Manufacturing production planning
Scheduling the right resources in the right amount and at the right time is one of the great challenges of manufacturing and supply chain management. This section provides expert advice, news and case studies on manufacturing production planning, including topics such as material requirements planning, demand-driven MRP and advanced planning and scheduling software, and manufacturing production planning software, to enable the most-effective production schedule and planning.
Top Stories
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Feature
20 Jan 2023
10 AI use cases in manufacturing
Manufacturing companies are turning to AI to streamline the way they do business and increase efficiency. Here are 10 common use cases. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Nov 2021
Vendors position ERP as heart of circular economy model
ERP vendors SAP and IFS are positioning themselves at the forefront of enterprise sustainability efforts just as businesses focus on reducing waste and prepare for new regulations. Continue Reading
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Podcast
31 Jan 2023
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
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Tip
30 Jan 2023
ERP vs. EPM: Which should you choose?
ERP and EPM differ in several ways. Learn how the individual systems work alone, how they complement each other and how they can increase an organization's efficiency. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jan 2023
Oracle adds logistics features to supply chain platform
New functionality in Oracle Supply Chain Management helps companies more accurately track shipments and understand the provenance of product components. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jan 2023
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
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Tip
25 Jan 2023
Centralized services as a hedge against shadow IT's escalation
Proliferation of cloud, AI and integration tools has increased the deployment security risks of shadow IT and the need to centralize business functions and share support services. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Jan 2023
10 AI use cases in manufacturing
Manufacturing companies are turning to AI to streamline the way they do business and increase efficiency. Here are 10 common use cases. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jan 2023
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
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Tip
18 Jan 2023
HR shared services models benefit employee experiences
In the new reality of hybrid and remote workforces, shared services organizations smooth work processes, increase collaboration, and improve employee engagement and productivity. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jan 2023
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
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News
06 Jan 2023
ERP needs relevant functionality in 2023
ERP systems are becoming increasingly critical to help organizations mitigate changing business issues. But ERP needs to include new technology and capabilities to stay relevant. Continue Reading
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Podcast
27 Dec 2022
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
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News
22 Dec 2022
Economics could curtail sustainability initiatives in 2023
As companies adopt measures to improve sustainability goals, enterprise applications can play a key role. But these efforts must also make economic sense to be successful. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Dec 2022
Learn difference between additive, subtractive manufacturing
Additive and subtractive manufacturing are two different approaches that are often combined by manufacturers. Learn the difference between the two methods. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Dec 2022
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
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Tip
16 Dec 2022
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
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Tip
16 Dec 2022
Learn the 4 types of digital transformation
A company's business requirements affect which type of digital transformation strategy is most likely to succeed. Learn more about the four types of digital transformation. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Dec 2022
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
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News
08 Dec 2022
Hyperscalers tackle supply chain resilience
Microsoft and AWS unveiled supply chain management platforms that are intended to enable businesses to build capabilities in their clouds and tackle supply chain problems. Continue Reading
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Podcast
29 Nov 2022
Reimagining the factory floor as a metaverse workplace
Plex CTO Jerry Foster explains how virtual reality technology and high-speed connectivity could allow factory line workers to do their jobs remotely from home as part of the metaverse. Continue Reading
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News
18 Nov 2022
Microsoft eyes new market with supply chain platform
Microsoft used to run its supply chain operations on Excel spreadsheets; now it's providing the building blocks for companies to collect data from various applications. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Nov 2022
RFID in supply chain: 6 examples in use today
RFID continues to have applicability for supply chain management. Here are six ways organizations can use it to support inventory management and logistics. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Nov 2022
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
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News
15 Nov 2022
Celonis aims to deepen and democratize process mining
Celonis unveiled Process Sphere, enabling companies to create maps across functional areas, and Business Miner, which moves process analysis from data analysts to business users. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Nov 2022
Active vs. passive RFID tags: Which to choose
There are benefits and challenges to both active and passive RFID tags. An organization should learn what they are and what they do before implementation. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Oct 2022
Why RFID for supply chain management is still relevant
RFID is comparatively older technology but can still be relevant for supply chain management. Learn some potential logistics uses for RFID and reasons for its increased adoption. Continue Reading
