fe, N.M., found out. City officials needed a fix and considered three options. Continue Reading
-
Answer
03 Apr 2018
How will AI in demand forecasting help improve accuracy?
Changing consumer demand and supply chain disruptions are just two factors that might influence demand forecasting results. Here's a look at how AI can help. Continue Reading
-
Feature
03 Apr 2018
Integrating IoT with EAM systems can provide insights
More EAM systems are using IoT data to offer information on systems and equipment, but it takes state-of-the-art analytics to return results quickly and get meaningful answers. Continue Reading
-
Answer
02 Apr 2018
Which supply chain visibility tools help improve logistics?
At the intersection of IoT, analytics and other technologies lies better supply chain visibility. Here's a look at what's making logistics a little easier. Continue Reading
-
Tip
26 Mar 2018
Hybrid ERP demands process integration, easy data access
SaaS apps can strengthen areas where ERP is weak, but to ensure the combo adds value, both sides must communicate seamlessly at the business-process, messaging and data levels. Continue Reading
-
News
23 Mar 2018
IDC says supply chain 'killer' among blockchain use cases
Blockchain is gaining ground in the supply chain and financial services, according to IDC, and other third-platform technologies are enabling the digitization of the economy. Continue Reading
-
Feature
21 Mar 2018
Fintech automation and AI may face trust issues
Fintech automation is gaining the ability to negotiate and execute contracts. But users will first have to learn to trust financial automation before turning on this capability. Continue Reading
-
Answer
12 Mar 2018
What should companies know about sustainability software?
Sustainability is composed of social, environmental and economic pillars. That's why technologies focused on this market address different needs. Here's a narrow glimpse. Continue Reading
-
Feature
06 Mar 2018
Why craft beer makers are tapping into ERP for craft brewery software
As with other process manufacturers, ERP software can help craft breweries maintain quality, while better managing growth and unexpected success. Here's a look. Continue Reading
-
Feature
02 Mar 2018
Integrating an EAM system with ERP makes sense, but isn't easy
Experts say that integrating EAM and ERP systems helps organizations utilize their physical and financial assets, but they need to address challenges to make the systems work together. Continue Reading
-
Answer
01 Mar 2018
Why is the smart factory concept key for manufacturing?
With the growth of connected technologies, the factory of the near-future is expected to work quite differently than the one of today. Here's a look. Continue Reading
-
News
23 Feb 2018
Model N revenue management software gets new capabilities
ERP news briefs: Model N adapts its revenue management to include subscription, outcome-based, risk sharing, as well as physical product, pricing. Priority Software aims at U.S. Continue Reading
-
Feature
15 Feb 2018
Major components maker ramps up AI in manufacturing
Artificial intelligence is making inroads into manufacturing systems. Case in point is printed circuits manufacturer Jabil, which uses AI to improve its processes and products. Continue Reading
-
News
15 Feb 2018
CFOs get argument for moving on-premises ERP systems to cloud
Cloud services can boost the nation's productivity by making advanced tech widely available. The cloud will be the major conduit to AI and other tools, a new report says. Continue Reading
- 15 Feb 2018
-
Answer
15 Feb 2018
How can manufacturers begin an Industry 4.0 roadmap?
Are you driving toward the next industrial revolution? Industry 4.0 will transform the manufacturing landscape, according to experts. Here's how to get ready. Continue Reading
-
Tip
13 Feb 2018
Nine critical features of budget management software
Workflow tools, multidimensional data structures and flexible reporting are among the capabilities that ensure the budgeting process supports strategic and financial goals. Continue Reading
-
Feature
12 Feb 2018
E-commerce packaging waste becoming a bigger issue
With the rise of online shopping, the packaging waste is becoming more of an issue. Here's a look at why and at some of the early work to solve the problem. Continue Reading
-
Feature
07 Feb 2018
Finding the root cause of ERP implementation failures
The root cause of ERP implementation failures may be delays in decision-making. Delays add up, which wastes time and imposes extra costs on a deployment. Continue Reading
-
Answer
06 Feb 2018
Why is digital twin technology important for manufacturing's future?
