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• 4 use cases for machine learning in the supply chain

  Use cases for machine learning in the supply chain are inventory and warehouse management, equipment maintenance, supplier management and cost savings. Continue Reading

• 6 use cases for big data in manufacturing

  Manufacturing big data use cases are demand forecasting, supply chain optimization, quality control, production line improvement, customer data analysis and pricing optimization. Continue Reading

• What is Epicor Software Corp.?

  Epicor Software Corp. is a global business software vendor that sells enterprise resource planning (ERP) and other software to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and large enterprises. Continue Reading

• What is Blue Yonder (formerly JDA Software)?

  Blue Yonder, formerly JDA Software, is a software and consultancy company that specializes in selling supply chain management products and services to businesses. Continue Reading

• What is IFS AB?

  IFS AB (Industrial and Financial Systems) is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software vendor that specializes in asset-intensive, project-centric industries, such as manufacturing and distribution. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • What is Epicor Software Corp.?
  • What is Blue Yonder (formerly JDA Software)?
  • What is IFS AB?
  • What is Open Platform Communications (OPC)?

  • What is a voice user interface (VUI)?
  • What is the bullwhip effect?
  • What is inventory management?
  • What is computer-aided software engineering (CASE)?

  View All Definitions

• 5 common issues with an ERP implementation

  ERP implementations are complicated processes that can easily go awry. Learn about some of the most common issues and ways to avoid them before they occur.Continue Reading

• What is Open Platform Communications (OPC)?

  Open Platform Communications (OPC) is an interoperability standard for secure data exchange in industrial automation and other areas.Continue Reading

• What is a voice user interface (VUI)?

  A voice user interface (VUI) is a type of interface that relies on speech recognition technology to enable users to interact with an application or device through voice commands.Continue Reading

• 7 benefits of using a 3PL provider for reverse logistics

  A 3PL with experience working with supply chain partners and expertise in returns can help simplify a company's operations. Learn more about how a 3PL helps with reverse logistics.Continue Reading

• What is the 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

• What is inventory management?

  Inventory management is the component of supply chain management that tracks and supervises noncapitalized assets -- or inventory -- and stock items.Continue Reading

• What is ERP security and why is it critical?

  An ERP system is vulnerable whether it's on premises or in the cloud, and supply chain attacks continue to increase. Learn why it's important to secure your company's ERP software.Continue Reading

• What is computer-aided software engineering (CASE)?

  Computer-aided software engineering (CASE) describes a broad set of labor-saving tools and methods used in software development and business process modeling.Continue Reading

• 8 ERP security best practices to implement now

  As supply chain attacks continue, ERP security is more important than ever. Learn some best practices to get started protecting your software's valuable information.Continue Reading

• What is Infor?

  Infor is a New York-based vendor of ERP and other enterprise business software.Continue Reading

• What is a smart factory?

  A smart factory is a highly digitized and connected production facility that relies on smart manufacturing.Continue Reading

• digital core

  A digital core is the technology platforms and applications that enable organizations to transform into digital businesses and meet the new needs of the digital economy.Continue Reading

• Industry 4.0

  Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution and the cyber-physical transformation of manufacturing.Continue Reading

• How to create a simple supply chain map

  A simple supply chain map can give insight into various areas, such as critical business challenges. Learn why manufacturing companies should use this essential tool.Continue Reading

• digital thread

  A digital thread is a data-driven communication framework that connects traditionally siloed elements in manufacturing processes and provides an integrated view of an asset throughout the manufacturing lifecycle.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

• transportation management system (TMS)

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

• supplier relationship management (SRM)

  Supplier relationship management (SRM) is a systematic approach to evaluating and partnering with vendors that supply goods, materials and services to an organization, determining each supplier's contribution to success, and developing strategies to...Continue Reading

• 5 benefits of using process mining

  Process mining lets users do a deeper analysis of their company's operations. Learn five ways process mining can benefit organizations.Continue Reading

• digital twin

  A digital twin is a virtual representation of a real-world entity or process.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

• 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

• 7 generative AI use cases in supply chain

  Generative AI's demand forecasting and inventory optimization abilities, among others, can help companies meet their goals. Learn how the technology can align with these efforts.Continue Reading

• profit and loss statement (P&L)

