SAP ERP software and modules
SAP ERP software and modules help businesses get real-time updates across the organization. Our experts and writers tackle the issues posed by SAP's staggering array of modules -- from the traditional core modules such as financial accounting and controlling to newer offerings -- including implementation strategies and best practices.
Top Stories
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News
26 Jun 2025
SAP agrees to allow Celonis data access until case resolved
SAP agrees to allow Celonis customers to access data from its systems as their legal battle continues, but customers will be best served if the vendors resolve data access issues. Continue Reading
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News
30 May 2025
Grow with SAP fuels Phoenix Global's digital transition
Phoenix Global implemented S/4HANA Cloud via Grow with SAP to replace outdated systems, digitize manual processes and enable AI capabilities for its metals and mining services. Continue Reading
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News
30 May 2025
Grow with SAP fuels Phoenix Global's digital transition
Phoenix Global implemented S/4HANA Cloud via Grow with SAP to replace outdated systems, digitize manual processes and enable AI capabilities for its metals and mining services. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
29 May 2025
SAP Sapphire 2025 news, trends and analysis
SAP showcased new business AI applications and continued to make the case for S/4HANA Cloud as the future of SaaS-based ERP innovation and digital transformation. Continue Reading
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News
27 May 2025
How SAP sustainability software helps manage ESG programs
Gunther Rothermel, who leads engineering for the SAP sustainability line, explains the challenges of regulatory reporting and what AI-infused tools can do to automate the process. Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2025
SAP retools its cloud-based ERP to ease migrations
The software vendor aims to simplify the shift from on-premises systems with line-of-business bundles for finance, supply chain, HR, procurement and CX. Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2025
SAP sits Joule at the helm of apps, data 'flywheel'
The vendor also made its Sapphire 2025 conference a showcase for solving AI data challenges with Business Data Cloud and integrated 'suites' of cloud applications. Continue Reading
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News
19 May 2025
SAP should balance AI talk with customer concerns at Sapphire
SAP will focus on Joule, agentic AI and Business Data Cloud at Sapphire; experts say it should also show how it can help customers deal with real-world issues. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Feb 2025
What is SAP S/4HANA?
SAP S/4HANA is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) business suite based on the SAP HANA in-memory database that allows companies to perform transactions and analyze business data in real time. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Feb 2025
What is SAP ERP Central Component (SAP ECC)?
SAP ERP Central Component (SAP ECC) is an on-premises enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Feb 2025
What is SAP ERP?
SAP ERP is enterprise resource planning software developed by the company SAP SE. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Feb 2025
What is SAP S/4HANA Cloud?
SAP S/4HANA Cloud is a software as a service (SaaS) version of SAP S/4HANA enterprise resource planning (ERP), a suite of integrated business applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Feb 2025
What is SAP S/4HANA Finance?
SAP S/4HANA Finance is a financial application that's part of the SAP S/4HANA enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform. Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2025
Changes to SAP leadership reflect AI, cloud shifts
SAP's latest executive moves have Sebastian Steinhaeuser overseeing strategy and Philipp Herzig as CTO, but analysts say the continual changes shouldn't concern customers. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jan 2025
SAP S/4HANA migration: A definitive guide
Moving a business to S/4HANA comes with major risks, yet it is also a real opportunity for digital transformation. Here's the information and best practices to ensure success. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2025
SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition ready for retailers
SAP will show the now-generally available retail industry vertical platform for S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition at next week's National Retail Federation event. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jan 2025
Top SAP S/4HANA alternatives to add to your ERP shortlist
SAP S/4HANA alternatives from Microsoft, Oracle and QAD have much of the capability and scalability you need and are likely more flexible than S/4HANA. Here's how they compare. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jan 2025
SAP infuses retail shopping with generative AI
GenAI in SAP's shopping assistant gives store employees and consumers an easier way to find what they need. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Jan 2025
SAP's challenge ahead is making a case for cloud migrations
For SAP and its customers, 2025 is the year to make the business case for moving to the cloud. The vendor also needs to clarify its stance on innovation access via Rise with SAP. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Jan 2025
9 ERP trends for 2025 and beyond
Multi-tenant SaaS, AI and automation are reshaping an ERP market that continues its long march to the cloud, as buyers seek modernization, efficiency and faster implementation. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Dec 2024
SAP leadership turmoil needs to settle in 2025
SAP executed on a restructuring that affected thousands of employees and significant executive changes in 2024. Now it needs to rebuild trust with employees and customers. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Nov 2024
What is SAP Plant Maintenance (PM)?
