
WBSRocks: Business Growth with Enterprise Software and Digital Transformation
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!
Latest episodes

Apr 8, 2024 • 27min
WBSP576: Grow Your Business by Learning the Top 10 Distribution ERP Systems in 2024 w/ Sam Gupta
Send us a textWhile distribution industries may not exhibit the same level of complexity as some other sectors when viewed through the lens of ERP, they undeniably present their own distinctive set of nuances. Managing the movement and coordination of goods within a distribution network involves a series of intricacies, such as inventory control, order fulfillment, and logistics coordination. ERP systems tailored for distribution sectors address these unique challenges by providing comprehensive solutions that optimize supply chain visibility, inventory management, and order processing. The effectiveness of these ERP solutions lies in their ability to enhance operational efficiency, minimize errors, and facilitate seamless communication across the distribution network, ultimately contributing to improved customer satisfaction and competitive advantage in the marketplace.In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the top 10 distribution ERP systems in 2024. He also discusses changes in ranking from 2023. Finally, he describes developments with each of these systems and how that contributed to their changed rankings in 2024.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.

Apr 2, 2024 • 56min
WBSP575: Grow Your Business by Understanding Blume Global's Capabilities, an Objective Panel Discussion
Send us a textAre visibility platforms comparable to TMS systems? What sets apart multiple-enterprise visibility platforms from real-time visibility platforms? Is there a distinction between a TMS crafted from the standpoint of a logistics services provider and one tailored for a trucking company? How do international, multi-modal TMS systems differ from domestic TMS solutions designed specifically for trucking companies? In terms of capabilities in TMS and visibility platforms, where does Blume Global stand? How does it measure up against other Supply Chain suites currently available in the market?In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to conduct an independent review of Blume Global's capabilities. We covered many grounds, including their recent acquisition with WiseTech and why large private equities such as EQT had such a high valuation for them. We also discussed their strength with rail and how they compare with other larger suites in the market, such as e2open and project44.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.

Apr 1, 2024 • 37min
WBSP574: Grow Your Business by Learning the Top 10 Manufacturing ERP Systems in 2024 w/ Sam Gupta
Send us a textManufacturing stands as a sector where ERP solutions play a pivotal and transformative role. These sophisticated software systems are instrumental in streamlining intricate processes and optimizing overall operations within manufacturing environments. ERP solutions integrate and manage diverse aspects of the manufacturing process, including supply chain management, production planning, inventory control, and resource allocation. By providing a centralized platform for data management, communication, and decision-making, ERP systems enable manufacturers to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the overall quality of their products. Real-time insights into various facets of the manufacturing workflow empower organizations to make informed and timely decisions, fostering agility and adaptability in an industry where precision and responsiveness are paramount. In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the top 10 Manufacturing ERP systems in 2024. He also discusses changes in ranking from 2023. Finally, he describes developments with each of these systems and how that contributed to their changed rankings in 2024.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.

Mar 26, 2024 • 47min
WBSP573: Grow Your Business by Learning the Nuances of the Mexican Market w/ Ramiro Velasco
Send us a textIn the realm of Mexican ecommerce, unique nuances shape the landscape, setting it apart from its counterparts, particularly in the United States. One striking trend is the exponential growth of the Mexican ecommerce sector, outpacing the expansion observed in the US market. This surge can be attributed to various factors, including increased internet penetration, rising smartphone usage, and a growing middle class with greater access to digital services. However, navigating the Mexican business environment comes with its challenges, notably bureaucratic hurdles that businesses must navigate to establish and operate successfully. In today's episode, our guest, Ramiro Velasco, discusses the nuances of the Mexican market and how it differs from other markets. He also describes it from both perspectives: when Mexican companies might be trying to penetrate the US market or when US companies might be trying to penetrate the Mexican market. Finally, he describes several other cultural differences that make the Mexican market unique and one of the fastest growing. If you’d like to learn more about Ramiro, head over to goavance.com.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.

Mar 25, 2024 • 22min
WBSP572: Grow Your Business by Learning the Top 10 WMS Systems in 2024 w/ Sam Gupta
Send us a textSimilar to other categories of enterprise software, WMS (Warehouse Management System) systems possess distinctive features that cater to the unique requirements of warehouse operations. These specialized systems are designed to optimize and streamline the management of warehouse tasks, offering functionalities such as inventory tracking, order fulfillment, and efficient resource allocation. WMS systems distinguish themselves through their ability to enhance overall warehouse efficiency, reduce errors in inventory management, and provide real-time visibility into the movement of goods. In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the top 10 WMS Systems in 2024. He also discusses changes in ranking from 2023. Finally, he describes developments with each of these systems and how that contributed to their changed rankings in 2024.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.