The industrial IoT landscape and the concept of Industry 4.0 both rely heavily on digital twins to push them forward. Here's some explanation of why that is. Continue Reading
-
Feature
06 Feb 2018
Translytical data platforms emerge with SAP HANA as a leader
SAP HANA is a leading translytical platform, according to Forrester, and consulting firm Convergent IS says the combination of transactional and analytical data creates new opportunities. Continue Reading
-
Feature
06 Feb 2018
Survey says: ERP changes, more human-machine interactions coming by 2030
A Dell survey finds strong belief that humans and machines will work as integrated teams within five years. ERP systems, especially inventory, will be top automation target. Continue Reading
-
News
01 Feb 2018
Office Depot says 'no' to Oracle ERP Cloud customizations
Office Depot believes it's possible to run its HCM, EPM and supply chain on the Oracle ERP Cloud without customizations. The retailer says it will save money and headaches. Analysts agree. Continue Reading
-
Feature
25 Jan 2018
Scrutinize details when buying accounting software systems
Two resellers and a CPA offer tips on getting into the right mindset and conducting a rigorous process that pinpoints the account package that meets your current and future needs. Continue Reading
-
Feature
23 Jan 2018
Manufacturer fuels growth with outcome-based services
Saddled with an inadequate ERP field service application, PAC implemented ServiceMax to centralize field service and use service quality as a business differentiator. Continue Reading
-
Feature
19 Jan 2018
Estimating cost of ERP as SaaS requires ditching old methods
Experts suggest the true value of ERP as SaaS derives not from the early savings but from being able to use a more modern, adaptive and secure platform in the long run. Continue Reading
-
News
15 Jan 2018
Oracle chosen as provider of shared ERP system for colleges
Private, nonprofit colleges are discovering they can reduce back-office IT costs by working together. Novel approaches are emerging to reduce the financial drain of ERP systems. Continue Reading
-
Feature
12 Jan 2018
Voice user interfaces coming to the enterprise
As enterprise UX becomes more critical, VUIs may usurp traditional interfaces. For now, learn from advice and experiments, such as FinancialForce's integration of Alexa. Continue Reading
-
Answer
11 Jan 2018
How is inventory management for e-commerce challenging?
The inventory challenges of adding e-commerce to your supply chain are considerable. Here's a look at what they entail and how you might overcome them. Continue Reading
-
Feature
05 Jan 2018
Cloud-based accounting software can be hub of tailored 'ERP'
Users explain why they chose their cloud core financial system and the thought process that goes into adding applications for key functions, like procurement, HR and case management. Continue Reading
-
Feature
02 Jan 2018
Mitsubishi Imaging transforms sales with e-commerce B2C software
When Mitsubishi Imaging wanted a B2C and B2B web store, it used Sana software to open Dynamics NAV ERP data to e-commerce. Changing business processes was the biggest challenge. Continue Reading
-
Feature
19 Dec 2017
AWS ERP migration required staff buy-in and curiosity
East Tennessee State University is moving its ERP systems from its data center to Amazon Web Services. It's a big project, and essential to its success was getting the IT staff on board. Continue Reading
-
Answer
15 Dec 2017
How are companies solving the last-mile delivery problem?
E-commerce has radically changed how goods are transported, and put a spotlight on the last-mile delivery problem. Learn how retailers are changing their tactics to address the issue. Continue Reading
-
News
05 Dec 2017
National Grid sues Wipro over alleged botched SAP implementation
An SAP deployment at National Grid allegedly was botched, leading to missing paychecks and unpaid invoices. The utility is suing a contractor, Wipro, which called the allegations baseless. Continue Reading
-
Answer
05 Dec 2017
What are the advantages and disadvantages of drop shipping?
For both retailers and manufacturers, drop shipping has pros and cons. Here's some considerations to fuel research into the best strategy. Continue Reading
-
Answer
22 Nov 2017
How does material intensity help measure sustainability?
One important foundation of sustainability is using fewer materials and less energy. Using the material intensity measure can help determine the success of those reduction efforts. Continue Reading
-
Answer
20 Nov 2017
What KPIs can assess demand-driven MRP when using SAP ERP?
Setting up demand-driven metrics and using analytics to monitor them can provide benefits such as helping to reduce working capital commitments and improving service levels. Continue Reading
-
Answer
14 Nov 2017
How is the recurring inspection process in SAP QM activated?
The recurring inspection functionality available in the SAP Quality Management component can help effectively maintain materials that are managed in batches and have expiration dates. Continue Reading
-
Answer
10 Nov 2017
What are some elements of sustainable product design?
With waste from electronics, plastics and other materials growing at a frightening rate, manufacturers can help address the problem with sustainable product design efforts. Continue Reading
-
Feature
25 Oct 2017
How one CIO's move to cloud MES brought significant gains
Led by Manesh Patel, Sanmina moved from an on-premises system to 42Q -- a cloud MES -- for real-time manufacturing and supply chain visibility, improved quality control and yield. Continue Reading
-
Answer
13 Oct 2017
How is e-commerce packaging waste an issue, and what can be done?
