ERP & Supply Chain
Top Stories
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News
06 Oct 2026
Upcoming SAP CX features to focus on content and marketing AI
SAP is moving deliberately to build more CX connections across its platforms -- for example, plugging ERP data into marketing to spin up campaigns. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
01 Oct 2026
Evaluating agentic AI for demand forecasting
Agentic AI offers autonomous, goal-driven demand forecasting that adapts to disruption. CIOs must assess data infrastructure, explainability, integration costs and phased rollouts. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Answer
17 May 2017
Four tips for selling to the manufacturing vertical
Channel partners can succeed in the manufacturing market if they properly plan and initiate their relationships with customers in this industry segment, writes Mike Bloomfield. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Feature
14 Oct 2016
Define warehouse workflows and processes with Manhattan SCALE
See how Manhattan SCALE could aid your organization with warehouse operations. Deployed in the cloud or on premises, it's WMS software that works for businesses of all sizes. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Sep 2016
Five scenarios where WMS technology can help your organization
From distribution center and warehouses globalizing, to omnichannel strategies and manufacturing software integration, WMS technology solves many needs in the warehouse. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Sep 2016
How can project planners decide between SAP PPM and SAP PS?
Web-based Project and Portfolio Management gives teams a way to pitch ideas and manage projects, but on-premises Project System still fits into the project landscape. Here's how. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Sep 2016
How manufacturers can use an MRP system to reduce inventory
By focusing on compensating factors such as safety stock and shrinkage, you can counteract the tendency of an MRP system to increase inventory, especially in the beginning. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Sep 2016
Hyatt transforms employee training with Saba online learning software
Hyatt Hotels uses Saba Cloud to train employees with short videos, collaboration and mobile, but finds it a challenge to drive new users to the system. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Sep 2016
JDA's WMS technology integrates with virtually any ERP system
JDA provides WMS technology that helps organizations manage all aspects of their warehouses, including people, products, space and equipment. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Sep 2016
How can SAP Quality Notification help improve product quality?
SAP Quality Notification can help handle customer complaints for defective products, defective products produced in-house and defective materials supplied by a vendor. Here's a look at how it works. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Sep 2016
How material requirements planning can lead to more inventory
It seems counterintuitive, but inventory can actually increase after implementing an MRP system. Here are some reasons why it's so hard to zero out the excess in the supply chain. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Aug 2016
Use WMS software to manage your warehouse and streamline operations
As customers' demands and expectations for quicker delivery times grow, see why WMS software has become an important technology to help organizations become more efficient. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Aug 2016
What are key features in discrete manufacturing production type?
Discrete manufacturers reap greater business benefits when they ensure planning, procurement, inventory, capacity and quality management are integral parts of their SAP ECC implementation. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jul 2016
S&OP inventory a key metric in sales and operations planning
Inventory is just one output of sales and operations planning, but it's also one of the best S&OP metrics for how well a plan is working and serves as a shock absorber between supply and demand. Continue Reading
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Podcast
30 Jun 2016
Why communication is critical to implementing ERP
In this podcast, ERP implementation consultant Bill Baumann of Panorama Consulting reveals how companies can use a good communication plan to avoid failure in implementing ERP. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Jun 2016
Explore SciQuest source-to-settle e-procurement software
SciQuest has an array of source-to-settle applications, containing its e-procurement software Spend Director, so customers can decide which modules fit their organization best. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Jun 2016
Infor CloudSuite offers a modular cloud ERP system
As a flexible cloud ERP system, Infor CloudSuite provides lots of options for its users with how it's deployed in the cloud and how it's configured for organizations' needs. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Jun 2016
Oracle ERP Cloud is tailored for businesses of all sizes and verticals
The full-fledged, flexible Oracle ERP Cloud lets enterprises of all sizes pick and choose the most relevant ERP module that fits their organizational needs. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jun 2016
Save employees' time with the Coupa Procurement System
Coupa's spend management suite contains the Coupa Procurement System that allows companies and its employees to save money and maximize efficiency with e-commerce shopping. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jun 2016
IFS Applications provides enterprises full-fledged cloud ERP software
Deployed on premises, in the cloud or as a hybrid, IFS Applications is a well-rounded and well-supported cloud ERP software suite. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 May 2016
Key considerations for choosing your e-procurement software
Deciding on an e-procurement software package requires careful evaluation of your needs. We detail key requirements to help you better understand the options available to you. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 May 2016
What supply chain issues most worry discrete manufacturers?