SAP Plant Maintenance (PM) is a component of SAP ERP Central Component (ECC) that helps businesses support and maintain equipment and systems. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Nov 2024
What is SAP Quality Management (QM)?
SAP Quality Management (QM) is a component of SAP ERP Central Component (ECC) that helps businesses implement and run quality control (QC) processes. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Oct 2024
What is SAP Sales and Distribution (SAP SD)?
SAP Sales and Distribution (SAP SD) is an SAP ERP Central Component (ECC) core functional module that helps organizations store and manage customer- and product-related data. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Oct 2024
What is SAP Project System (SAP PS)?
SAP Project System is a module in the SAP ERP system that enables tightly controlled project management from planning to completion. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Oct 2024
What is SAP Production Planning?
SAP Production Planning (SAP PP) is the component of ERP Central Component (SAP ECC) that helps businesses plan the manufacturing, sale and distribution of goods. Continue Reading
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News
16 Oct 2024
SAP aims to simplify spend management with AI copilot
SAP is injecting more generative AI into its Intelligent Spend Group via its Joule copilot. It also introduced new services for Business Network and Ariba. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Oct 2024
Rise with SAP sweetens U.S. Sugar's cloud move
Faced with an aging on-premises ERP system, U.S. Sugar took time to plan a move to S/4HANA Cloud and settled on Rise with SAP when it felt the conditions were right. Continue Reading
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News
26 Sep 2024
Onapsis debuts SAP security capabilities for BTP
New capabilities from Onapsis are aimed at enabling customers to assess security for and protect SAP Business Technology Platform from configuration and other vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
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News
03 Sep 2024
Mueller latest to leave SAP leadership ranks
SAP CTO Juergen Mueller is leaving the company as the result of an incident at an event, leaving questions about the direction of SAP's Business Technology Platform. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jul 2024
Julia White, Scott Russell to leave SAP executive board
Two executive board members will depart SAP in a move that the company says is both to streamline the structure of the board and to focus on its AI-first strategy. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Jul 2024
What is an abandoned call?
An abandoned call is a call or other type of contact initiated to a call center or contact center that is ended before any conversation occurs. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Jun 2024
SAP sustainability chief sees IT as net plus for environment
Sophia Mendelsohn talks about SAP's ambitions to both set an example of sustainability and be an enabler of it with products such as the vendor's new emissions calculator. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jun 2024
Mueller: Clean core is the 'right way' for SAP cloud migration
In this Q&A, SAP CTO Juergen Mueller explains why a clean core is critical for moving to S/4HANA cloud and how the enterprise architect can help customers get there. Continue Reading
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News
04 Jun 2024
SAP highlights business AI partnerships, puts Joule in spotlight
On the first day of Sapphire, SAP focused on business AI and the criticality of its GenAI assistant. But analysts say the emphasis on AI might be too forward-looking for customers. Continue Reading
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News
03 Jun 2024
SAP Sapphire likely to offer dual cloud, AI agendas
SAP Sapphire will likely focus on pragmatic guidance for cloud and AI, along with examples of how to derive business value and successfully undergo complex transformations. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 May 2024
Hasso Plattner exits, marking end of era for SAP
The departure of Hasso Plattner signals both an end and a new beginning for SAP as the company aims to push forward on its cloud strategy and make a name for itself in AI. Continue Reading
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News
26 Apr 2024
Microsoft, SAP add more AI to manufacturing, supply chain
At the Hannover Messe industrial show, Microsoft debuted Fabric AI for OT and IT data, and the copilot template for factory operations; SAP unveiled AI capabilities for manufacturing. Continue Reading
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News
23 Apr 2024
SAP earnings for Q1 indicate strong cloud growth
SAP's cloud revenue for the first quarter of 2024 indicates healthy growth and sets the stage as customers plan cloud migrations and implementations of business AI functionalities. Continue Reading
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News
21 Mar 2024
SAP chief AI officer: Waiting on AI is the wrong strategy
SAP's first chief AI officer, Philipp Herzig, outlines the company's new AI-focused organization and underscores why companies should begin experimenting with AI technologies. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Mar 2024
ERP (enterprise resource planning)
ERP, or enterprise resource planning, is software designed to manage and integrate the functions of core business processes like finance, HR, supply chain and inventory management in a single system. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Feb 2024
