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Manage

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

• Why is demand-driven MRP becoming more popular?

  In today's markets, material requirements planning can fall short. Demand-driven MRP is the innovative approach that marries the best of "push" and "pull" in manufacturing. Continue Reading

• How does eKanban differ from traditional Kanban?

  With its basis in physical cues, the traditional Kanban system has been limited by lag time in passing along information. Electronic Kanban is a different story. Continue Reading

• IoT apps still sparse, but promising

  There's strong evidence that the IoT is gaining acceptance -- but only on a limited basis because of cost and equipment compatibility concerns. Continue Reading

• Can MRP be successful without 98 percent inventory accuracy?

  Effective MRP requires prioritizing inventory accuracy and true troubleshooting over a reliance on safety stock and other compensating factors. Continue Reading

• What is your best advice for integrating software applications?

  Ian Charles, CFO of Host Analytics, advises to invest time in scoping and consider future needs when integrating software applications. Continue Reading

• Manufacturers: Use a warehouse for product customization

  Leveraging warehouses for product customization, or late personalization, adds flexibility, shortens delivery lead time and helps better meet customer expectations.Continue Reading

• How can distribution requirements planning help inventory management?

  An expert explains how distribution requirements planning can help companies gain better control over their inventory and prevent shortages.Continue Reading

• The move to SaaS-based applications remains a gradual process

  More organizations are moving business applications off-premises, relying on technology once thought of as cutting-edge, like software as a service—but full steam ahead it’s not.Continue Reading

• Procurement and finance: Be partners, not enemies

  Finance and procurement must be partners, working together to contribute to a company's goals, including operational and financial performance objectivesContinue Reading

• Tracking too many KPIs is counterproductive

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

• Top treasury management software features for buyers

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

• For technology change management, engage employees early and often

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

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

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

• Budgeting process case studies demonstrate how to keep it simple

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

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

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

• Getting senior management on board with ERP projects

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

• Which budget technique is right for your organization?

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

• How business process redesign is affecting ERP

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

• Best practices for ERP and WMS integration

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

• The pros and cons of two-tier ERP

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

• Turnaround artist does data mining for dollars

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

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

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

• Companies respond to customer needs with demand-driven manufacturing

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

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

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

• McKinsey declares mobile Internet the most disruptive technology

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

• Machine-to-machine technology automates the warehouse

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

• Decoding active and passive RFID tags

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

• Comparing ERP deployment options: Rapid vs. traditional

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

• GPS technology steers towards the manufacturing supply chain

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

• 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

• Strategies for collaborative planning with S&OP

  In this book chapter excerpt, find strategies to design and implement collaborative sales and operations planning.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

• Strategic benefits of a global trade management software system

  A company that deploys a global trade management software system can reduce the costs, risks and delays associated with manual compliance and tracking efforts.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

• Information Integration Architecture

  Learn how information integration architecture makes data accessible across software systems and takes the headache out of integrating your company's information.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