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• What's next for ServiceMax's service execution management suite?

  ServiceMax is no longer in GE Digital. But its relationship with Predix will continue, and there are new opportunities to integrate with other IIoT platforms, according to CEO Scott Berg. Continue Reading

• What are the biggest inventory optimization factors in ERP?

  Replenishment strategies, lot sizes, safety stock, reorder point planning and replenishment lead time are five factors in ERP that can ensure inventory remains at an optimal level. Continue Reading

• Finding the right ERP consultants is key to project success

  With ERP implementations, choosing the right or wrong project consultants can be the difference between success and failure, so experts agree that you should choose wisely. Continue Reading

• How to obtain the skills needed in a smart factory

  As factories continue to evolve with the use of innovative technologies, manufacturers must ensure that their workers are evolving right along with them. Continue Reading

• Tips for preventing supply chain attacks

  Defining your company's security requirements and having a cyber-risk management program to evaluate third-party services can reduce the risk of attacks on supply chain software. Continue Reading

• Predix platform may benefit from GE Digital spinoff

  The spinoff of GE Digital and the sale of ServiceMax have left the future of the Predix platform hazy and underscores the difficulty of digital transformation.Continue Reading

• How to mitigate risks caused by supply chain software

  Performing penetration testing and engaging in red teaming are two ways companies can identify and evaluate cybersecurity risks to the software they use to manage supply chains.Continue Reading

• ERP skills gap may open with moves to the cloud

  Organizations must decide between using internal experts or outside consultants as they implement ERP systems. Experts say a combination of both may be the best option.Continue Reading

• Smart manufacturing technologies enable digital transformation

  Manufacturers are increasingly implementing smart factories to improve efficiency and productivity. But companies need to plan well before adopting new systems.Continue Reading

• Oracle ERP Cloud forced Cetera Financial to rethink ways

  Some users resisted Oracle SaaS platforms for ERP, EPM and HCM but came around to single entry point, modern tools for planning and budgeting, and familiar, Excel-based UIs.Continue Reading

• Smart manufacturing technology can leave old systems behind

  Smart technology like IIoT is changing the way manufacturers operate, but they face issues with older unconnected systems. Should they rip and replace or retrofit the stranded assets?Continue Reading

• Oracle cloud migration: Vendor's own saga has familiar ring

  Oracle's effort to move from on-premises E-Business Suite to Oracle ERP and HCM Cloud faced integration and change-management challenges. Analytics and order management are next.Continue Reading

• Moves to connected manufacturing hindered by stranded assets

  Stranded assets in manufacturing facilities can lead to inefficiencies and can hinder companies from moving to smart factories and taking advantage of fully connected systems.Continue Reading

• IFS CEO Roos: Legacy ERP system owners want 'time out'

  In a Q&A, Darren Roos, CEO of ERP vendor IFS, discusses the company's growth and how it's poised to challenge industry giants SAP, Oracle and Microsoft over legacy ERP customers.Continue Reading

• With blockchain asset tracking, Walmart pushes supplier tech adoption

  In requiring its green vegetable suppliers to use blockchain by 2019, Walmart seeks more transparency in the food supply chain. Whether suppliers will push back remains to be seen.Continue Reading

• Celonis' process mining software helps manufacturer improve efficiency

  Chart Industries uses process mining software from Celonis to make accounts payable and receivable processes more efficient by identifying problems like delays and bottlenecks.Continue Reading

• The time is right for IoT for manufacturing applications

  IOT technology adoption is growing as it becomes more feasible and delivers useful data. However, manufacturers should resolve issues of security, scalability and data quality.Continue Reading

• ERP implementation success: Program management vs. project management

  ERP program management provides the framework to manage the portfolio of projects that ensure ERP deployment success. Here's what that looks like.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

• What's most important in creating a supply chain management strategy?

  Begin with the end in mind: great customer service. That's one secret to establishing your supply chain priorities -- one that can help as you decide on its tradeoffs.Continue Reading

• Top 5 inventory management challenges for manufacturers

  Get expert advice on the technologies, best practices and organizational change management needed to master the most common inventory management problems.Continue Reading

• 7 ways to ensure a successful cloud ERP implementation

  Understand why everything from documenting business processes to managing shadow IT can make or break your ERP implementation. Here's what you should know.Continue Reading

• Three master data management strategies to boost CRM-ERP success

  'Bad data' circulating through a company's ERP environment will likely cause interfaces to fail. Learn how one business leader is cleaning things up.Continue Reading

