ERP systems

How iPads and a field service app transformed McKinley Equipment

McKinley Equipment discusses how mobile and the cloud transformed a once paper-based business into an efficient field services organization.Feature

SAP Rapid Deployment software a mixed bag, according to experts

Quicker deployment and fixed cost are among the many advantages of SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions, according to experts. But some say the news isn't all good.News | 15 Aug 2012

Manufacturing operation management (MOM)

Manufacturing operation management (MOM) is an approach of overseeing all aspects of the manufacturing process with a particular focus to increase efficiency.Definition

SAP CRM initiative starts with measuring the customer experience

A CRM initiative that spanned several years for one manufacturer started with a comprehensive assessment of the customer experience and continues with an “innovation team.”News | 15 Mar 2011

SAP CRM integration gives clear orders to medical device maker

A new SAP CRM software module straightens out the sales design, configuration, and order process, and brings benefits far down the production line.News | 13 Jul 2010

Packaging manufacturer increases manufacturing visibility through ERP implementation

A packaging manufacturer's ERP system integrates its shop floors to save labor and materials while maintaining quality.Article | 02 Jun 2010

Manufacturing software training tutorials and guides

These manufacturing software training learning guides and tutorials help IT managers select, implement, integrate and optimize their manufacturing ERP, SCM, MES, PLM and other software.Tutorial

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.Tutorial

Manufacturer scores big with Web 2.0 and social networking tools

With Web 2.0 social networking and collaboration technologies, manufacturer Equipois improved its customer service and product design. Learn some cost saving tips for getting started with Web 2.0 for manufacturing.Article | 23 Jun 2009

Marine manufacturer finds ERP inventory control success with xTuple OpenMFG

Reverso Pumps chose the xTuple OpenMFG ERP system to boost its inventory control. Read about this implementation and find out how Reverso has used the open source ERP package to improve the manufacturing process.Article | 06 Mar 2009

Download CW Europe, Nov. 2012

How well protected is your business? Inside this issue of the CW Europe E-Zine for November, 2012, find insightful pieces covering disaster recovery, the important of the European datacenter, using a unified supplier portal to tighten the supply chain, and more.Magazine

Tips for managing multiple ERP systems

Read this expert e-guide to learn how to minimize the chaos of managing multiple enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Learn how a two-tiered approach, including Software as a Service (SaaS) ERP at the subsidiary level, is helping many manufacturers consolidate their ERP efforts.E-Book

Two-tier ERP, SaaS beckon companies embarking on ERP consolidation

Manufacturers also face integration decisions once they decide to consolidate multiple ERP systems.News | 05 Jun 2012

Consolidate multiple ERP systems to address four key dimensions

Two consultants explain how user needs, technologies, costs, and business processes factor into an ERP consolidation plan.News | 30 May 2012

Five signs your multiple ERP systems are out of control

Many manufacturers run multiple ERP systems -- or multiple instances of one system. But there are significant downsides to operating this way.News | 16 May 2012

Manufacturing operation management (MOM)

Manufacturing operation management (MOM) is an approach of overseeing all aspects of the manufacturing process with a particular focus to increase efficiency.Definition

Keep manufacturing IT projects on time and under budget

Following these expert tips will help keep manufacturing IT projects on schedule and manageable.News | 11 Aug 2011

Know the four building blocks of IT governance frameworks

Centralization and analytics are keys to realizing costs savings and efficiencies from IT governance and portfolio management.News | 09 Aug 2011

First rule of IT governance: To cut costs, align business and IT

IT governance needn’t be complex or reserved for the largest enterprises. Today’s frameworks offer practical tools for all types of companies.News | 22 Jul 2011

Tool talk: Choosing the best IT governance practices

Backing up IT governance practices with project portfolio management and asset management software can help manufacturers align IT with business goals and reduce costs.News | 22 Jul 2011

open source ERP

Open source ERP refers to an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software model in which the public has access to the source code of the system.Definition