Mar 19, 2024 • 41min
WBSP571: Grow Your Business by Learning How AI Will Impact eCommerce w/ Michael Vax
Send us a textThere is no question that ChatGPT is extremely powerful, but who knew that it could even browse the web, which made it harder for commerce brands who were already struggling with the heavier lift required to enable eCommerce? But it also offers tremendous opportunity for brands who are willing to capitalize on the AI capabilities as once AI is fully rolled out, capabilities such as search and chat might see a huge merge in functionality as the search experience is likely to be conversational in the future.In today's episode, our guest, Michael Vax, discusses how AI will impact eCommerce. He discusses the impact on both the front end and the back end and the changes we are likely to see because of AI. Finally, he describes several examples where AI is likely to have the most impact, such as deep fake, personalization, and configurator.If you’d like to learn more about his book, head over to commerceisdigital.com/ai-ecommerce-book. 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.

Mar 18, 2024 • 24min
WBSP570: Grow Your Business by Learning the Top 10 TMS Systems in 2024 w/ Sam Gupta
Send us a textSelecting a TMS platform is uniquely challenging. There are various platforms in the market; some might be SMB-focused with capabilities such as rate shopping and carrier integration. But as you outgrow these capabilities, you will most likely require mature capabilities such as freight matching, reconciliation, and control tower. There are also other considerations, such as whether a TMS is independent or it may be part of a supply chain consulting firm with a potential conflict of interest.In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the top 10 TMS Systems in 2024. He also discusses changes in ranking from 2023. Finally, he describes developments with each of these systems and how that contributed to their changed rankings in 2024.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.

Mar 12, 2024 • 53min
WBSP569: Grow Your Business by Understanding SnapFulfil's Capabilities, an Objective Panel Discussion
Send us a textWhat sets apart a WMS system designed for the European market from its US counterpart? Are the distinctions as pronounced as those in a TMS system due to variations in regulatory reporting and compliance? Moreover, does the pricing strategy significantly impact the total cost of ownership? Some operate on a transaction-based model, akin to consumption-based pricing, while others consider devices. This latter approach proves beneficial for companies facing seasonal fluctuations, necessitating ad-hoc WMS access for additional workers. Considering these factors, where does Snapfulfil stand in terms of capabilities, and how does it measure up against other warehouse management solutions and supply chain suites available in the market?In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to conduct an independent review of SnapFulfil's capabilities. We covered many grounds, including their origin as a European solution and why that matters for a WMS solution. Finally, we compared their capabilities with other supply chain solutions and how the WMS needs of DTC brands differ substantially from those of a 3PL.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.

Mar 11, 2024 • 20min
WBSP568: Grow Your Business by Learning the Top 10 eCommerce Platforms in 2024 w/ Sam Gupta
Send us a textThe eCommerce platforms have a unique place in the enterprise software category. While some people might confuse them with having overlap with ERP systems, they have distinct places to capture orders and then send them to the backend systems to reconcile. There might also be some architectural considerations, such as which instances will use OMS vs. ERP if OMS might be bundled as part of the eCommerce platforms. In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the top 10 eCommerce Platforms software in 2024. He also discusses changes in ranking from 2023. Finally, he describes developments with each of these systems and how that contributed to their changed rankings in 2024.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.

Mar 5, 2024 • 41min
WBSP567: Grow Your Business by Learning the Importance of Storyboarding for Digital Transformation Initiatives w/ Brent Kedzierski
Send us a textThere is a massive difference between the physical ability to change and the intellectual capacity to change. Despite being counterintuitive, the intellectual capacity to change is much harder as that requires exploring ideas you might not be comfortable with. That requires exploring journeys you have never explored. And when you are undertaking such change initiatives at a massive scale where several power centers with authority might be involved, it might be nearly impossible to change. But if you followed the process of storyboarding where each step is carefully crafted and invested the right amount of time and investment, then the process might seem seamless.In today's episode, our guest, Brent Kedzierski, discusses the importance of storyboarding for digital transformation initiatives. He also discusses several stories of large global implementation where he was able to build consensus for global rollouts and explore operational and financial synergies at the Fortune 500 scale. Finally, he discusses several concepts related to change management, such as a sense of urgency, case for change, estimating the capacity to change, and actionable steps.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.