

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 30, 2024 • 54min
WBSP628: Grow Your Business by Understanding ServiceMax’s Capabilities, an Objective Panel Discussion
Send us a textField services businesses have undergone significant evolution, incorporating elements of Industry 4.0 and CRM. This convergence may be a key factor driving Salesforce's deep engagement in this market. ServiceMax stands out as a prime example of a company that has demonstrated remarkable potential within the field service sector. Originating as an ISV within the Salesforce ecosystem, ServiceMax has transitioned through various ownerships, including GE Digital, Silver Lake, and now PTC. These transitions have played a pivotal role in shaping ServiceMax's identity and fostering a novel category that transcends traditional boundaries. This category intersects CRM, engineering, and CAD, offering a unique proposition that traditional field service models may struggle to grasp. In light of these developments, it's crucial to assess where ServiceMax currently stands in terms of its capabilities and how it stacks up against other solutions within its category.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to conduct an independent review of ServiceMax’s capabilities. We covered many grounds including where ServiceMax 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 ServiceMax.For 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 25, 2024 • 35min
WBSP627: Grow Your Business by Learning the Top 10 Machinery Manufacturing ERP Systems in 2024 w/ Sam Gupta
Send us a textLet's explore the top machinery manufacturing ERP systems for 2024. These systems are crucial for managing the complexities of machinery manufacturing, which involves producing large machines used across various industries, from cutting machinery to Industry 4.0 equipment. These substantial pieces of capital equipment require robust ERP solutions to handle diverse operations, including object manufacturing, make-to-order parts production, and specialized service workflows. The best ERP systems in this category streamline these processes, offering comprehensive tools for inventory management, production planning, and integration with advanced technologies, ensuring manufacturers can meet industry demands efficiently and effectively.In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the top 10 machinery manufacturing ERP systems in 2024. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of machinery manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each machinery manufacturing ERP Systems.For 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 24, 2024 • 29min
WBSP626: Grow Your Business by Learning the Top 10 Apparel Manufacturing ERP Systems in 2024 w/ Sam Gupta
Send us a textThe top 10 apparel manufacturing ERP category covers various industries within apparel, including designer clothes, uniforms, undergarments, and both formal and casual wear. Each category presents its own unique challenges and requirements, necessitating a deeper dive into specific processes and systems. The primary goal of this list is to serve as a valuable resource for those seeking the best ERP solutions tailored to their unique needs within the apparel manufacturing sector. By exploring these distinct categories, manufacturers can better understand which systems align with their specific operational demands.In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the top 10 apparel manufacturing ERP systems in 2024. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of apparel manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each apparel manufacturing ERP Systems.For 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 23, 2024 • 54min
WBSP625: Grow Your Business by Understanding Motive’s Capabilities, an Objective Panel Discussion
Send us a textThe implementation of the ELD mandate brought significant changes for many companies, notably impacting emerging SaaS unicorns like Motive. What sets Motive apart and fuels its popularity? Is it its role in replacing outdated TMS systems, its effectiveness as a fleet management solution, or its creation of a new compliance category? While it intersects with various enterprise software segments, Motive stands out due to its unique blend of software and hardware components. Most importantly, it provides insights into driver behaviors, a feature with considerable implications for both financial and operational procedures. The question remains: where does Motive currently stand, and what lies ahead for its trajectory?In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to conduct an independent review of Motive’s capabilities. We covered many grounds including where Motive 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 Motive.For 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 18, 2024 • 25min
WBSP624: Grow Your Business by Learning the Top 10 Process Manufacturing ERP Systems in 2024 w/ Sam Gupta
Send us a textOne of the key aspects of process manufacturing is its reliance on specific formulations and recipes, which dictate the combination of ingredients needed to produce the desired product. This approach introduces unique challenges, such as managing catchweight (variable weight products), reverse Bill of Materials (BOM), and potency adjustments. These capabilities are essential for ensuring consistency, quality, and compliance in the production process. Companies excelling in process manufacturing often invest heavily in these specialized capabilities to maintain a competitive edge and meet industry standards.In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the top 10 process-manufacturing ERP systems in 2024. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of process manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each process manufacturing ERP Systems.For 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 17, 2024 • 29min