Manufacturing operation management (MOM)

Manufacturing operation management (MOM) is an approach of overseeing all aspects of the manufacturing process with a particular focus to increase efficiency.Definition

How to avoid an open source ERP software deployment failure

Open source ERP software is a rapidly-growing technology, but deployments aren't always a success. In this expert response, learn some of the warning signs that an open source ERP deployment might fail.Ask the Expert

Best practices for working with open source ERP software

While open source ERP software has many benefits, such as flexibility and lower upfront costs, it poses unique challenges. Knowing how to best meet these challenges will make open source ERP worth the investment.Article | 06 Nov 2009

Debunking myths about open source ERP software

Before getting started with open source ERP software, it's important to understand its strengths and weaknesses. Discover the facts on open source ERP for manufacturing.Article | 02 Nov 2009

Open source manufacturing ERP requires programming skills

Open source ERP is ideal for manufacturers that want the benefits of an ERP system without the implementation costs. To deploy open source ERP for manufacturing, companies need programming and software development skills.Article | 26 Oct 2009

Open source BI software gains traction with manufacturers

Open source BI software offers manufacturers lower costs, ease of integration and reduced dependency on a single vendor. The caveat, however, is that lower cost does not equate to free. Open source BI still requires consulting.Article | 09 Oct 2009

What open source skills do we need for open source ERP success?

Having the right in-house skills is essential to open source ERP success. Find out what your support staff needs to know about open source ERP implementation and maintenance in this expert response.Ask the Expert

ERP Support and maintenance: Keeping costs in check

ERP support and maintenance costs can break a budget, but there are some tactics that can help keep support spending under control.Article | 14 Aug 2008

Not-so-obvious tips for selecting ERP software

Discover the more nuanced aspects of selecting ERP software. Expert Steve Phillips reveals the secret to a successful ERP implementation.Tip

Specialty Products gets order automation, fast shipping with VAI ERP

Manufacturer Specialty Products started from the ground up when it ditched its MRP and implemented the VAI ERP system.Feature

Microsoft-SAP Duet Enterprise extends supply chain, purchasing options

Duet Enterprise, a collaborative platform for SAP and Microsoft Sharepoint users, offers new flexibility in supply chain management and purchasing.Feature

SAP Duet Enterprise suites offer improved usability, flexibility for HR and CRM

Industry expert William Newman weighs in on SAP Duet Enterprise's effects on the HR and CRM workspaces.Feature

Forrester analyst gives advice on selecting midmarket ERP software

In this podcast excerpt, China Martens explains how to choose an ERP system that meets the unique needs of midmarket manufacturers.News | 02 May 2012

Microsoft preps cloud ERP

Ahead of its Convergence business application show, Microsoft is talking ERP in the cloud, its internal use of SAP and the exploding SaaS HR software market.Blog | 16 Feb 2012

Find right blend of standardization, specialization for two-tier ERP

An ERP expert analyzes a survey of two-tier ERP implementations and offers advice on planning, integrating and standardizing multiple ERP systems across business units.News | 09 Dec 2011

ERP selection advice for midmarket manufacturers

An analyst offers ERP software buying advice for midmarket manufacturers.Podcast

When it comes to ERP vs. best of breed procurement, no one size fits all

Most companies can no longer get by purely on ERP procurement tools and must look to best-of-breed vendors for niche functionality, according to experts.News | 14 Nov 2011

For two-tier manufacturing ERP, first look to your current vendor

Companies can avoid headaches by using the same vendor for two-tier ERP at both the headquarters and subsidiary levels, analysts say.News | 07 Oct 2011

SAP Duet Enterprise suites offer improved usability, flexibility for HR and CRM

Industry expert William Newman weighs in on SAP Duet Enterprise's effects on the HR and CRM workspaces.Feature

SaaS ERP (software-as-a-service ERP hosting)

SaaS ERP is a hosting model for enterprise resource planning (ERP) software which involves a firm's ERP software applications on a vendor's servers.Definition

