Get started

Get started

Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.

• GS1

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

• Supply chain risk management tools vary from generic to niche

  Specialized supply chain monitoring and risk tools exist, but you're more likely to use an assortment of general-purpose analytics, financial and GRC applications. Continue Reading

• GDSN (Global Data Synchronization Network)

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

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

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

• Hybrid ERP demands process integration, easy data access

  SaaS apps can strengthen areas where ERP is weak, but to ensure the combo adds value, both sides must communicate seamlessly at the business-process, messaging and data levels. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • What is Epicor Software Corp.?
  • What is Blue Yonder (formerly JDA Software)?
  • What is IFS AB?
  • What is Open Platform Communications (OPC)?

  • What is a voice user interface (VUI)?
  • What is the bullwhip effect?
  • What is inventory management?
  • What is computer-aided software engineering (CASE)?

  View All Definitions

• What should companies know about sustainability software?

  Sustainability is composed of social, environmental and economic pillars. That's why technologies focused on this market address different needs. Here's a narrow glimpse.Continue Reading

• Why craft beer makers are tapping into ERP for craft brewery software

  As with other process manufacturers, ERP software can help craft breweries maintain quality, while better managing growth and unexpected success. Here's a look.Continue Reading

• How can manufacturers begin an Industry 4.0 roadmap?

  Are you driving toward the next industrial revolution? Industry 4.0 will transform the manufacturing landscape, according to experts. Here's how to get ready.Continue Reading

• Selecting SaaS accounting software need not be intimidating

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

• Cloud-based accounting software can be hub of tailored 'ERP'

  Users explain why they chose their cloud core financial system and the thought process that goes into adding applications for key functions, like procurement, HR and case management.Continue Reading

• ANSI/ISA-95

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

• What are some elements of sustainable product design?

  With waste from electronics, plastics and other materials growing at a frightening rate, manufacturers can help address the problem with sustainable product design efforts.Continue Reading

• IQMS

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

• AI for finance adoption affected by legal, ethical issues

  Some experts say that for the foreseeable future, machine learning algorithms and other AI technologies will require human oversight for finance services and data privacy.Continue Reading

• Can warehouse robots help solve supply chain issues?

  The direct-to-consumer model is transforming warehouse management and, in turn, supply chain management. Here's a look at how robotics is helping to solve some of the issues.Continue Reading

• ERP reporting tools effective first step in exploiting data

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

• The risks and rewards of a multivendor ERP strategy

  As old-school mega ERP implementations increasingly fall out of favor, companies are now picking and choosing software. Here are some of the issues that these choices create.Continue Reading

• 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

• How are IoT sensors helping the aviation industry?

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

• Expert tips for implementing procure-to-pay software

  P2P software touches many departments, ties in suppliers and has a big impact on financials. You need all the major stakeholders at the planning table.Continue Reading

• The essential guide to ERP for small and medium-sized businesses

  By integrating important business processes and unifying data, an ERP system can help small and medium-sized businesses go up against the big guys. Here's what you need to know.Continue Reading

• Value drivers must be constant focus of digital technology initiatives

  Getting caught up in the enterprise digital technologies hype is dangerous for your company. Here's what to do instead.Continue Reading

• Eight keys to supply chain sustainability

  Figuring out how to create a comprehensive and compelling supply chain sustainability initiative can be overwhelming. Here's guidance on getting it right.Continue Reading

• How can manufacturers improve field service operations?

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

• Manufacturing operations management merges ERP and MES

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

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

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

• Top treasury management software features for buyers

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

• Buying ERP: Top 10 midmarket ERP systems

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

• FAQ: Understanding and leveraging 3PL providers

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

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

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

• How business process redesign is affecting ERP

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

• Test your knowledge of global supply chain management

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

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

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

• IT's role in treasury management: A tutorial

  Treasury management is a vital function in any organization. An informed IT department is the best bet for accuracy, compliance and data availability.Continue Reading

• integrated business planning (IBP)

  Integrated business planning (IBP) is a strategy for connecting the planning functions of each department in an organization to align operations and strategy with the organization's financial performance.Continue Reading

• Adaptive Insights (formerly called Adaptive Planning)

  Adaptive Insights (formerly called Adaptive Planning) is a cloud-based corporate performance management software (CPM) vendor headquartered in Mountain View, California.Continue Reading

• Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR)

  Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) is the process reference model used across industries as a supply chain management diagnostic tool.Continue Reading

