Send us Fan Mail The TMS market is still very regional. The TMS systems that are designed for Europe might not be the best for the North American market. And vice versa. The visibility data makes it even trickier. With visibility data, even the strongest of the strongest might fall short. That's probably the reason why TMS systems sign up with rival visibility platforms. So, where does Alpega stand in its capabilities, and how does it compare with other TMS systems? In today's episode, we invite...
Feb 06, 2024•56 min•Ep. 559
Send us Fan Mail Expanding on the anticipated developments outlined in our 2023 projections, we are upholding a coherent narrative. While analysts continue to deliberate on the likelihood of recessions or a gentle economic deceleration in 2024, existing signals indicate that macroeconomic circumstances will endure at least until the latter half or second quarter. This sustained stability is poised to exert a significant impact on digital transformation initiatives, notably within the domain of m...
Feb 05, 2024•25 min•Ep. 558
Send us Fan Mail ERP contracts tend to be anything but straightforward. With variations based on the engagement structure and parties involved, these agreements come in different shapes and sizes, influencing the ultimate result. Covering a range of elements, from the dynamics between parties to responsibilities, such as licensing, pricing, implementation, support, and maintenance, these contracts lay the groundwork for your ERP initiatives. In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the to...
Jan 29, 2024•26 min•Ep. 556
Send us Fan Mail The multi-party supply chain systems are unique. They combine the power of various technologies, including a very strong network, AI and ML, and, in some cases, blockchain. Blockchain is especially critical when data boundaries may cross over countries, which might have data sharing limitations because of geo-political issues. Also, the pharma and drug distribution channels have very different issues when it comes to supply chain traceability and threat detection. So where does ...
Jan 23, 2024•57 min•Ep. 555
Send us Fan Mail ERP contracts are frequently complex and can take on various forms, depending on the engagement structure and the parties involved, leading to a substantial impact on the ultimate results. These agreements encompass a range of elements, including the parties' relationships and responsibilities, covering areas like licensing, pricing, implementation, support, and maintenance. They serve as the cornerstone for your ERP initiatives. In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses t...
Jan 22, 2024•17 min•Ep. 554
Send us Fan Mail Technology has matured, but the fundamental issues are still the same. Regardless of whether SaaS is going to take over the world or not, the success rate with ERP implementation might not change unless companies embrace the critical steps required to be successful with ERP projects. The process starts with aligning various organizational functions and data siloes, which is not as simple as technology integration. They require mindset and business model changes essential to the ...
Jan 16, 2024•43 min•Ep. 553
Send us Fan Mail The wide range of ERP business processes may initially seem overwhelming, but not all of these processes are equally important, and their significance can vary significantly based on how they are integrated into the ERP system. While core ERP processes generally remain consistent across most solutions, non-core processes display noticeable diversity. In this episode, our host Sam Gupta, discusses the Top 10 Non-Core Cross-Functional ERP Business Processes in 2023. He also discus...
Jan 15, 2024•16 min•Ep. 552
Send us Fan Mail Understanding why ERP implementation is more challenging today requires going back to fundamentals. The traditional business models, described by frameworks such as Porter’s value chain, assumed a one-directional flow of information. But as customers’ expectations change, the newer architecture requires a bi-directional flow of information to get an immersive and seamless omnichannel experience. Also, just because ERP demos might make advanced capabilities such as ATP appear eas...
Jan 09, 2024•51 min•Ep. 551
Send us Fan Mail ERP systems primarily revolve around processes, and there is an ongoing debate about the extent to which an ERP system should encompass these processes. This is where the distinction between core and non-core processes comes into play. Core processes are typically integrated into the ERP system, while non-core processes may or may not be included. One of the most universally essential core processes in any ERP discussion is the order-to-cash process. It's worth noting that for c...
Jan 08, 2024•18 min•Ep. 550
Send us Fan Mail ERP systems have come a long way with their cloud-native capabilities. Even the legacy ERP systems are trying to be as close as possible to cloud-native systems. The WMS space has been trying to catch up with cloud-native capabilities with a very limited number of options available in the market. The process manufacturing and F&B space is even trickier, and WMS capabilities for this space require additional layers that may not be available with other WMS systems designed for...