Hilti Group uses tools, tech to tackle circular manufacturing
Hilti Group's move to circular manufacturing helps with sustainability targets while building on existing processes and helping address supply chain issues. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jan 2024
New Rise with SAP program targets barriers to cloud moves
The Rise with SAP Migration and Modernization program includes cost incentives and services aimed at on-premises customers reluctant to move to S/4HANA Cloud. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jan 2024
SAP debuts 4 AI-based retail capabilities
At the National Retail Federation 2024 conference, SAP will feature new retail capabilities for predictive demand planning, predictive replenishment of goods and order management. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jan 2024
SAP's stance on cloud-only innovation needs clarity in 2024
SAP must focus on delivering technical and business value for all customers in 2024 rather than alienating some by offering modern technologies for S/4HANA Cloud users only. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Jan 2024
vendor management system (VMS)
A vendor management system (VMS) is an enterprise software platform that helps companies control the process of procuring and managing a flexible workforce. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Dec 2023
Evaluating today's 8 leading ERP software vendors
Here's an overview to help you understand the strengths, market positioning and major product lines of eight leaders in ERP, with quick takes from industry analysts. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Dec 2023
Explaining the hidden costs of ERP implementations
It's easy to know what the software costs, but what about variables like customization, productivity and training? Experts reveal the pitfalls so you can avoid expensive surprises. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Dec 2023
ERP implementation: 10 steps for success
Follow these well-trod steps, line up the best people, be fully aware of the most common mistakes, and use the right metrics to ensure your ERP project delivers on its promises. Continue Reading
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News
30 Nov 2023
Accenture, SAP partner on supply chain visibility
A partnership between Accenture and SAP builds supply chain capabilities on SAP IBP that enables organizations to identify and respond to changes in supply, demand and inventory. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Oct 2023
Grow with SAP tries to make midmarket a big market
Midmarket organizations may find S/4HANA Cloud via Grow with SAP an attractive vehicle to the cloud. But SAP faces challenges in going after the market segment. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Oct 2023
advanced shipping notice (ASN)
An advanced shipping notice (ASN) is a document that provides detailed information about a pending delivery. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Oct 2023
GR/IR clearing account (goods receipt/invoice receipt clearing account)
A GR/IR clearing account (goods receipt/invoice receipt clearing account) is a bookkeeping device that can be used when goods arrive before the invoice is generated or when an invoice arrives before the goods are delivered. Continue Reading
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News
13 Oct 2023
SAP dangles bigger carrots for S/4HANA Cloud, Rise
SAP unveiled products and services to spur cloud migrations, including the new S/4HANA Cloud, private edition; a premium plus package for Rise with SAP; and migration services. Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2023
GenAI moves into enterprise spend at SAP Spend Connect
At Spend Connect Live, SAP unveiled plans to embed generative AI into its spend management applications and introduced its Spend Control Tower for enterprise spend analysis. Continue Reading
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News
28 Sep 2023
SAP joins generative AI crowd with Joule
SAP's Joule is the company's generative AI assistant for its cloud portfolio, but the technology is still in the early stages and the ERP giant will need to prove its value. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Jun 2023
Arista ditches spreadsheets, email for SAP IBP
As rapid growth outstripped Arista Networks' spreadsheet-based supply chain processes, the company implemented a digital supply chain with SAP Integrated Business Planning. Continue Reading
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Podcast
31 May 2023
SAP AI initiatives expand on several fronts at Sapphire 2023
TechTarget editors discuss SAP AI announcements and demos unveiled at Sapphire 2023 conferences in Orlando and Barcelona, including SAP's generative AI partnership with Microsoft. Continue Reading
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News
25 May 2023
ERP roundup: SAP partners unveil new products at Sapphire
At SAP Sapphire 2023, SAP partners and ISVs displayed products and services aimed at automating processes, improving security and managing moves to S/4HANA Cloud. Continue Reading
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News
22 May 2023
SAP's new sustainability ledger tracks carbon emissions
If companies want to improve sustainability efforts, they will need to treat environmental reporting like financial accounting. SAP unveiled the green ledger to facilitate this. Continue Reading
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News
