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Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.
dual sourcing
Dual sourcing is the supply chain management practice of using two suppliers for a given component, raw material, product or service. Continue Reading
asset performance management (APM)
Asset performance management (APM) is both a strategy and a set of software tools for tracking and managing the health of an organization's physical assets. Continue Reading
procure to pay (P2P)
Procure to pay is the process of requisitioning, purchasing, receiving, paying for and accounting for goods and services. Continue Reading
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integrated accounting system
An integrated accounting system is a type of software that combines major financial accounting functions into one application. Continue Reading
MRP vs. MRP II: Learn the differences
MRP II software gives companies much greater control over their scheduling and production processes than MRP software. Learn more about MRP vs. MRP II. Continue Reading
cross-docking
Cross-docking is the practice of unloading goods from inbound delivery vehicles and loading them directly onto outbound vehicles.Continue Reading
budgeting, planning and forecasting (BP&F)
Budgeting, planning and forecasting (BP&F) is a three-step strategic planning process for determining and detailing an organization's long- and short-term financial goals.Continue Reading
value stream mapping
Value stream mapping is a lean manufacturing tool that visualizes every repeatable step required to deliver a product or service to the customer.Continue Reading
7 3PL KPIs that can help you evaluate success
Supply chain leaders should look at some particular KPIs to determine whether their company's 3PL provider is meeting their needs. Learn the most helpful KPIs.Continue Reading
order management
Order management is the administration of business processes related to orders for goods or services.Continue Reading
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ERP and SCM: Understand the differences
Some companies' supply chain management needs may not be fulfilled by their ERP software, so they may require SCM software. Learn more about ERP and SCM software.Continue Reading
prototype
A prototype is an early version of a product from which future versions are developed.Continue Reading
Digital twins of buildings can help decarbonize environment
John Turner and Anil Sawhney of the Digital Twin Consortium explain how deploying a digital twin of a building could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Continue Reading
service supply chain
The service supply chain is the part of the supply chain dedicated to providing service on products.Continue Reading
Additive manufacturing: Learn about powder bed fusion
Powder bed fusion may cost less than other additive manufacturing approaches, but it can be time-consuming. Learn whether powder bed fusion is right for your manufacturing needs.Continue Reading
computer numerical control (CNC)
Computer numerical control (CNC) is a manufacturing method that automates the control, movement and precision of machine tools through the use of preprogrammed computer software, which is embedded inside the tools.Continue Reading
upcharge
An upcharge is an additional fee that is added to a bill after a contract has already been negotiated.Continue Reading
supply chain transformation
Supply chain transformation is the addition and integration of technology to improve supply chain performance, optimize costs and mitigate risks.Continue Reading
ERP vs. WMS: Which one is right for you?
If nuanced warehouse efficiency is necessary to fulfill customer expectations, an ERP system may not be enough. Here's what to consider when it comes to ERP vs. WMS.Continue Reading
Additive manufacturing: Learn about sheet lamination
Sheet lamination, which is one type of additive manufacturing, is a comparatively cheap and quick way to prototype products. Learn more about sheet lamination.Continue Reading
cost of goods sold (COGS)
Cost of goods sold (COGS) is the total of the costs directly attributable to producing things that can be sold.Continue Reading
order to cash (OTC or O2C)
Order to cash (OTC or O2C) is a set of business processes that involve receiving and fulfilling customer requests for goods or services.Continue Reading
ERP vs. PLM: What are the differences?
