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• 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

• Definitions to Get Started

  • bill of materials (BOM)
  • replenishment
  • SWIFT FIN message
  • Fast Guide to acronyms used in manufacturing

  • general ledger (GL)
  • supply chain visibility (SCV)
  • demand signal repository (DSR)
  • chart of accounts (COA)

  View All Definitions

• 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

• computer numerical control (CNC)

  Computer numerical control (CNC) is a method for automating control of machine tools through the use of software embedded in a microcomputer attached to the tool.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

• production planning

  Production planning is the act of developing a guide for the design and production of a given product or service.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

• transportation management system (TMS)

  A transportation management system (TMS) is specialized software for planning, executing and optimizing the shipment of goods.Continue Reading

• EAM vs. CMMS: What are the differences?

  When it comes to EAM vs. CMMS, making the right choice comes down to understanding what each software type does. Here's an overview of each to help you decide.Continue Reading

• How can IT improve existing ERP system benefits?

  A canceled ERP project due to the COVID-19 pandemic doesn't have to stall productivity. Here's how to get the most from your current system.Continue Reading

• supply chain transformation

  Supply chain transformation is the addition and integration of technology to improve supply chain performance.Continue Reading

• Process mining vs. data mining: What's the difference?

  Both process mining and data mining tools can help business leaders make better decisions. Here's a look at how each works and what their differences are.Continue Reading

• Remote ERP implementation: 10 project management essentials

  Implementing ERP remotely can be challenging because for many IT teams it's new territory. Here are ways to make it easier.Continue Reading

• lean water spider

  Lean water spider is a term used in manufacturing that refers to a position in a production environment or warehouse that ensures materials are supplied where and when they are needed.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

• lean manufacturing (lean production)

  Lean manufacturing is a methodology that focuses on minimizing waste within manufacturing systems while simultaneously maximizing productivity.Continue Reading

• Essentials of EDI in supply chain management

  Electronic data interchange (EDI) applies to many different business aspects. Learn three ways EDI has streamlined supply chain management.Continue Reading

• digital twin

  A digital twin is a virtual representation of a product or workflow across its lifecycle. Digital twins play an important role in manufacturing, as well as supply chain management, healthcare and the court system.Continue Reading

• Choose the best ERP implementation partner: 7 key questions

  Learn which questions CIOs, IT administrators and others involved in an ERP implementation project should ask when they are evaluating and interviewing a partner.Continue Reading

• process manufacturing

  Process manufacturing is a production method that creates goods by combining supplies, ingredients or raw materials using a formula or recipe.Continue Reading

• voice design

  Voice design is the process of planning and mapping all the possible interactions that might occur between a voice assistant and an end user.Continue Reading

• Top 7 manufacturing challenges for 2020

  Growing supply chain complexity, emerging next-gen technologies and other compelling forces will continue to challenge the manufacturing sector. Here's a look at what's ahead for 2020.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

• Financial business analytics transforms numbers into gold

  AI-driven business analytics provides finance departments with the tools to exercise more influence over corporate strategy, but only with the right skills and training.Continue Reading

• Supply Chain Planning (SCP)

  Supply chain planning (SCP) is the process of anticipating the demand for products and planning their materials and components, production, marketing, distribution and sale.Continue Reading

• logistics

  Logistics is the process of planning and executing the efficient transportation and storage of goods from the point of origin to the point of consumption.Continue Reading

• strategic sourcing

  Strategic sourcing is an approach to supply chain management that formalizes the way information is gathered and used so that an organization can leverage its consolidated purchasing power to find the best possible values in the marketplace.Continue Reading

• Test your grasp of process manufacturing concepts

  Process manufacturing is used to create and supply items around the world. Test your knowledge about which kinds of products and how they are made.Continue Reading

• 4 ways to use blockchain in the supply chain

  As blockchain technology enters its 11th year, its use in the supply chain is burgeoning. Here are some of the areas that are garnering the most interest.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 find the top 3 values using the Excel LARGE function

  Finding the second- and third-largest revenue numbers is far more difficult than finding the largest. That's where the LARGE function comes to the rescue.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

• 7 steps to implementing blockchain in the supply chain

  If your organization believes blockchain will bring greater visibility to the supply chain, first understand the critical steps needed to enable a successful implementation.Continue Reading

• right to repair (electronics)

  Right to repair is the legal concept that allows consumers to repair the products they buy, or choose their own service providers instead of going through the manufacturer.Continue Reading

• 8 features all enterprise SaaS applications must have

  Slick UIs and fast setup make great first impressions, but enterprise managers know they're the tip of the iceberg. SaaS features like interoperability are the real foundation.Continue Reading

• Digital finance technologies at epicenter of CFO transformations

  Technologies like AI, analytics, bots, big data and blockchain could transform the finance function into a valued strategic partner for companywide digital transformation.Continue Reading

• order management

  Order management is the administration of business processes related to orders for goods or services.Continue Reading

• CFOs could benefit from digital technologies in finance

  Find out why emerging digital technologies like chatbots, blockchain, AI and machine learning are not only beneficial to finance, but can also serve as useful tools for the CFO.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

• 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

• overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)

  Overall equipment effectiveness is a measure of manufacturing operations performance and productivity, expressed in a percentage.Continue Reading

• 7 supply chain management key terms you need to know

  Consumers are demanding greater visibility, but how do you give it them? We're starting with a list of supply chain management basic terms that you should be aware of.Continue Reading

• Mating season for SaaS financials and business processes

  Integrating SaaS financials with business processes like HR, CRM and supply chains can immediately provide companies with valuable insights in a centralized location.Continue Reading

• cost of goods sold (COGS)

  Cost of goods sold (COGS) is the total of the costs directly attributable to producing goods. It includes material and labor costs but not indirect costs such as sales, marketing and distribution. In accounting, it is a standard item in the expense ...Continue Reading

• Words to go: Industry 4.0 basics

  We've compiled a list of the key terms used to describe the fourth industrial revolution, as well as some of the technologies that are driving the vision forward.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

• 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

• Supply chain software poses security risks

  Poor internal security procedures and a lack of compliance protocols -- especially for small suppliers -- can introduce cybersecurity threats into global supply chains.Continue Reading

• Smart factory may hinge on identifying needed skills

  One expert says flexibility is more important than specific skills. But tell that to the manufacturer that needed a full stack developer and Oracle database architect.Continue Reading

• Process management team can be bridge between IT, business

  Process automation efforts, such as chatbots and predictive modeling, are more likely to succeed if you have a clear understanding of operational levels and team roles.Continue Reading

• service supply chain

  The service supply chain is the part of the supply chain dedicated to providing service on products.Continue Reading