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Podcast
31 Oct 2022
Latest Oracle ERP pitch deems cloud partnerships essential
TechTarget editors discuss enterprise application news from Oracle CloudWorld 2022 and Oracle's emphasis on partnerships to broaden the appeal of its multi-tenant SaaS flagship, Oracle Fusion ERP Cloud. Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2022
Business sustainability projects require savvy data analysis
In this Q&A, Stephen Keys of IFS discusses why sustainability projects for organizations are complex undertakings, but the data needed to drive projects already exists. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Oct 2022
CRM vs. ERP: Understand the differences
Some companies may require CRM software in addition to their ERP system. Learn more about CRM vs. ERP and whether your company requires CRM software as well. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Oct 2022
New ways of upcycling CO2, decarbonizing steel and cement
The industrial sector has a massive carbon footprint. That's why some companies are working to clean up steel and cement and find new uses for carbon. Continue Reading
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News
21 Oct 2022
Oracle Cloud ERP to add direct finance, logistics services
The new Oracle B2B Commerce is aimed at easing the complexity of B2B transactions by integrating finance from JP Morgan and logistics from FedEx into the Oracle Cloud ERP platform. Continue Reading
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News
19 Oct 2022
IFS aims to help companies improve ESG goals
Customers at the IFS Unleashed conference showed interest in the IFS ESG module, which is intended to measure ESG data and introduce sustainability into decision-making. Continue Reading
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News
14 Oct 2022
IFS doubles down on industry specificity for cloud platform
IFS will not try to be the ERP for all companies and purposes, but it will continue to focus on providing functionality for specific industries such as manufacturing. Continue Reading
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News
03 Oct 2022
NetSuite ERP adds CPQ, workforce management applications
NetSuite debuted several new features for CPQ, workforce management, embedded banking and warehouse management for its cloud ERP platform at SuiteWorld 2022. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Sep 2022
Fair Repair Act could help spur circular economy model
New regulations including the Fair Repair Act coupled with factors like consumer demand for sustainability are motivating manufacturers to consider a circular economy model. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Sep 2022
RFID vs. IoT: What are the differences?
Users often combine RFID and IoT, but the two technologies are different in some important ways. Learn more about RFID vs. IoT and the uses for each in the supply chain. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Sep 2022
7 benefits of RFID in supply chain management and logistics
RFID can help companies in their supply chain operations by assisting with product tracking and potentially improving product availability. Learn some of RFID's other benefits. Continue Reading
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Podcast
14 Sep 2022
Not so stodgy: SAP 50th anniversary shows it adapts to change
Analyst Vinnie Mirchandani, author of 'SAP Nation 3.0,' says adaptability, customer loyalty and periodic management shakeups are the keys to SAP's longevity. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Sep 2022
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
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Tip
31 Aug 2022
RFID vs. barcodes in supply chain: Which should you choose?
Both RFID and barcodes are valuable in the supply chain, but each is more useful for particular scenarios. Learn what to consider when deciding between RFID vs. barcodes. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Aug 2022
3 strategies for better finance-IT collaboration
Lack of communication between a company's finance and IT departments can cause problems with organizational goals and decisions. Learn how to improve finance-IT collaboration. Continue Reading
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Podcast
26 Aug 2022
AI risk management puts ML code, data science in context
Navrina Singh, CEO of Credo AI, discusses the limits of MLOps and algorithmic auditing in providing governance for responsible AI. Continue Reading
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News
22 Aug 2022
Kinaxis RapidResponse gets multiparty orchestration with MPO
Supply chain planning and order execution will integrate as Kinaxis acquires MPO, which might help customers get real-time visibility and deal with supply chain disruptions. Continue Reading
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News
16 Aug 2022
CHIPS Act should simplify semiconductor supply chains
The CHIPS Act is a good first step in reviving U.S. semiconductor production, but experts caution that benefits won't be realized soon, due to issues like complex supply chains. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Aug 2022
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
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Feature
08 Aug 2022
Choosing wrong ERP implementation partner: 10 warning signs
Working with an ERP implementation partner can sometimes bring some warning signs. Learn these 10 indicators that your project team is working with the wrong partner. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jul 2022
8 items to include on an ERP demo scorecard, with template
Evaluation team members may lose track of crucial ERP features if they attend multiple ERP demos. Learn some items to include on vendor demo scorecards. Continue Reading
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Podcast
26 Jul 2022
Digital freight broker cuts food waste, carbon footprints
Hwy Haul CEO Syed Aman explains how connecting shippers with truckers online and using data science to optimize loads and routes makes the produce supply chain more sustainable. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2022
Acumatica CEO brings cloud ERP customer perspective to role
In this Q&A, Acumatica CEO John Case discusses how his experience as a customer informs issues like the degree of standardization in SaaS ERP and industry-specific ERP. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jul 2022
Big bang vs. phased ERP implementation: Which is best?
