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Problem solve

Get help with specific problems with your technologies, process and projects.

• supply chain management (SCM)

  Supply chain management (SCM) is the optimization of a product's creation and flow from raw material sourcing to production, logistics and delivery to the final customer. Continue Reading

• 10 notable ERP implementation failures and why they failed

  ERP consultants share their analysis and takeaways from such spectacular ERP failures as Ranpak, National Grid, Revlon and MillerCoors and give advice on avoiding ERP pitfalls. Continue Reading

• 20 common problems with inventory management

  Some problems with inventory management that companies frequently face include ordering errors and lack of warehouse space. Learn how to prevent these issues. Continue Reading

• 7 tips for implementing a transportation management system

  Implementing a transportation management system can be a challenging process, so supply chain leaders should follow some best practices to ensure success. Learn more. Continue Reading

• Centralized services as a hedge against shadow IT's escalation

  Proliferation of cloud, AI and integration tools has increased the deployment security risks of shadow IT and the need to centralize business functions and share support services. Continue Reading

• How to use the Excel LARGE function, with examples

  The Excel LARGE function can help users who need to rank numbers in a list. Learn how to use it, some related functions and some errors to avoid when doing so.Continue Reading

• How to prevent scope creep in your ERP implementation

  Scope creep can cause major problems for an ERP implementation. Learn what it is and how to prevent it, including some specific steps project leaders should follow.Continue Reading

• supply chain visibility (SCV)

  Supply chain visibility (SCV) is the ability of parts, components or products in transit to be tracked from manufacturer to final destination.Continue Reading

• 6 cloud ERP implementation challenges and how to solve them

  Addressing risks early and closely monitoring the cloud ERP implementation process can help avoid problems down the road. Learn about some of the most common challenges.Continue Reading

• 8 tips for a successful cloud ERP project plan

  Although the cloud can bring many benefits, migrating to cloud ERP is not without its challenges. Here are the top eight project tips for a smooth transition.Continue Reading

• Exploring COVID-19 food supply chain disruptions

  The food sector has been hard hit by COVID-19. Learn what some of those issues have been, how some companies have escaped the worst of it and what lessons are most important.Continue Reading

• 7 techniques to build supply chain resilience

  In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, business and supply chain leaders have realized how important supply chain resiliency is. Here are seven ways to boost it.Continue Reading

• Should COVID-19 halt your ERP implementation? 12 questions

  The COVID-19 pandemic is casting doubt on whether ERP and enterprise business applications projects should move forward. Here's help on deciding.Continue Reading

• ERP security issues with working remotely during COVID-19 outbreak

  Keeping the organization's enterprise systems safe is everyone's job -- from top leadership on down. Now that the coronavirus has millions homebound, that's never been more important.Continue Reading

• 3 case studies on reducing supply chain complexity

  Understanding which technologies can best simplify supply chain management is key to success in today's economy. Here's how three companies have tackled this issue.Continue Reading

• 6 supply chain management tips

  A poorly maintained supply chain can spell disaster for your business. Here are six supply chain management tips to ensure success and mitigate risk.Continue Reading

• Last-mile delivery challenges in the age of omnichannel

  The last-mile delivery problem is getting more difficult as customers demand lightning-speed product fulfillment. Here's hope.Continue Reading

• How food traceability software boosts supply chain visibility

  Food recalls have increased and more consumers want to know the supply chain journey of their food. Here's a look at how technology can help.Continue Reading

• Digital supply networks improve visibility and collaboration

  Digital supply networks offer better visibility and collaboration than traditional supply chains. Find out what they are and whether they might help your company.Continue Reading

• Introduction to supply chain management software of 2020

  Discover the functions of supply chain management software and learn how SCM software helps companies manage the complex demands of today's customers.Continue Reading

• How to overcome digital transformation in finance challenges

  Companies like Bishop-Wisecarver and Convergint are facing challenges with employees and data while digitally transforming finance, but they're also discussing how to overcome them.Continue Reading

• ERP reporting tool brings real estate firm closer to its data

  Spreadsheet Server from Insightsoftware saves a real estate management firm time creating reports from its operational ERP system data and improving reporting processes.Continue Reading

• Make better business decisions with financial analytics

  Find out why finance is beginning to shift its emphasis on advanced and predictive analytics and the capability to use big data to support future business decisions.Continue Reading

• Benefits and challenges of blockchain food supply chain growth

  Using blockchain in the food supply chain may improve consumer safety, but experts say reluctance from suppliers and a lack of viable use cases are preventing widespread adoption.Continue Reading

• Key considerations in global supply chain management

  Globalization adds geopolitical and cybersecurity risks to the already daunting challenges of supply chain management. Read how the experts deal with them.Continue Reading

• 10 blockchain problems supply chains need to look out for

  Blockchain is proving to be useful in the supply chain, but without a strong understanding of it and a viable use case, your organization can run into several problems along the way.Continue Reading

• How can AI improve production planning in manufacturing?