18 May 2023
SAP pushes business-grade AI, but customers aren't biting
Business-oriented AI headlined this week's SAP Sapphire, which includes new partnerships with vendors like Microsoft, but customers expressed only cursory interest. Continue Reading
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News
16 May 2023
SAP Business AI and sustainability dominate Sapphire
The new SAP Business AI, which embeds AI into a number of SAP products, and new SAP sustainability products including its 'green ledger' highlighted the first day of SAP Sapphire. Continue Reading
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News
15 May 2023
SAP's next step for CRM? Industry-oriented CX
SAP has tightened its approach to CX, providing a composable architecture designed for specific industries that shifts away from competing with market leaders such as Salesforce. Continue Reading
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News
11 May 2023
AI, cloud and networks set to take SAP Sapphire stage
SAP Sapphire 2023 will be dominated by news about generative AI, but SAP needs to clarify information around S/4HANA Cloud and prove its products help customers solve problems. Continue Reading
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News
03 May 2023
SAP gets dose of AI with IBM Watson
SAP will now integrate IBM Watson into the SAP Start digital assistant for its cloud applications. But there are questions about how much value this adds. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Mar 2023
Jabil's S/4HANA Cloud move: Shift now, transform later
When it came time to move from SAP ECC to S/4HANA Cloud, Jabil chose to lift-and-shift systems in stages. Business transformation will come after the cloud migration. Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2023
SAP looks to grow S/4HANA Cloud presence in midmarket
Grow with SAP is a new program targeted at driving SAP S/4HANA Cloud sales in the midmarket, but can it address the perception that S/4HANA Cloud is too complex for those companies? Continue Reading
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News
13 Mar 2023
SAP agrees to sell Qualtrics stake for $7.7B
SAP's sale of Qualtrics reaches its final stage as it sells shares for $7.7 billion. The deal recoups the initial investment but may signal that SAP is moving out of XM software. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Feb 2023
Pandora embarks on SAP S/4HANA Cloud digital transformation
When its ERP system became outdated, Pandora chose S/4HANA Cloud for its business process transformation. The new system is expected to unify data and improve customer experience. Continue Reading
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News
13 Feb 2023
Process mining tool provides guidance based on past projects
SAP Signavio Process Explorer is a next step in the evolution of process mining, delivering recommendations on transformation projects based on thousands of completed projects. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jan 2023
Layoffs hit 2.5% of SAP workforce; Qualtrics up for sale
SAP is reducing its workforce in a 'targeted restructuring' and selling Qualtrics. The layoffs mimic other vendors, and the sale could benefit both companies, analysts said. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Jan 2023
SAP leadership gets good grade, but has room to improve
SAP CEO Christian Klein has performed well under tough conditions, observers said, but he still must deal with challenges like improving product strategy and S/4HANA migrations. Continue Reading
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News
04 Jan 2023
SAP's future hinges on opening up its IT stack
SAP's first 50 years centered on core ERP systems for internal business operations, but the years ahead must focus on extending functionality outside of the enterprise. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Nov 2022
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
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Definition
14 Nov 2022
SAP SuccessFactors
SAP SuccessFactors is a leading suite of cloud-based talent management and human capital management (HCM) software. Continue Reading
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News
09 Nov 2022
SAP Sustainability Control Tower looks to ease ESG reporting
SAP Sustainability Control Tower enables companies of all sizes to gather and manage ESG data. The revamped SaaS model focuses on better ease of use and quicker return of value. Continue Reading
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News
27 Oct 2022
SAP improves UX functionality for Intelligent Spend
At SAP Spend Connect, the vendor unveiled new updates to SAP Intelligent Spend applications, including a consumer-like buying experience and a centralized procurement capability. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Oct 2022
just-in-time manufacturing (JIT manufacturing)
Just-in-time manufacturing (JIT manufacturing) is a production model in which items are created to meet demand, not created in surplus or in advance of need. 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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News
09 Sep 2022
Santander joins SAP MBC to embed financials into processes
SAP Multi-Bank Connectivity has added Santander Bank to its partner list to help companies reduce the complexity of embedding financial services into ERP applications. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Aug 2022
At 50, SAP finds itself at another crossroads