• SaaS ERP systems can include hidden costs

  Cloud hype tells us that SaaS ERP systems are less expensive to run than on-premises systems, but experts warn of hidden costs that you have to account for before moving to the cloud.Continue Reading

• Q&A: Brittain Ladd on digital supply chain transformation

  Brittain Ladd of Genpact tells why organizations need to transform their supply chains with machine learning and analytics to mitigate disruptions and compete more effectively.Continue Reading

• SMB reaps rewards of migrating QAD ERP system to the cloud

  Moog's medical devices group moved its on-premises ERP system to the cloud, resulting in more reliable operation and a redirected IT focus on adding business value to the entire group.Continue Reading

• Cloud ERP systems complicate deployment options

  The cloud has increased the options for running ERP systems, but also the complications. Companies should consider their business needs before selecting a deployment option.Continue Reading

• Making IoT and PLM systems work together takes cultural change

  Integration with IoT holds promise for extending PLM applications, but experts say there are technical and cultural changes that need to take place for this to work.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• The supply chain sustainability software market demystified

  Consumers care about corporate social responsibility, which means companies should, too. Here's what to know about boosting CSR efforts with supply chain sustainability software.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Five best practices for using IoT in supply chain management

  Implementing IoT technology in your supply chain can enable major improvements -- but it's not easy to do. Here are five ways to make sure you get it right.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• What are today's most critical supply chain management issues?

  Savvy supply chain managers need to take stock of the issues affecting today's supply chains so they can be proactive about strategy. Here's what they should know.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• How supply chain partners can help create IoT adoption success

  IoT adoption tends to be an organic, step-by-step undertaking for enterprises -- but a coordinated effort between partner companies can improve the supply chain faster and more economically.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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 objectivesContinue Reading

• Tracking too many KPIs is counterproductive

  Don't overdo KPIs -- a handful should be enough to capture the essence. Any more than that dilutes the user's attention, drawing focus away from key measurements.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

• For technology change management, engage employees early and often

  A communication consultant shares proven tips for ensuring ERP project success.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

• Budgeting process case studies demonstrate how to keep it simple

  Barry Wilderman analyzes two budgeting case studies and breaks down their differences and similarities.Continue Reading

• Budgeting software vs. Excel: Which one meets your organization's needs?

  To make your decision easier, read expert Barry Wilderman's explanation of the pros and cons of each, plus cloud considerations.Continue Reading

• Getting senior management on board with ERP projects

  Executives' commitment in an ERP project -- or lack thereof -- can make or break it. Expert Steve Phillips offers tips for getting management involved.Continue Reading

• Which budget technique is right for your organization?

  Budgeting is not one size fits all. The size of your organization may determine which technique fit bests. Try these techniques on for size.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

• Best practices for ERP and WMS integration

  In this expert tip, learn how to successfully integrate a warehouse management system with an ERP system.Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of two-tier ERP

  The right two-tier ERP approach can deliver some of the benefits of standardization without too much cost or complexity.Continue Reading

• Turnaround artist does data mining for dollars

  Steeped in finance and IT, Shyam Desigan, of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, taps big data analytics to return bottom lines to profitability.Continue Reading

• Batch scheduling and demand-driven manufacturing can coexist, experts say

  By understanding the benefits -- and limitations -- of demand-driven manufacturing and batch scheduling, manufacturers can optimize both.Continue Reading

• Companies respond to customer needs with demand-driven manufacturing

  Demand-driven manufacturing can help companies react to rapid market changes -- and save money in the process.Continue Reading

• Using the cloud for rapid deployment of FP&A technology

  Steve Player explains five key advantages to using cloud applications in financial planning and analysis and dispels two common objections.Continue Reading

• McKinsey declares mobile Internet the most disruptive technology

  On top of mobile Internet, consulting firm also cites cloud and genomics among 12 trends that can reconfigure economies, business and everyday life.Continue Reading

• Machine-to-machine technology automates the warehouse

  Machine-to-machine technology is a handy tool for automating warehouse operations.Continue Reading

• Decoding active and passive RFID tags

  Active and passive RFID differs greatly in terms of functionality and cost. Here's what you need to know about the flavors of RFID.Continue Reading

• Comparing ERP deployment options: Rapid vs. traditional

  Deciding which ERP deployment option to choose -- rapid deployment or the traditional method -- depends on business needs.Continue Reading

• GPS technology steers towards the manufacturing supply chain

  Rather than replacing other AIDC technologies, GPS complements bar code and RFID technology and is typically deployed for logistics tracking.Continue Reading