Selecting the big bang approach vs. the phased approach for an ERP implementation is a crucial choice for project leaders. Learn the pros and cons of each. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2022
IFS expands EAM software portfolio with Ultimo acquisition
IFS' acquisition of cloud-based EAM vendor Ultimo provides it with midmarket options to add to its enterprise level platform in a growing EAM marketplace. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jul 2022
Growing number of risks tests supply chain continuity
In this Q&A, supply chain expert Zachary Collier looks at some ways supply chains are threatened today and how companies need to avoid a single point of failure in supply chains. Continue Reading
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Podcast
30 Jun 2022
Digital Twin Consortium strives to organize a chaotic market
Digital Twin Consortium CTO Dan Isaacs explains the organization's work and assesses the progress made in digital twin technology, standards and best practices. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jun 2022
How to avoid unrealistic ERP implementation timelines: 9 tips
Determining the length of an ERP implementation can be difficult but doing so is a crucial part of planning. Learn how to avoid an unrealistic timeline. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jun 2022
Supply chain technology critical for dealing with issues
As supply chains face new and unprecedented pressures on a number of fronts, companies look to emerging technologies to automate tasks, get intelligence and become more resilient. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jun 2022
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
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Feature
15 Jun 2022
Process mining becomes acquisition target, altering the terrain
Enterprise technology companies like SAP and Microsoft see value in process mining technology, but the current rate of acquisition is rapidly altering the market. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jun 2022
Checklist for success after your ERP software go-live
An ERP go-live checklist can help implementation project teams confirm they've carried out all necessary steps. Learn what items project leaders should add to their list. Continue Reading
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News
07 Jun 2022
Epicor ERP gets integration automation capabilities
Epicor released Epicor Automation Studio, an integration PaaS embedded into its ERP systems, Epicor Kinetic for manufacturing and Prophet 21 for distribution. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 May 2022
8 ways to avoid business disruption from a new ERP system
A new ERP system can bring business disruptions. Learn the steps project leaders should follow during implementation planning so company work can continue as smoothly as possible. Continue Reading
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Podcast
25 May 2022
SAP Sapphire 2022 models a digitally transformed future
TechTarget editors who were on site in Orlando and The Hague analyze SAP Sapphire 2022, which is being held in person for the first time since 2019 and extended to nine cities. Continue Reading
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News
25 May 2022
ServiceNow procurement software centralizes teams, processes
Jumping into the fast-growing procurement management market, ServiceNow debuted software that centralizes procurement teams and processes across an enterprise. Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 May 2022
Consider 'ESP' when thinking about ERP for your business
For ERP purposes, 'ESP' stands for three crucial elements that are impacting contemporary ERP choices and implementations: ecosystems, security and pandemic. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 May 2022
How COVID-19 has affected just-in-time supply chains
Industry leaders long held up the just-in-time supply chain model as ideal, but the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed its weaknesses. Learn whether just-in-time is over for good. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 May 2022
9 questions to ask the vendor during an ERP software demo
ERP implementation team members should ask certain questions during a software demo to ensure they receive the information they need. Learn what team members should ask vendors. Continue Reading
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News
06 May 2022
Business conditions upend digital supply chain investments
A new PwC survey of supply chain leaders indicates that most companies are not yet seeing results from investments in advanced supply chain technologies. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 May 2022
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
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News
29 Apr 2022
Kinaxis, TraceLink partner on supply chain planning
Supply chain planning and collaboration come together in a new integration of Kinaxis RapidResponse and TraceLink's healthcare and pharmaceutical industry supply chain network. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Apr 2022
Choosing the right accounting software: SMB to enterprise
To find the best enterprise accounting software, businesses must outline specific criteria and compare those criteria against accounting software features and benefits. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Apr 2022
5 best practices for creating a data-driven supply chain
Turning to data and analytics to manage supply chain disruption only helps if leaders use good practices for extracting insights. Here are five that can help. Continue Reading
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Podcast
27 Apr 2022
What's so special about industry clouds?
TechTarget editors discuss the emergence of industry clouds from ERP vendors, including Infor, Microsoft, Oracle and SAP. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Apr 2022
Enterprise accounting software explained
Evolving companies often turn to enterprise accounting software, especially when they grow out of SMB software, but aren't yet ready for a complex ERP system. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Apr 2022
Robots in manufacturing help Cheer Pack meet labor needs
Cheer Pack, which makes spouted pouches, uses an IFS ERP system to manage a team of robots in its manufacturing operations, saving on labor and eliminating mistakes. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Apr 2022
Exploring the benefits of enterprise accounting software
Enterprise accounting software benefits extend beyond balancing the books, with many advanced products perfect for companies not yet ready for full-on ERP. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Apr 2022
Why companies should make ERP security a top priority
Whether your ERP system is on premises or in the cloud, it's still vulnerable, and you need to take the right measures to secure it. Here's advice on how to do just that. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Apr 2022
How to prevent scope creep in your ERP implementation
Scope creep can cause major problems for an ERP implementation. Learn what it is and how to prevent it, including some specific steps project leaders should follow. Continue Reading
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News
12 Apr 2022
Infor execs tout ERP SaaS growth, industry functionality
Infor experienced strong revenue growth in 2021, particularly for SaaS bookings, and the ERP vendor believes its deep industry functionality will spur more cloud migrations. Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2022
Microsoft gets in process mining game with Minit acquisition
Minit's acquisition by Microsoft will enable organizations to better understand business processes and help them plan and implement digital transformation projects. Continue Reading
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Podcast
30 Mar 2022
Evolution of postmodern ERP to composable ERP explained
Ex-Gartner analyst Mike Guay, now a VP at Infor, lays out the nuts and bolts of composable ERP and how to craft a sensible migration strategy built on a strong foundation. Continue Reading
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News
24 Mar 2022
Anaplan to go private after $10.7B acquisition
Cloud-based integrated business planning vendor Anaplan will be acquired by Thoma Bravo for $10.7 billion, positioning it to be more competitive with IBP rivals SAP and Oracle. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Mar 2022
4 questions to ask about an outsourced cloud ERP IT help desk
IT leaders outsourcing their cloud ERP help desk should consider various factors before selecting a vendor. Learn the criteria to consider when you choose one. Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2022
Ukraine war, sanctions will extend supply chain disruption
Supply chains have been hit hard in the past two years, and the challenges do not get easier with the Ukraine war, which will affect industries for years to come. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Mar 2022
Does concurrent planning in the supply chain work?