  Now is a good time for manufacturers to start thinking about how they can incorporate artificial intelligence technologies into their production planning systems.Continue Reading

• How can distributors create an omnichannel supply chain?

  Manufacturers need to be aware of the impact of omnichannel on their operations so they can determine what additional functions they'll need in three specific areas.Continue Reading

• supply chain sustainability (SCS)

  Supply chain sustainability (SCS) is a holistic view of supply chain processes, logistics and technologies that affect the environmental, social, economic and legal aspects of a supply chain's components.Continue Reading

• Top 5 inventory management challenges for manufacturers

  Get expert advice on the technologies, best practices and organizational change management needed to master the most common inventory management problems.Continue Reading

• 7 ways to ensure a successful cloud ERP implementation

  Understand why everything from documenting business processes to managing shadow IT can make or break your ERP implementation. Here's what you should know.Continue Reading

• Three master data management strategies to boost CRM-ERP success

  'Bad data' circulating through a company's ERP environment will likely cause interfaces to fail. Learn how one business leader is cleaning things up.Continue Reading

• Industrial IoT application boosts machine utilization

  Metal parts maker uses MachineMetrics analytics cloud to spot underused equipment, help machinists squeeze out more production and monitor their own efficiency.Continue Reading

• There's time and place for SMBs to adopt SaaS-based ERP

  SMBs face many issues when implementing SaaS ERP operations versus on-premises, plus the fact that one size cloud-based ERP platform doesn't necessarily fit all companies.Continue Reading

• How do e-commerce returns affect reverse logistics management?

  Customers expect to return purchases, which means you need to be proactive in your approach to reverse logistics. Here are some things to think about.Continue Reading

• Can low-code development benefit supply chain management?

  The low-code/no-code movement is exploding as it puts app development into the hands of business users. One possibly overlooked area for this technology is the supply chain.Continue Reading

• Planning for supply chain risk assessment and mitigation

  Natural disasters, geopolitical tensions and unacceptable social or environmental practices can endanger supply chains, but the right tools can mitigate the risks.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• The supply chain sustainability software market demystified

  Consumers care about corporate social responsibility, which means companies should, too. Here's what to know about boosting CSR efforts with supply chain sustainability software.Continue Reading

• Major components maker ramps up AI in manufacturing

  Artificial intelligence is making inroads into manufacturing systems. Case in point is printed circuits manufacturer Jabil, which uses AI to improve its processes and products.Continue Reading

• E-commerce packaging waste becoming a bigger issue

  With the rise of online shopping, the packaging waste is becoming more of an issue. Here's a look at why and at some of the early work to solve the problem.Continue Reading

• Finding the root cause of ERP implementation failures

  The root cause of ERP implementation failures may be delays in decision-making. Delays add up, which wastes time and imposes extra costs on a deployment.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

• How does material intensity help measure sustainability?

  One important foundation of sustainability is using fewer materials and less energy. Using the material intensity measure can help determine the success of those reduction efforts.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

• How is e-commerce packaging waste an issue, and what can be done?

  As the world turns to online shopping for convenience, a pressing issue is developing -- packaging waste. Here are some considerations to get the conversation started.Continue Reading

• Software troubleshooting steps work best with these 10 tips

  There are efficient ways to troubleshoot enterprise software, and frustrating, time-consuming ones. Follow this advice to sidestep obstacles and find a fix quickly.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

• Seven supply chain risk factors that affect assessment, mitigation

  Over the years, managing supply and demand has become increasingly complicated. Here's a look at factors that influence today's supply chain risk assessments.Continue Reading

• Why customizing ERP software is usually a bad idea

  To get the functions and flexibility that support your organization's competitive edge, try these five solutions first, before customizing ERP as a last resort.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

• Hyatt transforms employee training with Saba online learning software

  Hyatt Hotels uses Saba Cloud to train employees with short videos, collaboration and mobile, but finds it a challenge to drive new users to the system.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

• 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

• 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

• Using predictive analytics methods to answer business questions

  Need to know where to put your next store? Or whether or not a promotional campaign will work? Predictive analytics methods may be the answer.Continue Reading

• Four steps to consolidate disparate core financial systems

  Many large companies have more than one core financial system, which can inhibit data visibility. Learn how and when to consolidate.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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Identifying and developing an ERP interface

  When working with ERP and other manufacturing software systems, it's important to understand the difference between an ERP interface and ERP integration. In this expert response, learn about developing ERP interfaces.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

• 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 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

• Agile global supply chains a key focus for Procter & Gamble, others

  Managing global supply chains is a study in overcoming manufacturing and logistics challenges. Procter & Gamble's strategy was explained at Supply Chain & Logistics North America.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