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• 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

• process manufacturing

  Process manufacturing is a production method that creates goods by combining supplies, ingredients or raw materials using a formula or recipe. 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

• Definitions to Get Started

  • cross-docking
  • budgeting, planning and forecasting (BP&F)
  • value stream mapping
  • order management

  • prototype
  • service supply chain
  • computer numerical control (CNC)
  • upcharge

  View All Definitions

• 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

  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

• strategic sourcing

  Strategic sourcing is an approach to supply chain management that formalizes the way information is gathered and used so that an organization can leverage its consolidated purchasing power to find the best possible values in the marketplace.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 sustainability (SCS)

  Supply chain sustainability (SCS) is a holistic view of supply chain processes, logistics and technologies that affect the environmental, social, economic and legal aspects of a supply chain's components.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

• Smart factory may hinge on identifying needed skills

  One expert says flexibility is more important than specific skills. But tell that to the manufacturer that needed a full stack developer and Oracle database architect.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

• GE and others head to factory of the future vision with Oracle

  Four manufacturing companies explain how Oracle IoT technology has helped them move forward with Industry 4.0 pursuits, including cloud ERP and industrial IoT.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

• computer-aided software engineering (CASE)

  Computer-aided software engineering (CASE) describes a broad set of labor-saving tools used in software development.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

• procure to pay (P2P)

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

• two-tier ERP

  Two-tier ERP is a technology strategy taken by large, multinational enterprises that uses tier 1 ERP for financials and other core common processes at the corporate level and tier 2 ERP for divisions, subsidiaries and smaller locations of the ...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

• digital core

  Digital core is the technology platforms and applications that allow organizations to transform into digital businesses and meet the new needs of the digital economy.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

• product as a service

  Product as a service is the concept of selling the services and outcomes a product can provide rather than the product itself.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

• 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

• 3PL (third-party logistics)

  A 3PL (third-party logistics) provider offers outsourced logistics services, which encompass anything that involves management of one or more facets of procurement and fulfillment activities.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

• Planning for supply chain risk assessment and mitigation

  Natural disasters, geopolitical tensions and unacceptable social or environmental practices can endanger supply chains, but the right tools can mitigate the risks.Continue Reading

• GS1

  GS1 is a global, not-for-profit association that maintains standards for barcodes and RFID tags and for supply chain messaging such as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).Continue Reading

• 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

• GDSN (Global Data Synchronization Network)

  GDSN (Global Data Synchronization Network) is an internet-based network that enables trading partners to exchange product-identification data in a standardized way in real time.Continue Reading

• smart factory

  A smart factory is a highly digitized and connected production facility that relies on smart manufacturing.Continue Reading

• sales and operations planning (S&OP)

  Sales and operations planning (S&OP) is a process for better matching a manufacturer's supply with demand by having the sales department collaborate with operations to create a single production plan.Continue Reading

• Key factors to consider before moving to SaaS-based ERP

  Cloud benefits extend way beyond IT infrastructure and labor costs. SaaS may be where ERP is ultimately headed, but it's not all upside, and halfway measures may be best.Continue Reading

• 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

• working capital

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

• 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

• 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

• voice user interface (VUI)

  Voice user interface (VUI) is speech recognition technology that allows people to interact with a computer, smartphone or other device through voice commands. Apple's Siri, Amazon's Alexa, Google's Assistant and Microsoft's Cortana are prime ...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

• 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

• Selecting SaaS accounting software need not be intimidating

  There's an accounting software package for every size of business and type of industry, but the selection process can be complicated. Here's how to cut to the chase.Continue Reading

• Open Platform Communications (OPC)

  Open Platform Communications (OPC) is an interoperability standard for the secure exchange of industrial automation data.Continue Reading

• 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

• ANSI/ISA-95

  ANSI/ISA-95, more commonly referred to as ISA-95, is an international standard for enterprise and control systems integration developed for manufacturers.Continue Reading

• manufacturing execution system (MES)

  A manufacturing execution system (MES) is an information system that connects, monitors and controls complex manufacturing systems and data flows on the factory floor.Continue Reading

• 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

• IQMS

  IQMS introduced one of its newest services, WebIQ, in August 2016. WebIQ runs on HTML5 and JavaScript and essentially recreates EnterpriseIQ's user interface, allowing users to access EnterpriseIQ anywhere on any device, the vendor claims.Continue Reading

• Epicor Software Corp.

