
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

Nov 7, 2023 • 1h 4min
WBSP535: Grow Your Business by Understanding MercuryGate's Capabilities, an Objective Panel Discussion
Send us a textWhile 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, where does MercuryGate stand in its capabilities? And how does it compare with other supply chain solutions?In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to conduct an independent review of MercuryGate's capabilities. We covered many grounds, including how the independent TMS vendors differ from the vendors that might offer managed services. Finally, we covered their journey in how they acquired several capabilities over the period of time and became the top TMS vendor.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.

Nov 6, 2023 • 28min
WBSP534: Grow Your Business by Learning the Top 10 WMS Systems in 2023 w/ Sam Gupta
Send us a textIf 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, it can be challenging to determine which solution aligns best with your requirements. In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the top 10 WMS systems for 2023, helping you make an informed decision that will optimize your warehouse management and streamline your supply chain processes. He also dives deep into each system, dissecting its features, capabilities, and suitability for various industries and business sizes. Whether you're a small e-commerce startup seeking efficient order fulfillment or a large-scale distribution center managing complex inventory operations, this episode will provide valuable insights to help you navigate the labyrinth of WMS options.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.

Oct 31, 2023 • 57min
WBSP533: Grow Your Business by Understanding Kinaxis' Capabilities, an Objective Panel Discussion
Send us a textThe 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 to conduct an independent review of Kinaxis' capabilities. We covered many grounds, including their unique strengths and how they compare with other Infor products. Finally, we covered how it compares with other supply chain solutions out there.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.

Oct 30, 2023 • 31min
WBSP532: Grow Your Business by Learning the Top 10 TMS Systems in 2023 w/ Sam Gupta
Send us a textIf 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 focusing on these industry-leading solutions, you can make a more informed decision about which TMS will best suit your organization's requirements and objectives. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer understanding of the solutions that can make a real impact on your global logistics operations. 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.

Oct 24, 2023 • 50min
WBSP531: Grow Your Business by Learning Why Trademarks are Critical for eCommerce Merchants w/ Paul Rafelson
Send us a textThere 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 transactions?In today's episode, our guest, Paul Rafelson, discusses why trademarks are critical for eCommerce merchants. He also discusses why business buyers are likely to be worried about buying businesses that might not be protected by trademarks. Finally, he discusses other issues, such as protecting brand images and when IP protection might be overkill vs. when it’s absolutely necessary.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.

Oct 23, 2023 • 30min
WBSP530: Grow Your Business by Learning the Top 10 Project Management Systems in 2023 w/ Sam Gupta
Send us a textIf 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 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.

Oct 17, 2023 • 52min
WBSP529: Grow Your Business by Understanding Infor WMS' Capabilities, an Objective Panel Discussion
Send us a textThe 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 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 Infor WMS capabilities. We covered many grounds, including their unique strengths and how they compare with other Infor products. Finally, we covered how it compares with other supply chain solutions out there.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.

Oct 16, 2023 • 60min
WBSP528: Grow Your Business by Learning the Top KPIs for the Director/VP of IT, a Live Interview w/ a Panel of Experts
Send us a textWhat are the roles and responsibilities of the Director/VP of IT? Also, the role has changed substantially with cloud technologies. Additionally, each industry may have different expectations from the Director/VP of IT role. So are IT directors/VPs responsible for managing the helpdesk or infrastructure? Or would their responsibility be primarily to manage business systems? So which are the KPIs they need to measure to manage their function?In today's episode, we invited a panel of cross-functional experts for live interview on LinkedIn who brings significant expertise to discuss the Top KPIs for the Director/VP of IT. We discussed how the VP of IT role differs from other roles present in an IT organization and how that could drive their KPIs. We also discussed the top KPIs for the VP of IT role and what companies need to know to create the right metrics that will drive their adoption and compliance within the organization.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.

Oct 10, 2023 • 20min
WBSP527: Grow Your Business by Learning the Top 10 Companies That are not Independent ERP Consultants in 2023 w/ Sam Gupta
Send us a textNavigating the ERP industry can be challenging. While numerous companies offer ERP-related services, not all are independent ERP consultants dedicated solely to unbiased advisory and guidance. In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 types of companies that might provide some level of ERP-related assistance but are not independent ERP consultants.He also discusses that while they all have great strengths in their respective areas, they are not necessarily fit for ERP selection or implementation.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.

Oct 9, 2023 • 37min
WBSP526: Grow Your Business by Learning the Strategies for Building the S&OP Framework w/ Lee Bartlett
Send us a textForecasts are often wrong. But not planning in the fear of forecasts being wrong is like operating in the dark. Some companies are likely to be slightly more mature in planning, while others might not be as sophisticated. The same thing goes for the industries as well. Planning is must-have in certain industries but not so much in other industries. Regardless of how much time and money you invest in planning, not planning is not smart.In today's episode, our guest, Lee Bartlett, discusses the strategies for building the S&OP framework. He also discusses why formalized planning is absolutely essential for most organizations, regardless of whether they are retail or distribution-centric organizations or not. He also discusses how not only the forecasts but several stories where adoption could be equally critical for the forecasts to work and to be implemented inside an organization.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.