

WBSRocks: Business Growth with Enterprise Software and Digital Transformation
Sam Gupta
WBSRocks podcast features in-depth conversations on customer experience, digital transformation, supply chain, eCommerce, industry 4.0, and enterprise software categories such as CRM, ERP, or analytics suites. The purpose of the show is to help CFOs, COOs, CEOs, and business owners with their daily commercial, operational, or financial challenges by taking a deep dive into business cases and processes, technology strategy and architecture, transformation initiatives, and business models. The show also offers an independent analysis of technology trends, various enterprise software vendors and solutions, and their mergers and acquisitions. Subscribe today to stay on top of digital transformation trends!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 2min
WBSP768: Grow Your Business by Learning from Enterprise Software Stories - May 2025, Ep 15, an Objective Panel Discussion
Send us a textThe enterprise software landscape is rapidly evolving with a wave of AI-driven innovations, strategic acquisitions, and product updates designed to enhance automation and business agility. Precisely strengthened its Automate SAP Data API with new enhancements, while SAP showcased its Joule-powered AI capabilities to deepen enterprise intelligence. SC Codeworks rolled out updates to its warehouse management system, and WaveMaker debuted a marketplace for prefabricated app building blocks to accelerate low-code development. In a major move, Braze announced its agreement to acquire OfferFit, expanding its personalization capabilities, while AVEVA and ServiceNow revealed a new partnership aimed at integrating industrial and digital workflows. BMC introduced generative AI innovations to unlock greater value from enterprise data, and Certinia detailed its Spring 2025 release with fresh product enhancements. Laserfiche unveiled new generative AI features, and Make launched Make AI Agents, bringing real-time intelligence to no-code automation—collectively underscoring how AI and automation are reshaping the next chapter of enterprise technology.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.

Sep 8, 2025 • 19min
WBSP767: Grow Your Business by Learning the Top 10 Plastic Extrusion ERP Systems in 2025 w/ Sam Gupta
Send us a textDefining plastic extrusion ERP systems requires recognizing both their specialization and breadth, as they span the diverse business models across the extrusion value chain—from resin and pellet distributors to large-scale manufacturers of finished plastic products. While the focus is on extrusion, these systems must also account for the interconnected roles of suppliers, converters, and distributors to ensure real-world workflows are fully represented. However, no single ERP vendor fits every sub-segment equally well; some platforms are built for the complexities of high-volume extrusion manufacturing, while others better serve niche distributors or specialty converters. That’s why guidance tied to each ERP option is crucial, with attention paid not only to system size but also to how well it supports extrusion-specific needs like scheduling, quality control, and regulatory compliance—factors that can ultimately determine whether an ERP investment delivers long-term value.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Plastic Extrusion ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these Plastic Extrusion ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each Plastic Extrusion ERP system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.

Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 3min
WBSP766: Grow Your Business by Learning from Enterprise Software Stories - Apr 2025, Ep 14, an Objective Panel Discussion
Send us a textThe enterprise technology space is seeing a surge of innovation and strategic moves as vendors double down on AI, automation, and customer-centric solutions. Beroe expanded its procurement suite with the acquisition of nnamu, while Capgemini and NVIDIA, alongside Oracle and NVIDIA, announced new collaborations and integrations to accelerate AI adoption. Deloitte entered the spotlight with the release of its Zora AI Platform, and Hyland reinforced its customer focus by appointing a Chief Customer Officer. In the AI-driven automation arena, Kore.ai introduced the Kore.ai Agent Platform and Pipefy unveiled new AI agents to strengthen process automation. OneDigital launched its Impact Studio Platform to fuel digital engagement, while Precisely enhanced its Automate SAP Data API, and SAP showcased new Joule-powered AI capabilities. Rounding out the updates, SC Codeworks delivered enhancements to its warehouse management system, reflecting the broader trend of continuous improvement across supply chain and enterprise operations.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.

Sep 1, 2025 • 26min
WBSP765: Grow Your Business by Learning the Top 10 Machinery Manufacturing ERP Systems in 2025 w/ Sam Gupta
Send us a textThe machinery manufacturing ERP landscape is uniquely complex, demanding far more than the generic capabilities many vendors claim to offer. These businesses are highly project-driven, building large, costly machines that require collaboration across mechanical, electrical, and calibration engineering disciplines—often within long development cycles and tightly interdependent workflows. While smaller ERP systems may provide advanced tools like CAD integrations or specialized workflows, they frequently lack the robust supply chain, inventory, and financial capabilities necessary to support the full business model. Beyond engineering-heavy production, machinery manufacturers often operate diverse divisions under one umbrella, from parts businesses resembling distribution and commerce operations to service arms managing rentals, long-term maintenance contracts, and advanced field service. These layers of complexity make it clear that only a handful of ERP systems—typically those designed with both depth and breadth—can effectively support the industry without extensive customization.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Machinery manufacturing ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these Machinery manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each Machinery manufacturing ERP system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.

Aug 27, 2025 • 1h
WBSP764: Grow Your Business by Learning LLMs: disembodied AI w/ Michael Azoff
Send us a textEngineered AI has achieved remarkable milestones, yet fundamental questions remain about whether it can ever reason, think, or truly understand like the human mind. Current systems, while powerful, expose the limitations of today’s technology, particularly the persistent neuroscience gap—the divide between brain research and cognitive psychology that prevents machines from replicating human-like cognition. This gap is compounded by the looming energy challenge, as the massive computational demands of AI training strain global infrastructure, in stark contrast to the human brain’s ability to operate on the energy equivalent of a 20W light bulb. These realities underscore the growing promise of neurocomputing, which seeks to emulate the brain’s structure and efficiency, offering a potential breakthrough in building systems that are not only more intelligent but also vastly more energy-efficient.In this episode, Sam Gupta engages in a LinkedIn live session with Michael Azoff, Chief Analyst, Omdia, in a live LinkedIn session to discuss LLMs: disembodied AI - it's not human-like AI as we imagine it.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.