  Epicor Software Corp. is a global business software vendor that sells ERP and other software to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and large enterprises.Continue Reading

• IFS AB

  IFS AB (Industrial and Financial Systems) is an ERP software vendor that specializes in asset-intensive, project-centric industries, such as manufacturing and distribution.Continue Reading

• 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

• discrete manufacturing

  Discrete manufacturing is an industry term for the manufacturing of finished products that are distinct items capable of being easily counted, touched or seen.Continue Reading

• Infor

  Infor is a New York-based vendor of ERP and other enterprise business software.Continue Reading

• 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

• ERP reporting tools effective first step in exploiting data

  Here's how ERP's built-in reporting and SQL tools can be effective at exploiting company data without full-blown analytics -- within limits.Continue Reading

• process mining software

  Process mining software is a type of programming that analyzes data in enterprise application event logs in order to learn how business processes are actually working. The goal of process mining software is to identify bottlenecks and other areas of...Continue Reading

• 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

• hybrid manufacturing

  Hybrid manufacturing is a term that describes combining additive manufacturing and subtractive manufacturing in a single machine system.Continue Reading

• 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

• pick to light

  Pick to light is order-fulfillment technology that employs alphanumeric displays and buttons at storage locations to guide the manual "picking" and recording of items for shipment.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. Companies use this approach to lower the risk of relying on a single supplier, a practice called single sourcing. ...Continue Reading

• manufacturing process management (MPM)

  Manufacturing process management (MPM) is the discipline of defining how products are manufactured so production processes can be made more efficient and responsive.Continue Reading

• How are IoT sensors helping the aviation industry?

  When aircraft take to the sky with IoT sensors on board, repair needs are more accurately predicted, potential failures trigger alerts and safety measures can be boosted.Continue Reading

• 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

• value driver

  A value driver is an activity or capability that adds worth to a product, service or brand. One of the key ideas in defining value drivers is determining which factors provide the organization in question with a competitive edge.Continue Reading

• 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

• model-based enterprise

  Model-based enterprise (MBE) is an engineering strategy that aims to clarify design intent during the manufacturing process, resulting in better quality of the products, reduced costs and more efficiency.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• digital supply chain

  A digital supply chain is a supply chain whose foundation is built on Web-enabled capabilities to fully capitalize on connectivity, system integration and the information-producing capabilities of "smart" connected products.Continue Reading

• distribution requirements planning (DRP)

  Distribution requirements planning (DRP) is a time-based 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

• How can manufacturers improve field service operations?

  Equipment providers and distributors are shifting their focus to improving field service. What are some best practices and technologies that can boost customer engagement and increase sales?Continue Reading

• Manufacturing operations management merges ERP and MES

  As integrated manufacturing systems evolve, a new term -- manufacturing operations management -- signifies the merger of ERP and MES.Continue Reading

• The buzz: New 4-D printing gets itself together

  And you thought 3-D printing was avant-garde? Get a load of this one-upper: The 4-D process prints parts that can assemble or repair themselves. That is, in theory.Continue Reading

• Top treasury management software features for buyers

  Hyoun Park lists critical features finance managers should look for when evaluating treasury management software.Continue Reading

• enterprise accounting software

  Enterprise accounting software is technology that keeps track of an organization's financial transactions and data.Continue Reading

• supplier risk management

  Supplier risk management is the process of identifying, assessing and controlling threats to an organization's capital and earnings that are caused by the organization's supply chain. Continue Reading

• inventory optimization

  Inventory optimization (IO) is a strategy for balancing the amount of working capital that's tied up in inventory with service-level goals across multiple stock-keeping units (SKUs).Continue Reading

• maker movement

  The maker movement is a cultural trend that places value on an individual's ability to be a creator of things as well as a consumer of things.  Continue Reading

• Buying ERP: Top 10 midmarket ERP systems

  This buyer's guide provides a rundown of the top 10 midmarket ERP systems out there today.Continue Reading

• profit and loss statement (P&L)

  A profit and loss statement (P&L), also known as an income statement, is a financial report that shows a company's revenues and expenses over a given period of time, usually a fiscal quarter or year.Continue Reading

• FAQ: Understanding and leveraging 3PL providers

  In this FAQ, learn all about third-party logistics (3PL) providers and what they can offer manufacturers.Continue Reading

• tooling

  Tooling, also known as machine tooling, is the process of acquiring the manufacturing components and machines needed for production. Continue Reading

• Updates of cloud-based applications not as automatic as they may seem

  According to experts, some of the onus still falls on users to update cloud-based applications, despite vendor promises of automatic upgrades.Continue Reading

• How business process redesign is affecting ERP

  In this expert tip, learn how business process redesign fits into the ERP implementation process and the role that business process management plays.Continue Reading

• Test your knowledge of global supply chain management

  How much do you know about global supply chain management? Take this short quiz and find out.Continue Reading

• What is IT's role in the order to cash cycle?

  The order to cash cycle is an important business process with numerous steps. It's vital for IT to know the system and choose the right software.Continue Reading