Does concurrent planning in the supply chain work to address disruption? Some experts say the promise doesn't yet match reality during major crises. Continue Reading
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News
15 Mar 2022
Ongoing disruptions force supply chain strategies to evolve
In this Q&A, IDC's Simon Ellis explains why companies need to implement more resilient supply chains in an environment of greater constraint caused by continual disruption. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Mar 2022
VC investment fuels supply chain innovation
Venture capital funds are now flowing into startups that are working on technologies and platforms to tackle longstanding supply chain issues. Continue Reading
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News
04 Mar 2022
Epicor ERP adds low-code BI with Grow acquisition
Epicor's acquisition of Grow Inc. provides the ERP vendor with a low-code business intelligence tool that provides business users flexible and easy-to-use analytics capabilities. Continue Reading
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News
02 Mar 2022
Benefits of ERP cloud migration need reality check
In this Q&A, Roan Low of Syntax explains why organizations should consider a system transformation, not a lift-and-shift upgrade, to take full advantage of an ERP cloud migration. Continue Reading
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Podcast
28 Feb 2022
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
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Feature
28 Feb 2022
SaaS ERP customization vs. out of the box: Pros, cons
Companies considering SaaS ERP should weigh various factors when deciding on customization vs. out of the box. Learn what to consider when making the choice. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Feb 2022
Internal SaaS ERP support vs. outsourcing: 3 factors to consider
Is outsourcing SaaS cloud ERP support the best fit? Learn the factors that IT leaders must weigh when deciding whether to keep SaaS cloud ERP support internal vs. outsourcing. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Feb 2022
Digital transformation strategy needs realistic expectations
A digital transformation can improve business operations, but companies need to strike a balance between business goals and technology investments to achieve success. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Feb 2022
How to modernize your legacy ERP system
Modernizing a legacy ERP system can be vital for staying relevant in today's marketplace. Learn what IT leaders need to know about the process. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Feb 2022
ERP critical to achieving sustainability goals in 2022
Sustainability is a major priority for businesses in 2022, driven by internal goals, customer demand and regulations. ERP systems are at the center of sustainability projects. Continue Reading
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Podcast
31 Jan 2022
SAP S/4HANA implementation partners on cloud vs. on premises
SAP practice leaders at Deloitte, EY and IBM share their advice on whether, when and how to move to S/4HANA, what the Rise with SAP service really does and how cloud versions differ. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2022
Infor: Marketplace will drive ERP industry functionality
At Inforum 2022, Infor touted its Infor Marketplace as complementing and furthering the industry functionality of its CloudSuite ERP products. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jan 2022
Acumatica execs talk up ERP industry specificity
Acumatica highlighted customer stories of digital transformation, the vendor's industry-focused acquisitions and its commitment to sustainability at Acumatica Summit 2022. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Jan 2022
Why asset management software is more important than ever
Doing more with less has long been important -- but in the last couple of years, the idea has taken on new relevance. Learn how asset management software can help. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Jan 2022
6 benefits of asset performance management
Asset performance management can help improve a company's bottom line by reducing costs and making devices more reliable. Learn more benefits of asset performance management. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jan 2022
Experts predict flexibility as a top ERP trend in 2022
In the year ahead, industry experts expect the ERP market to be less monolithic and more industry-specific. Continue Reading
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News
05 Jan 2022
Composable ERP may break up monolithic systems
In this Q&A, Unit4's Claus Jepsen calls cloud-based composable ERPs, which enable companies to pick and choose the applications and vendors they want, the future. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Jan 2022
Digital twin simulation helps baristas make a perfect espresso
A century-old Italian maker of high-end coffee machines used digital twins to virtually eliminate physical prototypes and set the stage for IoT-connected product as a service. Continue Reading