Aug 26, 2025 • 1h 2min
WBSP763: Grow Your Business by Learning from Enterprise Software Stories - Apr 2025, Ep 13, an Objective Panel Discussion
Send us a textThe enterprise software and services landscape is buzzing with fresh announcements that highlight the industry’s accelerating shift toward AI, collaboration, and customer-centric innovation. Zoho launched Projects Plus, a new collaborative platform designed to streamline teamwork, while Accenture unveiled an AI Agent Builder to help enterprises create intelligent digital assistants at scale. Acumatica rolled out details of its 2025 R1 product release, reinforcing its momentum in the cloud ERP space, and Aisera expanded its reach with the debut of a global partner program. On the procurement front, Beroe strengthened its capabilities by acquiring nnamu, while Capgemini and NVIDIA announced a new collaboration that underscores the growing role of advanced computing in enterprise solutions. Deloitte entered the fray with the release of its Zora AI platform, and Hyland signaled its commitment to customer experience with the appointment of a Chief Customer Officer. Together, these moves paint a picture of an ecosystem evolving rapidly at the intersection of AI, collaboration, and industry-specific innovation.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.

Aug 25, 2025 • 30min
WBSP762: Grow Your Business by Learning the Top 10 Apparel Manufacturing ERP Systems in 2025 w/ Sam Gupta
Send us a textUnlike most manufacturing segments where vendors claim one-size-fits-all solutions, apparel stands apart as an industry so unique that generalized ERP systems often fall short. Specialized ERP platforms tailored for apparel-centric processes have emerged to address challenges like fabric management, style variations, and seasonal demand—delivering far greater operational alignment than broad-based systems. This complexity deepens when you compare sub-segments within apparel itself: designer fashion brands, uniform producers, sportswear manufacturers, and luxury fashion houses all operate on fundamentally different models, each with unique supplier dynamics, compliance requirements, and return management needs. As a result, the true measure of success in apparel ERP lies in aligning not just to the industry at large, but to the specific micro-segment a business serves.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Apparel manufacturing ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these Apparel manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each Apparel manufacturing ERP system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.

Aug 20, 2025 • 57min
WBSP761: Grow Your Business by Learning from ERP Implementation Stories for the Fasteners Industry w/ Anders Green
Send us a textEver wondered what ERP and fasteners have in common? Spoiler: it’s a lot more exciting than just bolts and spreadsheets! In this session, we’ll dive into real-world ERP implementation stories from the fasteners industry—where efficiency, precision, and supply chain visibility come together in ways that are, quite literally, riveting. And the conversation doesn’t stop there; we’ll also explore Alox’s forward-looking roadmap, where strategic innovation aligns with the nuts and bolts of growth, proving that even in a world of screws and rivets, technology can be the ultimate game-changer.In this episode, Sam Gupta engages in a LinkedIn live session with Anders Green, Founder, ALOX4, to discuss ERP implementation stories for the Fasteners industryBackground Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.

Aug 19, 2025 • 59min
WBSP760: Grow Your Business by Learning from Enterprise Software Stories - Apr 2025, Ep 12, an Objective Panel Discussion
Send us a textThe enterprise technology landscape continues to move at a rapid pace, with several major announcements reshaping how organizations approach digital transformation. Phenom and Deloitte unveiled details of their strategic alliance, signaling a stronger push into talent experience innovation. Progress contributed to the developer community by releasing more than 50 UI components for free, while QAD ushered in a new era of leadership with the appointment of a new CEO. SAP expanded its process transformation portfolio by adding fresh capabilities to its SAP Signavio solution, and ServiceNow bolstered its AI-driven workflow platform through the acquisition of Moveworks. Zoho introduced Projects Plus, a new collaborative platform designed to streamline teamwork, while Accenture rolled out an AI Agent Builder to empower enterprises in creating advanced intelligent assistants. Acumatica also detailed the feature set of its 2025 R1 product release, underscoring its commitment to cloud ERP innovation, and Aisera broadened its ecosystem reach with the debut of a global partner program. Together, these developments highlight the intensifying competition and innovation across ERP, AI, and enterprise software markets.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.

Aug 18, 2025 • 42min
WBSP759: Grow Your Business by Learning the Top 10 Process Manufacturing ERP Systems in 2025 w/ Sam Gupta
Send us a textProcess manufacturing stands out as one of the most intricate and fragmented domains in the ERP landscape, largely because of the wide-ranging product types and production methods that differ—even among companies that may look similar at first glance. Unlike discrete manufacturing, which focuses on standardized components and assemblies, process manufacturing is driven by formulas and recipes that demand both precision and adaptability. Industries such as food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals operate in environments where even the slightest change to an ingredient can trigger ripple effects across product quality, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. This diversity in formulations and processes makes it nearly impossible for a single ERP system to fit all needs seamlessly. To address this complexity, ERP evaluations must go beyond feature checklists, weighing factors like vendor market share, acquisitions that enhance process-specific functionality, long-term product roadmaps, and the strength of the community ecosystem. Equally important are considerations such as win rates, investor confidence, and technological vision, since only platforms that combine deep process capabilities with strategic commitment to the space can deliver sustainable value to manufacturers navigating this demanding landscape.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Process manufacturing ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these process manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each process manufacturing ERP system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor more information on growth strategies for SMBs using ERP and digital transformation, visit our community at wbs. rocks or elevatiq.com. To ensure that you never miss an episode of the WBS podcast, subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.