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• distribution requirements planning (DRP)

  Distribution requirements planning (DRP) is a systematic process to make the delivery of goods more efficient by determining which goods, in what quantities and at what location, are required to meet anticipated demand. Continue Reading

• 5 uses for IoT in field service management

  IoT can benefit field service management in various ways. Learn about some of its applications in FSM, including inventory management and remote monitoring. Continue Reading

• ERP vs. accounting software: What are the differences?

  A financial management system helps organizations efficiently record and report financial information. Discover how accounting software differs from ERP. Continue Reading

• logistics

  Logistics is the process of planning and executing the efficient transportation and storage of goods from the point of origin to the point of consumption. Continue Reading

• MRP vs. MPS: What are the differences?

  Learn about MRP vs. MPS, including how each focuses on different aspects of the manufacturing process but can help manufacturers in a variety of ways. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • What is accounts receivable (AR)?
  • What is lean manufacturing?
  • What is supply chain visibility and why is it important?
  • What is a lean water spider?

  • What is a digital twin?
  • What is product as a service?
  • What is order to cash (OTC or O2C)?
  • What is a general ledger (GL)?

  View All Definitions

• working capital

  Working capital is the difference between a business's current assets and current liabilities.Continue Reading

• How ChatGPT will transform artificial intelligence in ERP

  Matt Hobbs, Microsoft practice leader at the consulting firm PwC, explains ways to embed AI in ERP and why generative AI could transform business process automation.Continue Reading

• supply chain planning (SCP)

  Supply chain planning (SCP) is the process of anticipating the demand for products and planning their materials and components, production, marketing, distribution and sale.Continue Reading

• logistics management

  Logistics management is the governance of supply chain management functions that helps organizations plan, manage and implement processes to move and store goods.Continue Reading

• process manufacturing

  Process manufacturing is a production method in which goods are created by combining supplies, ingredients or raw materials using a predetermined formula or recipe.Continue Reading

• 9 ERP KPIs for post-implementation success

  Project leaders can ensure ERP system success by deciding on useful metrics ahead of time. Consider these 9 ERP KPIs to help measure post-implementation success.Continue Reading

• Cloud CAD software helps usher in digital manufacturing era

  SolidWorks and Onshape co-founder Jon Hirschtick, now chief evangelist at PTC, shares his cloud-centered vision of the future of product design technology.Continue Reading

• dual sourcing

  Dual sourcing is the supply chain management practice of using two suppliers for a given component, raw material, product or service.Continue Reading

• asset performance management (APM)

  Asset performance management (APM) is both a strategy and a set of software tools for tracking and managing the health of an organization's physical assets.Continue Reading

• procure to pay (P2P)

  Procure to pay is the process of requisitioning, purchasing, receiving, paying for and accounting for goods and services.Continue Reading

• integrated accounting system

  An integrated accounting system is a type of software that combines major financial accounting functions into one application.Continue Reading

• cross-docking

  Cross-docking is the practice of unloading goods from inbound delivery vehicles and loading them directly onto outbound vehicles.Continue Reading

• budgeting, planning and forecasting (BP&F)

  Budgeting, planning and forecasting (BP&F) is a three-step strategic planning process for determining and detailing an organization's long- and short-term financial goals.Continue Reading

• value stream mapping

  Value stream mapping is a lean manufacturing tool that visualizes every repeatable step required to deliver a product or service to the customer.Continue Reading

• 7 3PL KPIs that can help you evaluate success

  Supply chain leaders should look at some particular KPIs to determine whether their company's 3PL provider is meeting their needs. Learn the most helpful KPIs.Continue Reading

• order management

  Order management is the administration of business processes related to orders for goods or services.Continue Reading

• ERP and SCM: Understand the differences

  Some companies' supply chain management needs may not be fulfilled by their ERP software, so they may require SCM software. Learn more about ERP and SCM software.Continue Reading

• prototype

  A prototype is an early version of a product from which future versions are developed.Continue Reading

• Digital twins of buildings can help decarbonize environment

  John Turner and Anil Sawhney of the Digital Twin Consortium explain how deploying a digital twin of a building could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Continue Reading

• service supply chain

  The service supply chain is the part of the supply chain dedicated to providing service on products.Continue Reading

• Additive manufacturing: Learn about powder bed fusion

  Powder bed fusion may cost less than other additive manufacturing approaches, but it can be time-consuming. Learn whether powder bed fusion is right for your manufacturing needs.Continue Reading

• What is computer numerical control (CNC)?