  A profit and loss statement (P&L), also called an income statement or statement of operations, is a financial report that shows a company's revenues, expenses and net profit or loss over a given period of time.Continue Reading

• ABC classification

  ABC classification is a ranking system for identifying and grouping items in terms of how useful they are for achieving business goals.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

• Learn why ERP data quality is important

  Poor data quality can negatively affect various aspects of a company's operations. Learn what causes poor data and some steps to take to ensure ERP data quality.Continue Reading

• cloud ERP

  Cloud ERP is a type of enterprise resource planning software that runs on a provider's cloud computing platform, rather than on premises on an enterprise's own computers.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

• 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

• work in progress (WIP)

  Work in progress (WIP) refers to the number of tasks or projects that are currently in the process of being completed.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

• material requirements planning (MRP)

  Material requirements planning (MRP) is a system for calculating the materials and components needed to manufacture a product.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

• 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

• 5 important inventory management software features: A list

  Some of the most important inventory management software features are inventory tracking and reports and analytics capabilities. Here's the full list.Continue Reading

• ERP implementation teams: Roles, responsibilities, structure

  Assembling an ERP project team is a challenging task for any organization. Here are the key roles and duties every ERP implementation project should include.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

• sales and operations planning (S&OP)

  Sales and operations planning (S&OP) is a process for better matching a manufacturer's supply with demand by having the sales department collaborate with operations to create a single production plan.Continue Reading

• two-tier ERP

  Two-tier ERP is a technology strategy taken by large, multinational enterprises that uses tier 1 ERP for financials and other core common processes at the corporate level and tier 2 ERP for divisions, subsidiaries and smaller locations of the ...Continue Reading

• Top 10 essential skills for ERP professionals in 2024

  Both hard and soft skills are essential for ERP professionals, including project management and being up to date with technology.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

• vendor-managed inventory (VMI)

  Vendor-managed inventory (VMI) is an inventory management technique in which the supplier of goods, usually the manufacturer, is responsible for optimizing the inventory a distributor holds.Continue Reading

• How AI is shaping the future of ERP

  Generative AI and other machine learning tools are being added to ERP at a rapid pace, bringing new levels of automation and efficiency to business processes across the enterprise.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

• 4 benefits of using mobile ERP

  Mobile ERP can help improve data quality and customer service. Learn more about some of the benefits a company can potentially gain from using mobile ERP.Continue Reading

• hybrid ERP

  Hybrid ERP is a combination of on-premises enterprise resource planning systems for managing essential business processes, such as financials and manufacturing, and cloud software for more specific functions.Continue Reading

• ERP implementation: 10 steps for success

  Follow these well-trod steps, line up the best people, be fully aware of the most common mistakes, and use the right metrics to ensure your ERP project delivers on its promises.Continue Reading

• What role do ERP systems play in supply chain management?

  ERP is involved in every major step in manufacturing products and delivering the right ones to consumers. Here's an overview of its key SCM modules and features.Continue Reading

• The ERP HR module: Key features explained

  ERP typically includes an integrated HR module. Learn what the HR module in ERP does, how it relates to other components and how it compares to standalone HRMSes and HCM suites.Continue Reading

• go-live (go live)

  Go-live is the time at which something becomes available for use.Continue Reading

• WMS vs. WCS vs. WES: Learn the differences

  Companies often implement a WMS, then potentially add a WCS or a WES later. Learn more about WMS, WCS and WES as well as the differences between the three systems.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

• 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

• poka-yoke

  A poka-yoke is a mechanism that is put in place to prevent human error.Continue Reading

• bank identifier code (BIC)

  A bank identifier code (BIC) is a unique identifier for a specific financial institution. A BIC is composed of a 4-character bank code, 2-character country code, 2-character location code and optional 3-character branch code.Continue Reading

• BAI2 file format

  BAI2 file format is a specialized and standardized set of codes used for cash management and bank reconciliations, and introduced by the Bank Administration Institute (BAI).Continue Reading

• WMS vs. OMS: Learn the differences between the two systems

  While WMS streamlines warehouse processes, OMS can help improve order management and customer data tracking. Discover more about the differences between WMS and OMS.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

• digital supply chain

  A digital supply chain is a supply chain whose foundation is built on web-enabled capabilities.Continue Reading

• manufacturing execution system (MES)