Agile design and product management are key in today's constantly changing business landscape. Learn why PLM might help and how it's different than ERP.Continue Reading
ServiceNow workflow can smooth ERP edges with partner help
ServiceNow vice presidents Jeff Gore and Kirsten Loegering explain what's involved in implementing the platform to improve the employee experience on ERP and HR systems.Continue Reading
Bullwhip Effect
The bullwhip effect is a supply chain phenomenon describing how small fluctuations in demand at the retail level can cause progressively larger fluctuations in demand at the wholesale, distributor, manufacturer and raw material supplier levels.Continue Reading
lean water spider
Lean water spider, or water spider, is a term used in manufacturing that refers to a position in a production environment or warehouse.Continue Reading
10 digital transformation goals to consider
Setting goals before embarking on a digital transformation will help an organization allocate resources and measure progress. Learn some common digital transformation goals.Continue Reading
Building a shared services organization structure
Amid the shifting economic climate and new reality of hybrid workforces, there's no better time for companies to consolidate business functions and centralize support services.Continue Reading
accounts receivable (AR)
Accounts receivable (AR) is an item in the general ledger (GL) that shows money owed to a business by customers who have purchased goods or services on credit.Continue Reading
Learn the 7 types of additive manufacturing
Additive manufacturing is a process in which technology creates 3D shapes by layering materials. Learn how additive manufacturing can support a company's supply chain strategy.Continue Reading
lean manufacturing (lean production)
Lean manufacturing is a methodology that focuses on minimizing waste within manufacturing systems while simultaneously maximizing productivity.Continue Reading
financial analytics
Financial analytics is the creation of ad hoc analysis to answer specific business questions and forecast possible future financial scenarios.Continue Reading
production planning
Production planning is the act of developing a guide for the design and production of a given product or service.Continue Reading
RFI (request for information)
An RFI (request for information) is a formal process for gathering information from potential suppliers of a good or service.Continue Reading
What's behind the low-code/no-code development trend in ERP?
Holger Mueller of Constellation Research says low-code/no-code development tools from ERP vendors offer significant benefits to both professional developers and non-technical business users.Continue Reading
A digital transformation approach to supply chain resilience
An efficient supply chain starts with proactive preparation and the right technology. Learn more about the potential of digital transformation for supply chain resilience.Continue Reading
Learn the 6 digital transformation stages
Company leaders should know the six digital transformation stages so they know what to expect when undertaking the sometimes complicated and intimidating process. Learn the stages.Continue Reading
Learn the 4 types of digital transformation
A company's business requirements affect which type of digital transformation strategy is most likely to succeed. Learn more about the four types of digital transformation.Continue Reading
IT influences shift to net positive enterprise
In this Q&A, business sustainability expert Andrew Winston discusses why companies need to become net positive by contributing more than they take.Continue Reading
barcode (or bar code)
A barcode (sometimes seen as two words, bar code) is the small image of lines (bars) and spaces that is affixed to retail store items, identification cards and postal mail to identify a particular product number, person or location.Continue Reading
enterprise asset management (EAM)
Enterprise asset management (EAM) is the process of managing the lifecycle of physical assets to maximize their use; save money; improve quality and efficiency; and safeguard health, safety and the environment.Continue Reading
digital twin
A digital twin is a virtual representation of a real-world entity or process.Continue Reading
RFID in supply chain: 6 examples in use today
RFID continues to have applicability for supply chain management. Here are six ways organizations can use it to support inventory management and logistics.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
Anaplan
Anaplan is a web-based enterprise platform for business planning.Continue Reading
What is a commonly overlooked step in an ERP implementation?
