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• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Why integrated business planning is relevant -- and how to automate it

  ERP systems and CPM software already provide some of the best tools for automating IBP.Continue Reading

• Know the SCOR model to build strong supply chain metrics

  By following the SCOR model, manufacturers can put supply chain metrics in place to ensure enterprise-wide success.Continue Reading

• Budgeting and forecasting software rescues firm from 'spreadsheet hell'

  Adaptive Planning's SaaS budgeting, planning and forecasting tools cater to NPD Group's global needs in a way that Excel couldn't.Continue Reading

• Proper ERP testing essential for successful implementation

  In this book chapter excerpt, learn how to ensure successful system implementations through ERP testing best practices.Continue Reading

• Best practices to estimate accurate ERP schedules, budgets in an ERP project

  In this book chapter excerpt, find out how to estimate ERP project schedules and budgets and avoid common pitfalls.Continue Reading

• Six data privacy questions to ask SaaS financial software vendors

  The answers to these questions can help CFOs shake data privacy fears and feel more confident about moving financials to the cloud.Continue Reading

• Manufacturing PLM tools beginner’s tutorial

  In this guide, learn the basics of PLM tools, including software selection, implementation, and cloud computing options.Continue Reading

• Building a business case for lean implementation

  Introducing lean thinking to your staff means explaining what lean does and how it will help your business. Identifying your goals, explaining the concepts of kaizen and kanban and setting up lean training programs are all parts of building a ...Continue Reading

• Tips for manufacturing production planning and scheduling with MES

  MES software can aid in production planning by calculating automated sequences. It can also help on the work scheduling end through order processing.Continue Reading

• Rapid Implementation Roadmap: What is the Implementation Process?

  Understanding what needs to occur during a software implementation project can help speed up the process. Find out what to expect at each stage of the implementation process and how to manage a rapid implementation.Continue Reading

• Process Integration Architecture

  Discover how Process Integration Architecture helps manage end-to-end business processes. Learn how Process Integration Architecture can reduce cost, increase competetive advantage and optimize business processes.Continue Reading