Send us a textThe sustainability of the open-source business model remains a subject of ongoing debate, particularly when examining its long-term viability as a product differentiator. While open-source has often served as an effective marketing and adoption strategy—evident in early trailblazers like SugarCRM—it doesn’t always guarantee lasting market dominance. SugarCRM, for instance, initially gained traction by fostering a strong community and ecosystem around its open-source version. However, despite this early success, the company eventually discontinued its community edition, raising questions about the durability of the model. Such a pivot can alienate loyal users and erode trust, especially if customers feel that transparency and flexibility—the core promises of open-source—are being compromised. Furthermore, once a product shifts away from its open-source roots, the competitive advantage it once held may diminish, particularly as the value proposition becomes more aligned with proprietary alternatives. This transition often forces companies to reevaluate how they attract and retain customers in a more crowded, less differentiated market.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to conduct an independent review of SugarCRM’s capabilities. We covered many grounds, including where SugarCRM might be a fit in the enterprise architecture and where it might be overused. Finally, they analyze many data points to help understand the core strengths and weaknesses of SugarCRM.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.

Send us a textWhen assessing the top aerospace and defense ERP systems for 2025, it's essential to recognize that this evaluation is rooted in a defined set of criteria focused solely on the ERP solutions themselves rather than the reputation or size of the vendors behind them. The list accommodates businesses across the spectrum—from small subcontractors to large OEMs—acknowledging that ERP suitability is highly context-dependent. A system ranked at the top may excel in areas like compliance, scalability, or supply chain integration but might not align with the streamlined needs of a smaller Tier 2 supplier or a service-focused firm. The aerospace and defense industry is far from monolithic; it includes a diverse array of business models, from component manufacturing to project-based consulting, each with distinct requirements. As such, factors like industry-specific functionality, support for standards like AS9100, and project management capabilities such as WBS must be considered. The commentary accompanying each system in the ranking will delve into these nuances, helping organizations identify the ERP solution that best fits their operational profile rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all approach.In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the top 10 aerospace and defense ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these aerospace and defense ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each aerospace and defense 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. 

Send us a textWhen evaluating the cost of a review platform, businesses must consider more than just the price—they need to assess the value it brings to their marketing and conversion strategy. A robust review system can significantly impact customer trust, ad performance, and even SEO rankings, making it a powerful asset beyond simple testimonials. The real question is whether the investment can be tied directly to measurable ROI. Platforms like Yotpo have gained popularity by offering features such as automated review collection, AI-driven sentiment analysis, and seamless integrations with eCommerce ecosystems. If a platform can drive higher conversions, reduce customer acquisition costs, and enhance brand credibility, then even a five-figure investment might be justified. However, businesses must carefully compare options and ensure that the chosen solution aligns with their overall growth and engagement strategies.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to conduct an independent review of Yotpo’s capabilities. We covered many grounds, including where Yotpo might be a fit in the enterprise architecture and where it might be overused. Finally, they analyze many data points to help understand the core strengths and weaknesses of Yotpo.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.

Send us a textGiven these complexities, selecting the right ERP system for the paper industry requires a solution that goes beyond generic functionalities to address sector-specific challenges. From managing raw material fluctuations and complex production scheduling to ensuring seamless integration across newly merged entities, an effective ERP must provide real-time visibility and adaptability. Additionally, regulatory compliance, sustainability tracking, and waste reduction are growing concerns that necessitate robust data analytics and reporting capabilities. Companies that invest in an ERP tailored to the paper industry gain not only operational efficiency but also a strategic advantage, enabling them to optimize production, streamline supply chains, and respond swiftly to market changes.In this episode, Sam Gupta engages in a LinkedIn live session with Fred Donatucci, CIO/IT Executive Advisor in a live LinkedIn session and discusses ERP Consolidation in the Paper Industry and their unique needs & challenges.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. 