Discrete manufacturers face challenges related to demand forecasting and inventory management, to name just two. Here's a look at why -- and what can be done. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Apr 2016
Building data visualization with SAP Fiori tools
Some BI developers will get by fine with features such as the Fiori Launchpad and Overview pages. Here's what's built into Fiori now, and what's on the horizon. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Apr 2016
Manufacturing execution systems now key in digitized world
MES technology links plant systems to business applications. As more devices go digital over the Internet, it's positioned to be the control center for digital manufacturing. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Apr 2016
Eight keys to supply chain sustainability
Figuring out how to create a comprehensive and compelling supply chain sustainability initiative can be overwhelming. Here's guidance on getting it right. Continue Reading
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News
04 Mar 2016
ERP projects need organizational change management to succeed
The success of ERP projects depends on organizational change management, the right ERP software selection and executive buy-in, says a panel of ERP experts. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Feb 2016
What are the components of a digital supply chain?
A digital supply chain can help companies gain insight into their business processes and enable greater connectivity with suppliers. Here's a look at why you need one. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jan 2016
Implementing modern practices in an ABAP development shop
You don't have to wait for SAP to provide modern tools for automated testing, continuous integration and other key processes. Try these five steps first. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Dec 2015
What are the advantages of cycle counting?
If you're looking for that holy grail of 98% inventory accuracy, cycle counting can help. Here's how to move away from taking only periodic inventory counts. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Dec 2015
How can lean manufacturing concepts be used with MRP and ERP?
Sometimes, in technology, as in life, opposites come together in a surprising way. Such is the case for lean's pull technique and ERP's emphasis on push. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Dec 2015
Why aren't more companies using RFID for inventory tracking?
Radio frequency identification tags have a number of benefits over the bar code, but the latter continues to be the go-to for manufacturers. Here's a look at the reasons for that. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Dec 2015
Why is demand-driven MRP becoming more popular?
In today's markets, material requirements planning can fall short. Demand-driven MRP is the innovative approach that marries the best of "push" and "pull" in manufacturing. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Dec 2015
Is SAP NetWeaver 7.5 a new foundation for an old brand?
SAP's venerable NetWeaver seems to be fading out of sight, but it forms the basis of the HANA Cloud Platform and a new version, SAP NetWeaver 7.5, indicates that it's here to stay. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Dec 2015
How does eKanban differ from traditional Kanban?
With its basis in physical cues, the traditional Kanban system has been limited by lag time in passing along information. Electronic Kanban is a different story. Continue Reading
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Opinion
07 Dec 2015
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
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Answer
30 Nov 2015
How can I use Git and GitHub for SAP software development?
Assembla, Bitbucket, GitHub, Mercurial and Subversion are some of the open-source version-control and collaboration platforms available for managing SAP development projects. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Nov 2015
What can PLM technology do for enterprises?
Product lifecycle management can be an opaque topic. Here's help understanding exactly what PLM technology is and how it can help your company innovate. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Nov 2015
How do I choose an effective supply chain analytics system?
Supply chain analytics promises rich insight into operations and better decision making. Here are a host of considerations when thinking about what you need. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Oct 2015
Can MRP be successful without 98 percent inventory accuracy?
Effective MRP requires prioritizing inventory accuracy and true troubleshooting over a reliance on safety stock and other compensating factors. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Oct 2015
system-on-a-chip (SoC)
System-on-a-chip (SoC) technology is the packaging of all the necessary electronic circuits and parts for a "system" (such as a cell phone or digital camera) on a single integrated circuit (IC), generally known as a microchip. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Sep 2015
What is your best advice for integrating software applications?
Ian Charles, CFO of Host Analytics, advises to invest time in scoping and consider future needs when integrating software applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Sep 2015
Manufacturers: Use a warehouse for product customization
Leveraging warehouses for product customization, or late personalization, adds flexibility, shortens delivery lead time and helps better meet customer expectations. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Aug 2015
PeopleSoft ERP suite excels at human capital management
PeopleSoft ERP software aims to help enterprises recruit and retain top talent, while offering financial and supply chain modules. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Jun 2015
How can distribution requirements planning help inventory management?
An expert explains how distribution requirements planning can help companies gain better control over their inventory and prevent shortages. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Jun 2015
How can SAP Missing Parts improve the production planning process?
The SAP Missing Parts Information System can help prevent production or maintenance disruptions by alerting planners to impending material or component shortages. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Jun 2015
What are the benefits of using SAP capacity requirements planning?
An expert explains how companies can integrate SAP's capacity requirements planning functionality to optimize production when demand for products exceeds supply. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Apr 2015
The move to SaaS-based applications remains a gradual process
More organizations are moving business applications off-premises, relying on technology once thought of as cutting-edge, like software as a service—but full steam ahead it’s not. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Feb 2015
Procurement and finance: Be partners, not enemies
Finance and procurement must be partners, working together to contribute to a company's goals, including operational and financial performance objectives Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Feb 2015
What are the benefits of using Release Strategy in SAP MM?
Making SAP MM's Release Strategy feature part of procurement processes can provide better business controls and reduce typical procurement headaches. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jan 2015
How does SAP ERP forecasting help predict material consumption?
To help you prepare realistic sales, production and procurement plans, try leveraging SAP ERP forecasting to calculate your materials needs. Continue Reading