Talent management software helps cultivate skilled workforce, experts say

The pressure is on to recruit -- and retain -- skilled employees. Industry watchers say talent management software can make that process less painful and more successful.News | 26 Mar 2012

Teamwork, analytics help integrate financial management applications

Financial management applications are essential in any enterprise IT strategy -- but integration with other business software is critical, experts say.News | 08 Feb 2012

two-tier ERP

Two-tier ERP (enterprise resource planning) is the practice of running two ERP systems at once -- one larger system at the corporate level, and one smaller system at the plant, division, or subsidiary level.Definition

SAP manufacturing sustainability software helps Panasonic recycle e-waste

According to the electronics manufacturer, SAP's REA module was crucial to administering take-back programs required by Europe’s tough environmental laws, though it wasn't easy.News | 13 Oct 2011

ERP technology trends point to a ‘bright’ future, Forrester says

New technologies are making ERP and other enterprise applications more efficient and manageable, according to a new Forrester report outlining how to make the most of the changes.News | 20 Jul 2011

Safety compliance software helps minimize workplace accidents

EHS software can help manufacturers build a safer workplace and record incidents when they occur.News | 15 Jun 2011

Forrester: Despite consolidation, ERP market abounds in new options

Although the number of vendors continues to dwindle, a new Forrester report finds more ERP options, spurred in large part by the increasing popularity of cloud computing.News | 09 May 2011

Workforce management (WFM) software

Workforce management (WFM) software is an umbrella term for desktop and mobile programs that help a business manage staff scheduling. The term originated in contact centers and other service businesses that employ a large number of workers who are paid on an hourly basis.Definition

Download CW Europe, Nov. 2012

How well protected is your business? Inside this issue of the CW Europe E-Zine for November, 2012, find insightful pieces covering disaster recovery, the important of the European datacenter, using a unified supplier portal to tighten the supply chain, and more.Magazine

Keep manufacturing IT projects on time and under budget

Following these expert tips will help keep manufacturing IT projects on schedule and manageable.News | 11 Aug 2011

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.Tutorial

Optimizing ERP investments through manufacturing ERP management best practices

Managing manufacturing ERP systems is more complicated than ever, but these five best practices can help drive better value from your ERP software investments.Tutorial

Expert tips for auditing manufacturing ERP systems

ERP solutions hold the core data and processes that manufacturers need to run their businesses. Internal audits help ensure that ERP systems for manufacturers are running as smoothly as their lines.Tutorial

Manufacturing ERP change management best practices

Success with manufacturing ERP change management is less about the technology and more about preparing users for success. Read four expert best practices for ERP change management.Tutorial

How to develop a manufacturing ERP implementation strategy

Before starting an ERP implementation project, you need to define your business goals. Building a manufacturing ERP implementation strategy is the first stop on the ERP roadmap.Tutorial

Key cost considerations for manufacturing ERP

What are the key cost considerations for manufacturing enterprise resource planning? Find out in this expert response.Ask the Expert

10 tips for optimizing ERP vendor support

Getting the most out of ERP vendors means making sure ERP maintenance costs are reasonable and worth the money. Find out how.Tip

Most Oracle ERP users don't know what they already have, survey says

Most Oracle ERP users seek new features from an ERP upgrade -- then struggle to keep track of them all, according to MorganFranklin.News | 20 Jul 2012

Five signs your multiple ERP systems are out of control

Many manufacturers run multiple ERP systems -- or multiple instances of one system. But there are significant downsides to operating this way.News | 16 May 2012

two-tier ERP

Two-tier ERP (enterprise resource planning) is the practice of running two ERP systems at once -- one larger system at the corporate level, and one smaller system at the plant, division, or subsidiary level.Definition

Managing the human issues of keeping legacy ERP

People issues can get in the way of keeping a legacy ERP system. Some users want a slick new system; some never want to change. Companies must deal with both.News | 21 Nov 2011