Send us a textGiven the complexities of the automotive industry, selecting the right ERP system is not just about functionality but also about long-term strategic fit. Companies must assess how well an ERP solution aligns with their operational structure, compliance needs, and growth plans. While larger enterprises may benefit from robust suite-centric solutions that offer end-to-end integration, smaller firms might prefer modular, platform-based ERPs that allow gradual scaling. Additionally, factors like vendor support, ecosystem strength, and technological innovation should not be overlooked, as they can significantly impact system usability and adaptability. Ultimately, the right ERP choice is one that not only meets current industry demands but also evolves with future advancements in automotive manufacturing, supply chain management, and regulatory compliance.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 automotive ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these automotive ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each automotive 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. 

Send us a textThe marketing automation landscape is split between platforms designed for B2C and those built for B2B, each with unique challenges and priorities. While B2C businesses often require high email volumes to engage customers at scale, B2B strategies typically focus on deeper relationship-building with fewer but more targeted touchpoints. Many email marketing providers emphasize the importance of more interactions, but for businesses selling low-cost products—where the cost of sending emails could exceed the revenue generated—email send limits become a critical consideration. This raises the question: how well do email marketing platforms address these nuances? In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to conduct an independent review of ActiveCampaign’s capabilities. We covered many grounds including where ActiveCampaign might be a a fit in the enterprise architecture and where it might be overused. Finally, they analyze many data points to help understand the core strengths and weaknesses of ActiveCampaign.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.

Send us a textAs we approach 2025, ERP systems are undergoing significant transformation, driven by the push toward modernization and cloud adoption. Vendors are offering enticing migration strategies to help businesses move away from legacy systems, promising enhanced scalability, real-time data access, and improved operational efficiency. However, organizations remain cautious, weighing these benefits against potential challenges such as data security risks, integration complexities, and the hurdles of change management. As a result, many companies are adopting a hybrid approach, strategically transitioning certain functions to the cloud while maintaining critical processes on-premise to mitigate risks and ensure business continuity.In this episode, Sam Gupta engages in a LinkedIn live session with Robert Kramer at Moor Insights & Strategy in a live LinkedIn session and discusses ERP trends for 2025 and what businesses need to know to prepare for their digital transformation journey.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.

Send us a textSelecting an ERP system for large enterprises—companies generating over $1 billion in revenue—is a complex and high-stakes decision shaped by their scale, operational intricacies, and global footprint. While the lower enterprise segment often faces budget constraints and slower business model evolution, the upper enterprise tier is far more dynamic, frequently undergoing structural shifts due to mergers and acquisitions. Given their presence across multiple countries, these organizations require ERP solutions with strong multi-entity support, compliance capabilities, and localization features to navigate regulatory frameworks like GDPR, e-invoicing mandates, and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance. Unlike mid-sized businesses that may operate with a single ERP, large enterprises typically adopt a best-of-breed approach, integrating multiple specialized solutions to optimize financial and operational synergies across subsidiaries. In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Large Company ERP in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these Large Company ERP Systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each Large Company ERP.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. 

Send us a textThe intersection of marketing automation and CMS platforms raises an important question: does merging the two create a more seamless, tailored experience, or does it confine the platform to a specific industry? Some solutions, like Episerver, have positioned themselves around CMS and personalization, integrating marketing automation to enhance customer engagement. Similarly, certain open-source CMS platforms have attempted to enter this space, though their limited market share raises doubts about their influence in defining the category. In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to conduct an independent review of Bloomreach’s capabilities. We covered many grounds including where Bloomreach might be a a fit in the enterprise architecture and where it might be overused. Finally, they analyze many data points to help understand the core strengths and weaknesses of Bloomreach.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. 

Send us a textIn the crowded marketing automation space, where countless platforms offer seemingly similar capabilities, real-time customer interaction is a key differentiator—especially for B2C industries. While many solutions claim to enable real-time engagement, only a select few possess the technology to execute it effectively. As businesses refine their data-driven strategies, they encounter an array of tools designed to enhance customer targeting across multiple touchpoints. In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to conduct an independent review of Braze’s capabilities. We covered many grounds including where Braze might be a a fit in the enterprise architecture and where it might be overused. Finally, they analyze many data points to help understand the core strengths and weaknesses of Braze.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.