As the world turns to online shopping for convenience, a pressing issue is developing -- packaging waste. Here are some considerations to get the conversation started. Continue Reading
-
Tip
29 Sep 2017
Software troubleshooting steps work best with these 10 tips
There are efficient ways to troubleshoot enterprise software, and frustrating, time-consuming ones. Follow this advice to sidestep obstacles and find a fix quickly. Continue Reading
-
Feature
18 Sep 2017
Start preparing infrastructure now for SAP S/4HANA migration
SAP has set 2025 as the date it will no longer support its Business Suite ERP system, and some infrastructure service providers believe customers should begin to plan now. Continue Reading
-
Feature
18 Sep 2017
AI for finance adoption affected by legal, ethical issues
Some experts say that for the foreseeable future, machine learning algorithms and other AI technologies will require human oversight for finance services and data privacy. Continue Reading
-
Feature
13 Sep 2017
SAP S/4HANA public cloud infrastructure options increase
An SAP systems integrator goes on the public cloud to deploy S/4HANA to help its clients and improve its financial reporting, gaining a world-class accounting system quickly. Continue Reading
-
Answer
13 Sep 2017
What kitting process functionalities does SAP EWM offer?
The kitting process can be triggered either from SAP ECC or SAP EWM in kit-to-stock and kit-to-order business scenarios, and reverse kitting is available in EWM. Here's a look. Continue Reading
-
Tip
25 Aug 2017
Capital budgeting software helps manage complex investments
ERP vendors' BI platforms, corporate performance management software and niche budgeting tools are all places to find the technology for maximizing the ROI of capital assets. Continue Reading
-
Answer
24 Aug 2017
Can warehouse robots help solve supply chain issues?
The direct-to-consumer model is transforming warehouse management and, in turn, supply chain management. Here's a look at how robotics is helping to solve some of the issues. Continue Reading
-
Answer
10 Aug 2017
What inventory valuation methods does SAP's MM offer?
Here's a look at five SAP inventory valuation reporting methods, how they can boost your inventory management efforts and why the financial account team should be involved. Continue Reading
-
Answer
18 Jul 2017
How can production leveling help companies become lean?
Eliminating waste is an important principle in lean production. Here's a look at how heijunka, or production leveling, can help achieve that. Continue Reading
-
Answer
07 Jul 2017
What inventory KPIs are available in SAP MRP Monitor?
MRP Monitor fills the inventory reporting and analyses gap that exists in SAP ECC, with analyses that enable materials planning success. Here's a look. Continue Reading
-
Answer
03 Jul 2017
What core components are included in an SAP APO overview?
SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization enables companies to better sense market demand, quickly react with timely supply, and meet and maintain higher service levels. Continue Reading
-
Answer
16 Jun 2017
What core components does the SAP ERP system include?
The SAP ERP system -- also known as ECC -- is the foundation for many companies' ERP implementations. Here's a look at its core components and what each one does. Continue Reading
-
Feature
02 Jun 2017
The risks and rewards of a multivendor ERP strategy
As old-school mega ERP implementations increasingly fall out of favor, companies are now picking and choosing software. Here are some of the issues that these choices create. Continue Reading
-
Answer
31 May 2017
How can you reduce the bullwhip effect with demand-driven MRP?
Reducing the bullwhip effect requires a fundamental and strategic shift from supply-focused materials planning to demand-focused materials replenishment. Continue Reading
-
Answer
25 May 2017
How does ECC handle SAP Vendor Evaluation for services?
In SAP ECC, Vendor Evaluation gives you an easy way to evaluate vendor performance for services such as equipment maintenance or building maintenance. Here's a look. Continue Reading
-
Answer
25 May 2017
What is the role of demand shaping in supply chain planning?
In the age of omnichannel, an effective demand shaping process is critical. Here's what you need to know about the strategy and collaboration that process requires. Continue Reading
-
Tip
09 May 2017
How to use a new ERP system to improve business processes
Packaged ERP will not match your business processes exactly -- and that's a good thing. Here's why you should use the prospect of a new system and its implementation to become better. Continue Reading
-
Feature
08 May 2017
Good budgeting strategy ties business plans to budgets in CPM software
A well-prepared budget is both the product and the driver of strategic planning that gets results. Here's how the components relate, and how software oils the gears. Continue Reading
-
Feature
05 May 2017
Top four supply chain strategies to create the omnichannel experience
The need for omnichannel capabilities is a major force affecting modern supply chain management. Here are four ways to get strategic, so you won't be left behind. Continue Reading
-
Tip
02 May 2017
Seven supply chain risk factors that affect assessment, mitigation
Over the years, managing supply and demand has become increasingly complicated. Here's a look at factors that influence today's supply chain risk assessments. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Apr 2017
Choose the implementation order of SAP SuccessFactors modules
Once you have your core HR and talent management priorities straight, you can figure out which SuccessFactors modules will deliver on those goals. Here are some common scenarios. Continue Reading
-
Feature
28 Apr 2017
IoT logistics technology gaining speed in freight industry
Initially slow to take off, the internet of things is enabling sophisticated sensors that give logistics providers more visibility into inventory and freight vehicles. Continue Reading
-
Answer
26 Apr 2017
How can SAP CTM in SAP ATO improve supply chain management?