Jan 02, 2024•53 min•Ep. 549
Send us Fan Mail The outcome of ERP projects is often determined even before they commence, highlighting the paramount importance of the readiness phase. This phase is critical because most challenges in ERP projects stem from misalignment. Misalignment can arise for various reasons, such as executives having unrealistic expectations about the role of ERP in their organization. At times, it can be as extreme as executives thinking they need an ERP when, in reality, a CRM solution is more suitabl...
Jan 01, 2024•23 min•Ep. 548
Send us Fan Mail There is a very thin line between a multi-carrier shipping add-ons and a TMS solution, even though both might position themselves as a TMS solution. Also, among the multi-carrier shipping add-ons, there are very few that can support both capabilities for the parcel as well as for LTL. Some multi-carrier solutions might have deep freight auditing capabilities and collaborate with other WMS vendors to compete with larger vendors that might offer these capabilities as part of the s...
Dec 19, 2023•58 min•Ep. 547
Send us Fan Mail In the context of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, it is crucial to grasp the distinctions between non-core modules and core modules. Non-core modules are typically less closely integrated with the general ledger and can exist outside the ERP system, often in best-of-breed systems. Human resources management is a prime example of a non-core module due to its distinct data security layers. The HR module typically involves unique confidentiality requirements, making the...
Dec 18, 2023•19 min•Ep. 546
Send us Fan Mail Most companies started the ware of acquiring parcel companies during COVID. They had to combine all modes, including TL, LTL, and parcel. Also, while not all TMS may have the same technical capabilities for cloud-native, loading and dispatch capabilities designed from the perspective of trucking companies are rare to find. So, where does 3GTMS stand in its capabilities among different supply chain solutions out there? And how does it compare with other solutions? In today's epis...
Dec 12, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 545
Send us Fan Mail Gaining insight into the ten most prevalent ERP modules assists in determining which modules should be incorporated within the ERP system and which can be implemented using best-of-breed solutions. These modules are typically closely integrated and work in concert with financial processes, each tailored to tackle specific facets of an organization's operations. Encompassing functions like financial management, inventory management, and service management, these modules collectiv...
Dec 11, 2023•26 min•Ep. 544
Send us Fan Mail Among a million supply chain visibility platforms out there, how do you decide who does what? One critical difference is whether the data provider is tracking the entire supply chain or just the carrier data. The one that tracks carrier data is really the transportation visibility platform tracking just the transportation supply chain. So where does Project44 stand among supply chain solutions? In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on L...
Dec 05, 2023•57 min•Ep. 543
Send us Fan Mail In 2023, the transportation industry is witnessing a transformative shift towards real-time visibility, and it's no surprise that the top 10 platforms leading this charge are making waves across the sector. These platforms are revolutionizing the way businesses manage their supply chain logistics, providing crucial insights and data-driven decision-making capabilities. Topping the list is a platform that combines advanced AI and IoT technologies to offer end-to-end visibility, e...
Dec 04, 2023•23 min•Ep. 542
Send us Fan Mail Salesforce started as a CRM but then grew in many different areas. It has grown to the extent that it has become almost like a platform. But even though Salesforce might come across as you can build pretty much anything on the platform, there are limitations. Most people don’t understand how bad these limitations might fire back, especially if you plan to overcustomize the system. Planning to customize would require you to understand how each object links to each other and how d...
Nov 28, 2023•43 min•Ep. 541
Send us Fan Mail In 2023, when you delve into the realm of supply chain suites, you'll discover a landscape filled with highly specialized solutions tailored to specific industries. These suites are not one-size-fits-all; instead, they are meticulously designed to cater to the unique challenges and requirements of particular sectors. The top 10 supply chain suites in 2023 exemplify this trend, offering industry-specific solutions that empower businesses to streamline their operations, enhance vi...
Nov 27, 2023•21 min•Ep. 540
Send us Fan Mail While several companies claim to have supply chain tower capabilities and visibility platforms, very few of them own a network. Also, companies that might own a network might not be open, requiring vendors to opt in each time with every customer. So, even if a software vendor claims to have millions of businesses in their network, they might not be meaningful unless you have access to them and their data. One such network that is completely open and perhaps the largest is E2 Ope...