Over its 50-year history, SAP rode business and technology trends to the top of the ERP industry, but it now is at a crossroads and will need to continue to innovate to thrive. Continue Reading
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Podcast
10 Jun 2022
How an HR-IT partnership can serve the greater good
MOD Pizza's Tara Gambill explains how enterprise IT initiatives, including the digital transformation of HR by deploying SAP SuccessFactors HXM, helped drive the chain's rapid growth. Continue Reading
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News
01 Jun 2022
SAP exec: Begin to prepare a sustainability strategy now
In this Q&A, SAP's Jim Sullivan discusses why sustainability has become an issue that companies need to take seriously, taking into account more regulation and consumer attitudes. 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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Feature
19 May 2022
SAP innovation wing aims to shape future of ERP technology
Self-learning AI and analytics that are smart enough to launch dashboards and alerts are among the research projects that could someday become SAP products. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 May 2022
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
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News
16 May 2022
Sapphire 2022 provided scaled-down value
Rise with SAP took a backseat to sustainability at SAP Sapphire 2022, which returned as a live event. There were no big products announcements, just a flurry of updates. Continue Reading
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News
11 May 2022
SAP Sapphire focuses on speed, disruption, sustainability
At SAP Sapphire 2022, the ERP vendor highlighted accelerating business transformation, disruptions to supply chains and sustainability as main challenges that businesses face. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 May 2022
SAP Sapphire returns as a scaled-down live event
SAP Sapphire 2022 is back with an in-person and virtual program. Rise with SAP will be a hot topic, but SAP also needs to focus on SAP Business Network and Business Technology Platform. 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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News
08 Apr 2022
SAP teams up with BCG on sustainability strategy
SAP and BCG combine products to enable implementing sustainability programs around eliminating carbon emissions, reducing waste and tracking environmental, social and governance information. Continue Reading
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News
30 Mar 2022
Unilever pursues supply chain sustainability with blockchain
Unilever deploys blockchain-enabled GreenToken by SAP to help ensure the palm oil used in its products comes from responsible sources and doesn't contribute to rainforest loss. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Mar 2022
4 steps for creating an analytics strategy on SAP ECC
Many companies can benefit from analytics' capabilities, and organizations staying on SAP ECC can still create an effective analytics strategy. Learn how. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Mar 2022
5 steps for boosting SAP ECC security
Cybersecurity remains a top priority for organizations. Learn some key steps that companies with SAP ECC should follow to boost their security and stay safe. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Feb 2022
How SAP tools could help you move to continuous accounting
SAP tools like SAP Business Planning and Consolidation can help companies switch from periodic closing to continuous accounting and planning. Learn more about how it works. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2022
Solving GAAP vs. IFRS, other accounting challenges with SAP
SAP ERP products can help users with international accounting challenges like GAAP vs. IFRS. Learn how the software can potentially make the process easier. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Feb 2022
How can SAP's Financial Closing Cockpit streamline closing?
SAP's Financial Closing Cockpit and its next-generation cloud iteration could help companies manage their closing more efficiently. Learn more about the applications' capabilities. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jan 2022
SAP reports strong Q4 earnings; acquires Taulia
SAP Q4 2021 cloud earnings were strong, and the company added to its portfolio by acquiring Taulia for cash management and investing in intelligent contract firm Icertis. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Jan 2022
What SAP product supports project-based teams?
SAP's SuccessFactors Dynamic Teams could help support project-based teams in the workplace and solve associated challenges. Learn more about the new capabilities. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Jan 2022
How can SAP IBP help address supply chain challenges?
As supply chain issues continue to affect companies, SAP's Integrated Business Planning could help improve users' supply chain management. Learn how. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Dec 2021
Should SAP users move from APO to IBP?
SAP is emphasizing its Integrated Business Planning product and moving its Advanced Planning and Optimization tools out of the spotlight. Learn whether users should transition to IBP. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Dec 2021
How can SAP's predictive analytics improve SCM?
SAP's predictive analytics could help users with their supply chain management as supply chain problems persist. Learn more about how these capabilities could benefit users. Continue Reading