Overlooking critical stakeholders in an ERP implementation can negatively affect the project. Learn how including them early can help keep the project on schedule.Continue Reading
RFID vs. NFC: Learn the pros and cons of each
While NFC is a subset of RFID technology, the two have some key differences, including cost and security. Learn more about RFID vs. NFC and which works best for your organization.Continue Reading
bill of materials (BOM)
A bill of materials (BOM) is a comprehensive inventory of the raw materials, assemblies, subassemblies, parts and components, as well as the quantities of each, needed to manufacture a product.Continue Reading
Follow these steps when recovering from ERP project failure
An ERP implementation failure is a worst-case scenario. However, project leaders who follow these steps can still potentially salvage the project. Learn how to recover.Continue Reading
replenishment
Replenishment is the controlled and regular movement of inventory from an upstream point on the supply chain to a downstream location that requires sufficient stock to cover demand.Continue Reading
SWIFT FIN message
SWIFT FIN is a message type (MT) that transmits financial information from one financial institution to another.Continue Reading
7 items to include on an ERP vendor demo checklist
Creating an ERP vendor demo checklist before the presentation can prove beneficial for both the implementation team and the vendor. Learn several items to include on the checklist.Continue Reading
The expanding universe of enterprise accounting software
Enterprises of all sizes are finding today's accounting software accurately and reliably automates payables and receivables, while AI derives intelligence from numbers.Continue Reading
Fast Guide to acronyms used in manufacturing
The following glossary or acronyms are those most used in internal communications within the manufacturing industry.Continue Reading
general ledger (GL)
A general ledger (GL) is a set of numbered accounts a business uses to keep track of its financial transactions and to prepare financial reports.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
demand signal repository (DSR)
A demand signal repository (DSR) is a database that aggregates sales and demand data at the merchant's point of sale (POS).Continue Reading
Is ERP good for sustainability -- or part of the problem?
ERP vendors tout new tools for improving environmental sustainability. TechTarget editors discuss these and other ways IT both helps and hurts the environment.Continue Reading
chart of accounts (COA)
A chart of accounts (COA) is a financial, organizational tool that provides an index of every account in an accounting system.Continue Reading
8 ERP security best practices to implement now
As many employees continue to work from home, ERP security is more important than ever. Learn some best practices to get started protecting your system.Continue Reading
5 key benefits of enterprise asset management software
Asset-intensive organizations benefit from enterprise asset management software because it helps them support their industrial infrastructure. Here's how EAM software makes that easier.Continue Reading
engineering bill of materials (EBOM)
An engineering bill of materials (EBOM) is a product recipe structured from the design standpoint, rather than the manufacturing standpoint.Continue Reading
go-live (go live)
Go-live is the time at which something becomes available for use.Continue Reading
traceability
Traceability, in supply chain traceability, is the ability to identify, track and trace elements of a product or substance as it moves along the supply chain from raw goods to finished products.Continue Reading
poka-yoke
A poka-yoke is a mechanism that is put in place to prevent human error.Continue Reading
supply chain finance
Supply chain finance is a set of technology-enabled business and financial processes that provides flexible payment options for a buyer and one of their suppliers at lower financing costs.Continue Reading
ERP (enterprise resource planning)
ERP, or enterprise resource planning, is software designed to manage and integrate the functions of core business processes like finance, HR, supply chain and inventory management in a single system.Continue Reading
MRP vs. ERP: Understanding the difference
Did you know today's ERP systems evolved from yesterday's MRP systems? Learn the differences between MRP and ERP, including their functions, applications and benefits.Continue Reading
product data management (PDM)
Product data management (PDM) is the process of capturing and managing the electronic information related to a product so it can be reused in business processes such as design, production, distribution and marketing.Continue Reading
inventory turns (inventory turnover)
Inventory turns, also referred to as inventory turnover and inventory turnover ratio, are a popular measurement used in inventory management to assess operational and supply chain efficiency.Continue Reading
reverse logistics
Reverse logistics is the set of activities that is conducted after the sale of a product to recapture value and end the product's lifecycle.Continue Reading
service lifecycle management (SLM)
Service lifecycle management (SLM) describes the strategy and software for managing the maintenance and repair of products and maximizing the profit opportunities from these activities.Continue Reading
digital manufacturing
Digital manufacturing is a technology-based approach to production that links different data silos and processes in the manufacturing lifecycle so that stakeholders can make better business decisions both comprehensively and at each step.Continue Reading
digital thread