Nov 21, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 539
Send us Fan Mail Supply chain planning and management have witnessed a significant transformation in recent times, largely attributed to the emergence of industry-wide networks. The intricate web of connections among supply chain stakeholders has proven to be a powerful force in shaping the industry's dynamics. COVID-19's disruptive impact accelerated this shift, forcing businesses to reevaluate their strategies and adapt to new challenges. In 2023, these business networks hold even greater impo...
Nov 20, 2023•23 min•Ep. 538
Send us Fan Mail While everyone would talk about the importance of understanding your customers, it’s even more critical when working with stressed and distressed businesses. Most CEOs, when they are given an assignment for fixing a distressed business, all start with evaluating their team, but then what really moves the needle is the deep understanding of the customer and crafting strategies around that. But even that is not enough, as you would need enough liquidity to ensure that you have eno...
Nov 14, 2023•39 min•Ep. 537
Send us Fan Mail Supply chain management is a complex field that relies heavily on the seamless integration of various software components. One of the common challenges faced by supply chain professionals is the distinction between the planning and execution aspects of enterprise software. This struggle to differentiate between planning and execution can hinder organizations from optimizing their supply chain operations effectively. In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses a critical aspe...
Nov 13, 2023•23 min•Ep. 536
Send us Fan Mail While the ERP space has seen some independent companies, the independent term is even more important in the TMS and WMS space. This is because the large majority of the TMS platforms are owned by managed transportation and supply chain companies. The space is also interwoven, with most vendors collaborating with each other because of data sharing, even with their competitors. Also, while TMS platforms have advanced their technology, most are still running on legacy platforms. So...
Nov 07, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 535
Send us Fan Mail If you're in the market for a Warehouse Management System (WMS), you're about to embark on a journey through a vast landscape of options. The world of WMS is brimming with diverse solutions, each designed from a unique perspective, offering specific layers of functionality that cater to various business needs. As you delve into your evaluation process, it's crucial to recognize that the success of your operations hinges on selecting the right WMS. With so many choices available,...
Nov 06, 2023•28 min•Ep. 534
Send us Fan Mail The planning systems serve a critical function in architecture. They are not meant to be a replacement for an ERP. They are also not supposed to host the ERP processes inside them. The planning systems could vary per industry and sometimes could be even more complicated than an ERP. So where does Kinexis stand in its capabilities, and how does it compare with other supply chain systems? In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn ...
Oct 31, 2023•57 min•Ep. 533
Send us Fan Mail If you're in the market for a TMS (Transportation Management System) solution, the sheer number of options available can be overwhelming. The landscape of TMS systems in 2023 is vast and diverse, making it challenging to identify the ones that truly align with your specific needs. In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the world of transportation management systems and explores the top 10 TMS systems in 2023. He also discusses how narrowing down your choices and focusin...
Oct 30, 2023•31 min•Ep. 532
Send us Fan Mail There is always a fine line in running a business. eCommerce businesses take trademark and IP issues very lightly until they are involved in a transaction where business buyers might see them as a risk if their brand assets are not protected. eCommerce merchants take these issues lightly as they don’t understand what’s necessary to protect vs. what may be overkill. So, what does an eCommerce merchant need to know about protecting assets that matter the most during business trans...
Oct 24, 2023•50 min•Ep. 531
Send us Fan Mail If you're currently on the hunt for project management software, brace yourself for an array of choices that can easily overwhelm you. Evaluating these options is a crucial step. In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the top project management systems in 2023. He also discusses the differences between different architectural needs for project-centric companies and why that could drive an appropriate choice for project management software. For more information on growth...
Oct 23, 2023•30 min•Ep. 530
Send us Fan Mail The WMS systems come in various shapes and sizes. While it may not be appropriate for every business model, getting a WMS pre-integrated still matters. WMS integration is extremely hard, especially for the high volume businesses. It might also be substantially expensive for mid-market companies that might not have as much IT budget. Also, does international localization matter for WMS systems the way it would for ERP systems? So where does Infor WMS differ from other solutions i...
Oct 17, 2023•52 min•Ep. 529