When it comes to ERP vs. best of breed procurement, no one size fits all

Most companies can no longer get by purely on ERP procurement tools and must look to best-of-breed vendors for niche functionality, according to experts.News | 14 Nov 2011

Best practices for sticking with a legacy ERP system

Instead of migrating to a new ERP platform, manufacturers can continue to reap benefits from a legacy ERP system by using these best practices.News | 01 Nov 2011

Vendors offer incentives for sticking with legacy ERP

Upgrade credits, maintenance discounts, and free licenses are among the enticements to stay.News | 19 Oct 2011

Five reasons to stick with your legacy ERP

Some experts say that without clear wins from the features in a new ERP deployment, replacing a legacy ERP system is usually not worth the cost or risks.News | 04 Oct 2011

Duncan Jones on licensing and maintenance trends

Duncan Jones discusses software vendors' licensing flexibility, license audits and considerations in moving applications to the cloud and mobile devices.Blog | 31 May 2011

Manufacturer cuts seven systems down to one with Plex Systems ERP

When CCI implemented the SaaS ERP suite from Plex Systems, it took the pressure off its one-person IT department.Feature

Where is Azure in the Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2013 release?

Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2013 launched in October without the promised Azure hosting. Will Azure be in Dynamics' future?News | 04 Dec 2012

Midmarket firms are adopting cloud-based ERP piece by piece

Minimize risk in cloud ERP integrations

Companies considering cloud ERP integration can take steps to minimize risk, according to one analyst.Feature

Midmarket firms are adopting cloud-based ERP piece by piece

The technology that put all that data in the cloud has improved quite a bit over the years, and industry watchers say adoption will grow at a decidedly steady pace.Feature

Cloud computing: What it can do for your manufacturing supply

Cloud-based manufacturing applications have exploded onto the market, and with so much hype, determining their suitability and usefulness can be tricky. Read this expert e-book to get tips on how the cloud can be leveraged for ERP, supply chain management, and global inventory management, and learn what to look out for in a still-maturing market.E-Book

Epicor, Sage, SAP public cloud ERP moves raise pricing, technical concerns

Analysts say Epicor, Sage and SAP's recent cloud ERP initiatives portend cloud computing benefits for on-premises ERP platforms but require close scrutiny before making a change.News | 31 May 2012

Manufacturer to move hosted JD Edwards ERP to 'virtual private cloud'

In 11 years, EnterpriseOne ERP system has migrated from on-premises to physical and virtual servers at managed hosting provider. Next: private cloud.News | 17 May 2012

Establish requirements before choosing between cloud and on-premises ERP

A consultant outlines criteria for midmarket manufacturers to consider before deciding whether to stick with on-site ERP or venture out to the cloud.News | 30 Apr 2012

Key questions to ask public cloud, SaaS providers

Before committing to a public cloud provider, it makes sense to ask hard questions about price, reliability and security, industry observers say.Feature

Experts predict big moves in enterprise mobile apps, cloud in 2013

Emerging markets and younger executives will encourage growth in areas like mobile and cloud in 2013, experts say.Feature

Cloud computing, mobile top manufacturing technology in 2012

Machine-to-machine tools are among the top manufacturing technology trends of 2012.Feature

Software mobility, cloud commerce, Dodd-Frank areas to watch in 2013

Industry expert William Newman looks ahead for trends to watch in 2013, including cloud commerce and software mobility.Feature

Which manufacturing applications are best for ERP cloud computing?

SaaS manufacturing shows impressive growth, survey says

According to a survey by Mint Jutras, manufacturers aren't lagging behind with SaaS adoption -- they're leading the way.Feature

Can cloud computing make manufacturing compliance easier?