  Computer numerical control (CNC) is a manufacturing method that automates the control, movement and precision of machine tools through the use of preprogrammed computer software, which is embedded inside the tools.Continue Reading

• upcharge

  An upcharge is an additional fee that is added to a bill after a contract has already been negotiated.Continue Reading

• ERP vs. WMS: Which one is right for you?

  If nuanced warehouse efficiency is necessary to fulfill customer expectations, an ERP system may not be enough. Here's what to consider when it comes to ERP vs. WMS.Continue Reading

• Additive manufacturing: Learn about sheet lamination

  Sheet lamination, which is one type of additive manufacturing, is a comparatively cheap and quick way to prototype products. Learn more about sheet lamination.Continue Reading

• cost of goods sold (COGS)

  Cost of goods sold (COGS) is the total of the costs directly attributable to producing things that can be sold.Continue Reading

• ERP vs. PLM: What are the differences?

  Agile design and product management are key in today's constantly changing business landscape. Learn why PLM might help and how it's different than ERP.Continue Reading

• ServiceNow workflow can smooth ERP edges with partner help

  ServiceNow vice presidents Jeff Gore and Kirsten Loegering explain what's involved in implementing the platform to improve the employee experience on ERP and HR systems.Continue Reading

• 10 digital transformation goals to consider

  Setting goals before embarking on a digital transformation will help an organization allocate resources and measure progress. Learn some common digital transformation goals.Continue Reading

• Building a shared services organization structure

  Amid the shifting economic climate and new reality of hybrid workforces, there's no better time for companies to consolidate business functions and centralize support services.Continue Reading

• Learn the 7 types of additive manufacturing

  Additive manufacturing is a process in which technology creates 3D shapes by layering materials. Learn how additive manufacturing can support a company's supply chain strategy.Continue Reading

• What's behind the low-code/no-code development trend in ERP?

  Holger Mueller of Constellation Research says low-code/no-code development tools from ERP vendors offer significant benefits to both professional developers and non-technical business users.Continue Reading

• A digital transformation approach to supply chain resilience

  An efficient supply chain starts with proactive preparation and the right technology. Learn more about the potential of digital transformation for supply chain resilience.Continue Reading

• Learn the 6 digital transformation stages

  Company leaders should know the six digital transformation stages so they know what to expect when undertaking the sometimes complicated and intimidating process. Learn the stages.Continue Reading

• IT influences shift to net positive enterprise

  In this Q&A, business sustainability expert Andrew Winston discusses why companies need to become net positive by contributing more than they take.Continue Reading

• barcode (or bar code)

  A barcode (sometimes seen as two words, bar code) is the small image of lines (bars) and spaces that is affixed to retail store items, identification cards and postal mail to identify a particular product number, person or location.Continue Reading

• enterprise asset management (EAM)

  Enterprise asset management (EAM) is the process of managing the lifecycle of physical assets to maximize their use; save money; improve quality and efficiency; and safeguard health, safety and the environment.Continue Reading

• How to use the Excel LARGE function, with examples

  The Excel LARGE function can help users who need to rank numbers in a list. Learn how to use it, some related functions and some errors to avoid when doing so.Continue Reading

• Anaplan

  Anaplan is a web-based enterprise platform for business planning.Continue Reading

• What is a commonly overlooked step in an ERP implementation?

  Overlooking critical stakeholders in an ERP implementation can negatively affect the project. Learn how including them early can help keep the project on schedule.Continue Reading

• RFID vs. NFC: Learn the pros and cons of each

  While NFC is a subset of RFID technology, the two have some key differences, including cost and security. Learn more about RFID vs. NFC and which works best for your organization.Continue Reading

• Follow these steps when recovering from ERP project failure

  An ERP implementation failure is a worst-case scenario. However, project leaders who follow these steps can still potentially salvage the project. Learn how to recover.Continue Reading

• replenishment

  Replenishment is the controlled and regular movement of inventory from an upstream point on the supply chain to a downstream location that requires sufficient stock to cover demand.Continue Reading

• SWIFT FIN message

  SWIFT FIN is a message type (MT) that transmits financial information from one financial institution to another.Continue Reading

• 7 items to include on an ERP vendor demo checklist

  Creating an ERP vendor demo checklist before the presentation can prove beneficial for both the implementation team and the vendor. Learn several items to include on the checklist.Continue Reading

• The expanding universe of enterprise accounting software

  Enterprises of all sizes are finding today's accounting software accurately and reliably automates payables and receivables, while AI derives intelligence from numbers.Continue Reading

• Fast Guide to acronyms used in manufacturing

  The following glossary or acronyms are those most used in internal communications within the manufacturing industry.Continue Reading

• demand signal repository (DSR)

  A demand signal repository (DSR) is a database that aggregates sales and demand data at the merchant's point of sale (POS).Continue Reading

• Is ERP good for sustainability -- or part of the problem?