WBSP623: Grow Your Business by Learning the Top 10 Discrete Manufacturing ERP Systems in 2024 w/ Sam Gupta
Send us a textThe unique nature of discrete manufacturing necessitates specialized capabilities and approaches. Unlike process manufacturing, which is formula-driven, discrete manufacturing focuses on managing individual components and the quantity of finished units. This specificity can pose challenges, especially when integrating varied materials and components. Consequently, discrete manufacturers must consider a range of factors to optimize their operations, from precise inventory control to advanced production techniques, ensuring that each component fits seamlessly into the final product.In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the top 10 discrete manufacturing ERP systems in 2024. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of discrete manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each discrete manufacturing ERP Systems.For 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 16, 2024 • 40min
WBSP622: Grow Your Business by Learning the Nuances of ECC to S/4 HANA Migration w/ Sana Asher
Send us a textECC to S/4 migration is never easy. There are several considerations, including differences in architecture, licensing arrangement, and change management. But if you have been creative with your licensing arrangement in the on-prem setting, your experience might be even more shocking. The things you could do in the on-prem world might not be permitted in the new architecture. Also, just because you own your instance doesn’t mean that you have the right to do whatever you want with licensing, increasing the odds of getting audited.In today's episode, our guest, Sana Asher, discusses the nuances of ECC to S/4 HANA migration. She touches on several concepts, such as differences in the licensing and what customers need to know to be successful with migration. Finally, Sam and her debate a story of acquisition and migration from PeopleSoft to S/4 in a complex and regulated industry such as Life Science.For 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 10, 2024 • 21min
WBSP621: Grow Your Business by Learning the Top 10 Project Manufacturing ERP Systems in 2024 w/ Sam Gupta
Send us a textProject Manufacturing, positioned at the intersection of manufacturing, construction, and professional services, poses unique challenges. While engineer-to-order setups may exhibit some similarities, pure project manufacturing involves highly specialized processes that demand customized workflows. These business models, frequently involved in long-term contracts, place significant emphasis on estimation, quoting, and marketing automation. Industries operating within this sphere encompass sign manufacturing, architectural firms, and environmental consulting with manufacturing components. Companies undertaking intricate projects that don't require complex engineering yet stand apart from pure consulting firms are encompassed by the project manufacturing umbrella.In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the top 10 Project Manufacturing ERP Systems in 2024. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of Project Manufacturing ERP Systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each Project Manufacturing ERP Systems.For 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 9, 2024 • 55min
WBSP620: Grow Your Business by Understanding ServicePower’s Capabilities, an Objective Panel Discussion
Send us a textField service workflows intersect with a range of enterprise software categories, such as CRM, ERP, and TMS. These workflows display notable differences when analyzed across various industries. Residential services, for instance, require integrations that differ from those needed in non-ERP sectors like insurance or utilities. Efficient field service routing necessitates substantial capabilities in connecting business rules, often diverging from conventional ERP workflows to address the specific needs of engaging contractors and service providers within service workflows. Considering these factors, how does ServicePower position itself in terms of its capabilities?In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to conduct an independent review of ServicePower’s capabilities. We covered many grounds including where ServicePower 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 ServicePower.For 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 3, 2024 • 25min
WBSP619: Grow Your Business by Learning the Top 10 Configure-to-Order Manufacturing ERP Systems in 2024 w/ Sam Gupta
Send us a textConfigure-to-order (CTO) manufacturing presents a distinctive category, with many businesses initially steering clear due to the challenges of product standardization overhead, which is particularly daunting for startups. Furthermore, the expectations diverge notably between B2B and B2C industries regarding configure-to-order processes. B2C sectors like furniture, mattresses, automotive, appliances, and tires often demand configurability, largely propelled by consumer demands. Conversely, B2B industries requiring configurability span oil and gas parts, aftermarket services, industrial distributors, equipment manufacturers, and field service firms, where needs may stem from customer requirements or internal efforts to streamline estimation and quoting processes. Initially, smaller companies might classify themselves as service or engineer-to-order focused, managing their quoting manually before transitioning to configure-to-order workflows.In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the top 10 Configure-to-Order Manufacturing ERP Systems in 2024. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of Configure-to-Order Manufacturing ERP Systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each Configure-to-Order Manufacturing ERP System.For 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.