  A manufacturing execution system (MES) is an information system that connects, monitors and controls complex manufacturing systems and data flows on the factory floor.Continue Reading

• hybrid manufacturing

  Hybrid manufacturing is a term that describes combining additive manufacturing and subtractive manufacturing in a single machine system.Continue Reading

• advanced shipping notice (ASN)

  An advanced shipping notice (ASN) is a document that provides detailed information about a pending delivery.Continue Reading

• GR/IR clearing account (goods receipt/invoice receipt clearing account)

  A GR/IR clearing account (goods receipt/invoice receipt clearing account) is a bookkeeping device that can be used when goods arrive before the invoice is generated or when an invoice arrives before the goods are delivered.Continue Reading

• value driver

  A value driver is an activity or capability that adds worth to a product, service or brand.Continue Reading

• 6 advantages and disadvantages of value chain analysis

  Company leaders seeking to optimize efficiency and reduce costs should learn the advantages and disadvantages of value chain analysis to determine if it's the right choice.Continue Reading

• Value chain vs. value stream: What are the differences?

  Understanding value chains vs. value streams can be difficult, but both approaches can help companies improve their operations and customer service. Learn more.Continue Reading

• PLM vs. ALM: Compare the differences

  Company leaders must be aware of the critical distinctions between PLM and ALM. Learn each system's features and how they can potentially work together.Continue Reading

• PLM and PDM software: Learn the differences

  PLM and PDM software may seem similar, but they fulfill different needs for manufacturers. Learn the differences and which is more useful for your company.Continue Reading

• strategic sourcing

  Strategic sourcing is an approach to supply chain management that formalizes the way information is gathered and used.Continue Reading

• Oracle, Salesforce, SAP go big into generative AI products

  TechTarget editors analyze recent major introductions of generative AI products from Oracle, Salesforce and SAP.Continue Reading

• Value chain vs. supply chain: What are the differences?

  Although value chains and supply chains can be interchangeable, they are separate approaches to producing goods. Learn more about value chain vs. supply chain.Continue Reading

• discrete manufacturing

  Discrete manufacturing is an industry term for the manufacturing of finished products that are distinct items capable of being easily counted, touched or seen.Continue Reading

• pick to light

  Pick to light is order fulfillment technology that employs alphanumeric displays and buttons at storage locations to guide the manual picking and recording of items for shipment.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

• distribution requirements planning (DRP)

  Distribution requirements planning (DRP) is a systematic process to make the delivery of goods more efficient by determining which goods, in what quantities and at what location, are required to meet anticipated demand.Continue Reading

• 5 uses for IoT in field service management

  IoT can benefit field service management in various ways. Learn about some of its applications in FSM, including inventory management and remote monitoring.Continue Reading

• ERP vs. accounting software: What are the differences?

  A financial management system helps organizations efficiently record and report financial information. Discover how accounting software differs from ERP.Continue Reading

• 3PL (third-party logistics)

  A 3PL (third-party logistics) provider offers outsourced logistics services, which encompass anything that involves management of one or more facets of procurement and fulfillment activities.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

• MRP vs. MPS: What are the differences?

  Learn about MRP vs. MPS, including how each focuses on different aspects of the manufacturing process but can help manufacturers in a variety of ways.Continue Reading

• working capital

  Working capital is the difference between a business's current assets and current liabilities.Continue Reading

• How ChatGPT will transform artificial intelligence in ERP

  Matt Hobbs, Microsoft practice leader at the consulting firm PwC, explains ways to embed AI in ERP and why generative AI could transform business process automation.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 management

  Logistics management is the governance of supply chain management functions that helps organizations plan, manage and implement processes to move and store goods.Continue Reading

• process manufacturing

  Process manufacturing is a production method in which goods are created by combining supplies, ingredients or raw materials using a predetermined formula or recipe.Continue Reading

• 9 ERP KPIs for post-implementation success

  Project leaders can ensure ERP system success by deciding on useful metrics ahead of time. Consider these 9 ERP KPIs to help measure post-implementation success.Continue Reading

• Cloud CAD software helps usher in digital manufacturing era

  SolidWorks and Onshape co-founder Jon Hirschtick, now chief evangelist at PTC, shares his cloud-centered vision of the future of product design technology.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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