  ERP vendors tout new tools for improving environmental sustainability. TechTarget editors discuss these and other ways IT both helps and hurts the environment.Continue Reading

• chart of accounts (COA)

  A chart of accounts (COA) is a financial, organizational tool that provides an index of every account in an accounting system.Continue Reading

• 5 key benefits of enterprise asset management software

  Asset-intensive organizations benefit from enterprise asset management software because it helps them support their industrial infrastructure. Here's how EAM software makes that easier.Continue Reading

• Can't-miss expert advice on researching ERP vendors

  The ERP sales and marketing messaging can obscure issues around cloud maturity and other important information. Use this expert advice to start cutting through the hype.Continue Reading

• 5 supply chain management skills to boost your resume

  Getting ahead as a supply chain manager requires particular skills plus a deep understanding of how this essential field operates and how it's evolving.Continue Reading

• 12 cloud ERP data migration best practices

  Data migration is a key component of a successful cloud ERP implementation. Learn what best practices -- such as data mapping and deciding on migration parameters -- you'll need.Continue Reading

• Supply chain AI adoption happening too fast

  AI's future in the supply chain seems assured as the pandemic accelerates AI adoption in various industries. Here's why some business leaders think it's happening too fast.Continue Reading

• Migrating ERP to the cloud: 8 reasons for failure

  SaaS ERP promises ease, but CIOs and project teams need to understand the myriad minefields that can cause deployment failure. Understand eight common ones.Continue Reading

• 8 benefits of SaaS ERP

  Learn about the benefits of using SaaS ERP software, including lower infrastructure costs, as well as some possible drawbacks, including possible data breaches.Continue Reading

• Kaizen (continuous improvement)

  Kaizen is an approach to creating continuous improvement based on the idea that small, ongoing positive changes can reap significant improvements.Continue Reading

• supply chain security

  Supply chain security is the part of supply chain management that focuses on the risk management of external suppliers, vendors, logistics and transportation.Continue Reading

• Tips for implementing voice technology in the enterprise

  Consultant Mark Persaud names the most promising applications and workflows for intelligent digital assistants and outlines the tools for deploying them.Continue Reading

• What is the role of the consultant in ERP vendor selection?

  When your company chooses an ERP vendor, an outside consultant can contribute in a number of ways. Here's what a consultant can help drive and what you should handle yourself.Continue Reading

• What key stakeholders are vital to ERP requirements analysis?

  The right stakeholders are critical to choosing and buying the right ERP system. Here's a look at some of those key stakeholders and why they're so important.Continue Reading

• Data migration vs. data conversion: What are the differences?

  Data migration and data conversion are related, but not the same. Discover how each one factors into an ERP or other software implementation and its importance.Continue Reading

• What are the main Microsoft Dynamics ERP products?

  Learn about Dynamics 365 Business Central and Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management, why Microsoft narrowed its ERP portfolio, and why this move is important.Continue Reading

• Is a move to cloud ERP inevitable for most companies?

  More companies are turning to cloud ERP for modernization, cost and security. Here's a look at whether those factors are enough to make cloud a foregone conclusion.Continue Reading

• EAM vs. CMMS: What are the differences?

  When it comes to EAM vs. CMMS, making the right choice comes down to understanding what each software type does. Here's an overview of each to help you decide.Continue Reading

• How can IT improve existing ERP system benefits?

  A canceled ERP project due to the COVID-19 pandemic doesn't have to stall productivity. Here's how to get the most from your current system.Continue Reading

• Process mining vs. data mining: What's the difference?

  Both process mining and data mining tools can help business leaders make better decisions. Here's a look at how each works and what their differences are.Continue Reading

• Remote ERP implementation: 10 project management essentials

  Implementing ERP remotely can be challenging because for many IT teams it's new territory. Here are ways to make it easier.Continue Reading

• Essentials of EDI in supply chain management

  Electronic data interchange (EDI) applies to many different business aspects. Learn three ways EDI has streamlined supply chain management.Continue Reading

• Choose the best ERP implementation partner: 7 key questions

  Learn which questions CIOs, IT administrators and others involved in an ERP implementation project should ask when they are evaluating and interviewing a partner.Continue Reading