Capable-to-Match is a subcomponent of SAP APO that enables better demand and supply controls by balancing production constraints, supplier lead time and transportation lead time. Continue Reading
-
Answer
21 Apr 2017
What are the inventory KPIs that can be measured in SAP ECC?
Being able to measure inventory performance through regular monitoring provides the necessary visibility to improve them. Here's what you should know. Continue Reading
-
Tip
10 Apr 2017
Why internal supply chain alignment is critical -- and how to get it
The internal supply chain -- from procurement to sales -- is critical to your company's success. Here's how to make sure your departments are aligned, and not working at cross-purposes. Continue Reading
-
Answer
03 Apr 2017
How does intent-based navigation work in SAP Fiori Launchpad?
Read these tips to understand the underlying architecture and programming rules for customizing the SAP Fiori Launchpad for specific users and their roles. Continue Reading
-
Feature
08 Mar 2017
How a triple bottom line approach benefits your company
Increasingly, consumers are demanding that companies create strong sustainability and social responsibility efforts. Here's what you need to know. Continue Reading
-
Tip
27 Feb 2017
Three measures for capturing the value of data-driven decisions
Here's advice on how to track not just the amount of use of the analytics team's data and insights, but the value of the analytics they bring to the entire organization. Continue Reading
-
Tip
24 Feb 2017
Why customizing ERP software is usually a bad idea
To get the functions and flexibility that support your organization's competitive edge, try these five solutions first, before customizing ERP as a last resort. Continue Reading
-
Tip
30 Jan 2017
How lean production systems cut the fat out of manufacturing, ERP
From its introduction, the lean approach has influenced manufacturing efficiency, and ERP systems have incorporated its concepts to a greater and greater degree. Here's a look at how lean and ERP have grown increasingly intertwined. Continue Reading
-
Tip
21 Dec 2016
Expert tips for implementing procure-to-pay software
P2P software touches many departments, ties in suppliers and has a big impact on financials. You need all the major stakeholders at the planning table. Continue Reading
-
Tip
13 Dec 2016
S&OP software can coordinate integrated, data-driven planning process
Sales and operations planning is certainly possible with spreadsheets and paper, but collaboration and benchmarking across departments are much easier with specialized software. Continue Reading
-
Feature
29 Nov 2016
Who's the leader in mobile OS market share for ruggedized devices?
Google's Android rules the roost in consumer devices and is gaining on the many flavors of Microsoft Windows that dominate mobile OS market share in manufacturing. Continue Reading
-
Feature
22 Nov 2016
LogFire is cloud-based WMS software suited for omnichannel warehouses
With LogFire, users get cloud-based WMS software that's scalable, easy to use and integrates with other Oracle supply chain management systems. Continue Reading
-
Guide
22 Nov 2016
The essential guide to ERP for small and medium-sized businesses
By integrating important business processes and unifying data, an ERP system can help small and medium-sized businesses go up against the big guys. Here's what you need to know. Continue Reading
-
Answer
11 Nov 2016
What are the benefits of RFID in the fashion industry?
Trendy fashions -- with their quick cycles of 'hot' or 'not' -- need auto-ID technology that can keep pace. Here's a look at why RFID fills the bill. Continue Reading
-
Answer
07 Nov 2016
Why is engineering change control important to manufacturers?
When a product needs changes after being released to production, the process can be disruptive and messy. Engineering change control can help. Continue Reading
-
Answer
07 Nov 2016
Are both an engineering bill of materials and a manufacturing BOM needed?
Manufacturing a product can be very different than what engineers have envisioned. Here's a look at what that means for different bills of materials. Continue Reading
-
Tip
03 Nov 2016
Value drivers must be constant focus of digital technology initiatives
Getting caught up in the enterprise digital technologies hype is dangerous for your company. Here's what to do instead. Continue Reading
-
Feature
31 Oct 2016
SAP's adaptable warehouse management software boosts supply chain ops
SAP's warehouse management software, EWM, integrates with different SAP SCM applications and other ERP systems and provides automation and support for multiple warehouse locations. Continue Reading
-
Feature
28 Oct 2016
The six most important criteria when evaluating WMS software
Number of sales channels, deployment, integration and agility are just some of the important variables to consider when evaluating WMS software for your business. Continue Reading
-
Answer
20 Oct 2016
How does SAP Pool Asset Management improve the use of shared assets?
The Pool Asset Management tool enables easier scheduling and cost allocation of resources that employees share, such as vehicles. Here's a look at how it works. Continue Reading
-
Tip
19 Oct 2016
Use Fiori Elements and smart controls for custom Fiori apps
Fiori Elements can save development time and provide a consistent user experience across SAP Fiori apps, if you know a bit about what's under the hood. Continue Reading