Digital thread is a communication framework that connects traditionally siloed elements in manufacturing processes and provides an integrated view of an asset throughout the manufacturing lifecycle.Continue Reading
cloud ERP
Cloud ERP is a type of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software that runs on a provider's cloud computing platform, rather than on premises in an enterprise's own data center.Continue Reading
SaaS ERP
SaaS ERP is a type of cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) software that runs on the vendor's or cloud provider's servers, is sold through subscription and delivered as a service over the internet.Continue Reading
Understand cloud ERP project team duties
Assembling an ERP project team is a challenging task, so every group should fill particular jobs. Here are the project team duties every cloud ERP implementation should include.Continue Reading
Can't-miss expert advice on researching ERP vendors
The ERP sales and marketing messaging can obscure issues around cloud maturity and other important information. Use this expert advice to start cutting through the hype.Continue Reading
5 skills supply chain professionals need
As with any job, there are various skills supply chain professionals need to succeed in their chosen field. Here are the five each leader must possess.Continue Reading
Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0, which refers to the fourth industrial revolution, is the cyber-physical transformation of manufacturing.Continue Reading
12 cloud ERP data migration best practices
Data migration is a key component of a successful cloud ERP implementation. Learn what best practices -- such as data mapping and deciding on migration parameters -- you'll need.Continue Reading
Supply chain AI adoption happening too fast
AI's future in the supply chain seems assured as the pandemic accelerates AI adoption in various industries. Here's why some business leaders think it's happening too fast.Continue Reading
Migrating ERP to the cloud: 8 reasons for failure
SaaS ERP promises ease, but CIOs and project teams need to understand the myriad minefields that can cause deployment failure. Understand eight common ones.Continue Reading
8 benefits of SaaS ERP
Learn about the benefits of using SaaS ERP software, including lower infrastructure costs, as well as some possible drawbacks, including possible data breaches.Continue Reading
Kaizen (continuous improvement)
Kaizen is an approach to creating continuous improvement based on the idea that small, ongoing positive changes can reap significant improvements.Continue Reading
supply chain security
Supply chain security is the part of supply chain management that focuses on the risk management of external suppliers, vendors, logistics and transportation.Continue Reading
Tips for implementing voice technology in the enterprise
Consultant Mark Persaud names the most promising applications and workflows for intelligent digital assistants and outlines the tools for deploying them.Continue Reading
inventory management
Inventory management is the supervision of noncapitalized assets -- or inventory -- and stock items.Continue Reading
What is the role of the consultant in ERP vendor selection?
When your company chooses an ERP vendor, an outside consultant can contribute in a number of ways. Here's what a consultant can help drive and what you should handle yourself.Continue Reading
What key stakeholders are vital to ERP requirements analysis?
The right stakeholders are critical to choosing and buying the right ERP system. Here's a look at some of those key stakeholders and why they're so important.Continue Reading
ERP finance module
The ERP finance module is the software component that handles the main accounting and financial management functions of an enterprise resource planning system.Continue Reading
material requirements planning (MRP)
Material requirements planning (MRP) is a system for calculating the materials and components needed to manufacture a product.Continue Reading
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
supply chain analytics
Supply chain analytics refers to the processes organizations use to gain insight and extract value from the large amounts of data associated with the procurement, processing and distribution of goods.Continue Reading
Data migration vs. data conversion: What are the differences?
Data migration and data conversion are related, but not the same. Discover how each one factors into an ERP or other software implementation and its importance.Continue Reading
supplier relationship management (SRM)
Supplier relationship management (SRM) is the systematic approach to evaluating vendors that supply goods, materials and services to an organization, determining each supplier's contribution to success and developing strategies to improve their ...Continue Reading
warehouse management system (WMS)
A warehouse management system (WMS) consists of software and processes that allow organizations to control and administer warehouse operations from the time goods or materials enter a warehouse until they move out.Continue Reading
demand planning
Demand planning is the process of forecasting the demand for a product or service so it can be produced and delivered more efficiently and to the satisfaction of customers.Continue Reading
What are the main Microsoft Dynamics ERP products?
Learn about Dynamics 365 Business Central and Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management, why Microsoft narrowed its ERP portfolio, and why this move is important.Continue Reading
Is a move to cloud ERP inevitable for most companies?
More companies are turning to cloud ERP for modernization, cost and security. Here's a look at whether those factors are enough to make cloud a foregone conclusion.Continue Reading