• Top 7 manufacturing challenges for 2020

  Growing supply chain complexity, emerging next-gen technologies and other compelling forces will continue to challenge the manufacturing sector. Here's a look at what's ahead for 2020.Continue Reading

• Financial business analytics transforms numbers into gold

  AI-driven business analytics provides finance departments with the tools to exercise more influence over corporate strategy, but only with the right skills and training.Continue Reading

• Test your grasp of process manufacturing concepts

  Process manufacturing is used to create and supply items around the world. Test your knowledge about which kinds of products and how they are made.Continue Reading

• 4 ways to use blockchain in the supply chain

  As blockchain technology enters its 11th year, its use in the supply chain is burgeoning. Here are some of the areas that are garnering the most interest.Continue Reading

• Introduction to supply chain management software of 2020

  Discover the functions of supply chain management software and learn how SCM software helps companies manage the complex demands of today's customers.Continue Reading

• 7 steps to implementing blockchain in the supply chain

  If your organization believes blockchain will bring greater visibility to the supply chain, first understand the critical steps needed to enable a successful implementation.Continue Reading

• 8 features all enterprise SaaS applications must have

  Slick UIs and fast setup make great first impressions, but enterprise managers know they're the tip of the iceberg. SaaS features like interoperability are the real foundation.Continue Reading

• Digital finance technologies at epicenter of CFO transformations

  Technologies like AI, analytics, bots, big data and blockchain could transform the finance function into a valued strategic partner for companywide digital transformation.Continue Reading

• CFOs could benefit from digital technologies in finance

  Find out why emerging digital technologies like chatbots, blockchain, AI and machine learning are not only beneficial to finance, but can also serve as useful tools for the CFO.Continue Reading

• Key considerations in global supply chain management

  Globalization adds geopolitical and cybersecurity risks to the already daunting challenges of supply chain management. Read how the experts deal with them.Continue Reading

• 7 supply chain management key terms you need to know

  Consumers are demanding greater visibility, but how do you give it them? We're starting with a list of supply chain management basic terms that you should be aware of.Continue Reading

• Mating season for SaaS financials and business processes

  Integrating SaaS financials with business processes like HR, CRM and supply chains can immediately provide companies with valuable insights in a centralized location.Continue Reading

• Words to go: Industry 4.0 basics

  We've compiled a list of the key terms used to describe the fourth industrial revolution, as well as some of the technologies that are driving the vision forward.Continue Reading

• Supply chain software poses security risks

  Poor internal security procedures and a lack of compliance protocols -- especially for small suppliers -- can introduce cybersecurity threats into global supply chains.Continue Reading

• Process management team can be bridge between IT, business

  Process automation efforts, such as chatbots and predictive modeling, are more likely to succeed if you have a clear understanding of operational levels and team roles.Continue Reading

• Oracle Autonomous Data Warehouse aiding analytics developers

  Early adopters of Oracle's new AI-based, partly self-managing data warehouse say it can free up time to develop value-adding enterprise applications, workflows and analytics.Continue Reading

• Digital finance transformation lets CFOs shift focus to value

  In a podcast from the MIT Sloan CFO Summit, Ash Noah of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants explains how digital technology is helping finance to polish a value lens that guides the business.Continue Reading

• Why is supplier segmentation key to supplier relationship management?

  Your customer relies on your supply chain to work well, so that means you need effective supplier relationship management. Here's information to help you create it.Continue Reading

• Cloud is key to linking digital manufacturing technologies

  Traditional manufacturing systems often can't handle new customer demands, so manufacturers are building smart factories that use cloud-enabled next-gen technologies.Continue Reading

• Postmodern ERP strategy hinges on data integration

  Analysts walk you through the data integration strategies behind a postmodern ERP approach, while a semiconductor company explains how it undertook this type of project.Continue Reading

• What is the difference between logistics and supply chain management?

  Logistics is part of supply chain management, but the two terms are often used synonymously. Here's a quick explanation of how these two are different.Continue Reading

• What are some best practices for crafting a supply chain technology strategy?

  Supply chain managers have a tough job and face many challenges. Technology can help but must also be approached with return on investment top of mind. Here are three tips that can help.Continue Reading

• Supply chain blockchain is quickly taking hold

  The pieces needed to create supply chain blockchain networks are emerging. But blockchain won't fix all the problems that supply chains face, such as theft and data accuracy.Continue Reading

• Get to Industry 4.0 with a smart factory roadmap

  Creating a smart factory needn't require starting from scratch. Here's advice on how you can create connectivity with the industrial machines you do have.Continue Reading