Manufacturers are assessing whether the cloud can help meet sustainability goals and compliance standards.Feature

Manufacturing cloud computing implementation rates vary across industries

Manufacturers are historically slow to adopt new business technologies, but some are embracing cloud computing implementation more than others.News | 11 Sep 2012

Understanding the "gotchas" of cloud procurement software

Cloud-based procurement offers manufacturers new opportunities, but also presents a host of new challenges.Feature

IDC Directions spotlights ‘third platform’ enterprise IT trends

At IDC Directions 2012, analysts explain why the “third platform” -- cloud, mobile, social, and “big data” -- has officially arrived, and what to do about it.News | 16 Mar 2012

IT Challenge: Is cloud computing always the right choice?

In this IT Challenge, find out if moving business applications to a cloud computing environment is always a good idea.IT Challenge

Spend smart on Oracle ERP implementations

Oracle ERP implementations usually take about a year-and-a-half, but a couple examples show that spending smart can shrink the timeline.Oracle Revelations | 20 Mar 2013

IT Challenge: Upgrading from ERP for SMBs

In this IT Challenge, we'll explore strategies for upgrading an ERP system for a growing organization.IT Challenge

FAQ: ERP upgrade best practices

This FAQ has expert answers on how to plan, execute, and test an ERP upgrade for maximum ROI and minimum disruption to business processes.News | 03 Aug 2010

Tips for avoiding common pitfalls of ERP upgrades

An ERP implementation expert offers tips on avoiding four common pitfalls of ERP upgrade projects.News | 26 Jul 2010

Top five ERP planning, implementation and upgrade tips of 2008

Read expert advice and how-to articles on everything from forming an ERP project timeline to implementing an ERP upgrade.Article | 22 Dec 2008

Five signs it's time for an ERP system upgrade

Find out whether an ERP upgrade is the right decision for your organization. Read five telltale signs that it's time for an ERP upgrade.Article | 17 Dec 2008

Who needs to be on the ERP upgrade team?

Assembling an all-star team for your ERP upgrade requires recruiting business, enterprise architects and consultants.Article | 29 Oct 2008

The true cost of ERP: Expense or business opportunity?

When considering the cost of ERP systems, companies should look at potential ROI to see if an ERP integration or ERP upgrade is worth the expense.Column | 01 Sep 2008

How to avoid mistakes during ERP upgrades

ERP upgrades don't have to be a headache. Learn how to avoid making costly mistakes in upgrade planning, preparation, and implementation.Article | 12 Aug 2008

Spend smart on Oracle ERP implementations

Oracle ERP implementations usually take about a year-and-a-half, but a couple examples show that spending smart can shrink the timeline.Oracle Revelations | 20 Mar 2013

ERP deployment delays growing longer, survey finds

A combination of economic and organizational factors is slowing down ERP deployment projects, according to a new report.News | 20 Feb 2013

Master the five success factors for ERP upgrades

Download Manufacturing IT Best Practices

Read this e-book in which industry experts explore factors to consider when making the business case for—or against—an ERP upgrade or migration.Magazine

Master the five success factors for ERP upgrades

An expert in ERP upgrades explains why having a firm grip on five critical issues can ensure a strong return on investment.News | 23 Apr 2012

Manufacturing IT best practices: ERP upgrades and migrations

Read this expert e-book to get comprehensive answers to all your ERP upgrade and migration questions. Inside, find: expert advice on recognizing when it's time to upgrade or migrate; tips for making a business case; the top five questions to ask before buying ERP systems; and best practices for a successful implementation process.E-Book

Gartner touts ‘pace’ layers for ERP upgrades, consolidation

New Gartner research advises companies to divide their ERP into three abstraction layers so unwanted changes aren’t carried forward and customizations don’t affect core ERP.News | 28 Feb 2012

Successful ERP migration requires business process redesign

Analysts say companies should take advantage of their ERP migration or upgrade project to redesign key business processes.News | 24 Feb 2012

Top 5 questions to ask before buying an ERP system

A manufacturer and an industry expert offer advice on ERP software selection.News | 23 Feb 2012

Business case an essential part of legacy ERP upgrade

Many manufacturers forego a formal business case in an ERP migration, but skipping this step is a mistake, according to experts.News | 17 Feb 2012