• product information management (PIM)

  Product information management (PIM) is a classification of software products that support the global identification, linking and synchronization of product information across heterogeneous data sources.Continue Reading

• Warehouse control system (WCS)

  Warehouse control system (WCS) is a software application for orchestrating activity flow within a warehouses and distribution center.Continue Reading

• Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC)

  Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) is a broad set of technologies used to collect information from an object, image or sound without manual data entry. The actual technologies involved, the information obtained and the purpose of ...Continue Reading

• Manufacturing ERP case studies and examples

  These manufacturing ERP case studies will help you get started with an implementation project. Learn best practices, strategy building methods, common mistakes to avoid and more.Continue Reading

• Supply chain management (SCM) and business intelligence (BI): Questions about integration

  Integrating SCM and BI can boost the effectiveness supply chain analytics. SCM BI integration can be tricky, so before you get started, find answers to some common SCM and BI questions.Continue Reading

• Supply chain management (SCM) modules guide

  Supply chain management (SCM) software, which is made up of a variety of modules, is essential to running a smooth supply chain. In this guide, you'll find introductions to SCM system modules, including supply chain planning and execution, supply ...Continue Reading

• Getting started with warehouse management system (WMS) training

  To be effective, WMS training must cover WMS users' interaction with mobile devices and software, as well as new ways of moving goods safely and efficiently through the warehouse.Continue Reading

• Introduction to supply chain management (SCM) EDI

  Manufacturers can use supply chain electronic data interchange (EDI) to control processes such as purchase orders, shipment notices and invoices. SCM EDI speeds the transfer of electronic business processes.Continue Reading

• Top five supply chain technology and integration challenges

  Supply chain integration can be a challenging undertaking for manufacturers. Knowing some of the top supply chain technology mistakes and challenges can help make the implementation process run smoother.Continue Reading

• Introduction to SCM CRM integration

  While supply chain management (SCM) and customer relationship management (CRM) are not commonly thought of together, these software systems make a powerful team. SCM CRM integration can help manufacturers connect with their supply chain customers.Continue Reading

• SCM and PLM: Questions about integration

  Integrating your supply chain management (SCM) software with your product lifecycle management (PLM) software optimizes the capabilities of both systems. Before getting started, read answers to some SCM PLM integration questions.Continue Reading

• Planning for a warehouse management software (WMS) project

  Any warehouse management system (WMS) project brings big changes to your IT and business processes. Here are tips for avoiding pitfalls and creating a WMS plan that meets your unique needs.Continue Reading

• Introduction to MES integration

  Manufacturing execution system (MES) software helps manufacturers to smoothly manage daily processes. MES integration with other systems -- including ERP and SCM -- makes this even easier.Continue Reading

• Inventory management software frequently asked questions (FAQ)

  Inventory management software goes beyond simple record-keeping to provide the information and analysis you need to make better decisions. Here are some frequently asked questions.Continue Reading

• Enterprise resource planning (ERP) modules guide

  ERP systems, which are made up of a variety of software modules, can seem complex. In this guide, you'll find introductions to ERP modules, including PLM, SCM, CRM, HCM, WMS, assets, orders, financials, inventory and projects.Continue Reading

• operational performance management (OPM)

  Operational performance management (OPM) is the alignment of all business units within an organization to ensure that they are working together to achieve core business goals.Continue Reading

• supply chain execution (SCE)

  Supply chain execution (SCE) is the flow of tasks involved in the supply chain, such as order fulfilment, procurement, warehousing and transporting.Continue Reading

• demand-driven manufacturing (DDM)

  Demand-driven manufacturing (DDM) is an approach to manufacturing where production is based on actual orders rather than forecasts.Continue Reading

• Guide to business intelligence for manufacturing

  Business intelligence (BI) software is being adopted by a growing number of manufacturers. In the first installment of this BI guide, find an introduction to BI software for manufacturing. Read how manufacturers are using BI and find software ...Continue Reading

• advanced planning and scheduling (APS)

  Advanced planning and scheduling (APS) is a type of system that tracks costs based on the activities that are responsible for driving costs in the production of manufactured goods. (Continued)Continue Reading

• How to build a business case for RFID

  Are you considering RFID for your business needs? In this guide, read an introduction to RFID technology and implementation, learn about SAP RFID software and RFID for ERP and find out how to calculate ROI for RFID.Continue Reading