WBSRocks: Business Growth with Enterprise Software and Digital Transformation

Send us a textThe assertion of a data platform serving as an ERP is not new. Many companies grapple with discerning the disparity between the two. The distinction is further muddled as data platforms become software-defined, emulating ERP functions. While data platforms traditionally reside in the architecture atop the transactional layer, their role should be confined to study, analysis, simulations, and providing recommendations. They are by no means a substitute for operational systems. So, how does Palantir measure up against 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 Palantir’s capabilities. We covered many grounds, including their overlap with other platforms such as ERP, supply chain suites, data integration, and ETL platforms. We also analyzed their current positioning and why they are essentially a custom development platforms for the decision science layer despite their claims of being a replacement for ERP and other transactional 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. 

Send us a textSpecialized ERP systems tailored for the pharmaceutical industry surpass generic alternatives, ensuring shorter implementation times and increased success rates. Relying on ad-hoc arrangements can lead to unforeseen challenges, making pre-baked capabilities within the system's data model crucial for preventing issues with version upgrades. Evaluating ERP systems for pharmaceutical needs requires not just technical expertise but a deeper understanding of compliance, including NDC codes, managing both serial and lot numbers, and addressing inventory based on expiring lots. In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the top 10 pharma ERP systems in 2024. He also discusses the crucial needs of pharma companies and how to identify the systems designed for them. Finally, he describes the pros and cons of each solution and where each of them might be a fit.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. 

Send us a textThe medical device industry's unique challenges demand specialized ERP solutions, spanning consumable items and large CapEx equipment segments. Processes and regulations vary based on diagnostic or surgical use, complicating the ERP landscape. The sector faces increased scrutiny, making systems supporting comprehensive reporting imperative to minimize administrative overhead. Key features include electronic signatures, device history records, and validation requirements specific to medical device companies. CRM processes encounter complexities due to diverse market timelines. This overview sets the stage for a deeper exploration of ERP systems tailored to the intricate needs of the medical device industry.In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the top 10 medical device ERP systems in 2024. He also discusses the crucial needs of medical device companies and how to identify the systems designed for them. Finally, he describes the pros and cons of each solution and where each of them might be a fit.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. 

Send us a textThe aerospace and defense industries grapple with unique challenges, including stringent quality and regulatory requirements, extended sales cycles, and uncertainties in supply chain planning. Tailored solutions are essential due to significant variations in manufacturing processes based on business models. Selecting an ERP system for the A&D industry requires a comprehensive understanding of business models and transactions, as generic solutions may demand significant investments and longer implementation cycles, potentially exceeding the scope of many Small and Medium-sized Businesses. In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the top 10 aerospace and defense ERP systems in 2024. He also discusses the crucial needs of aerospace and defense companies and how to identify the systems designed for them. Finally, he describes the pros and cons of each solution and where each of them might be a fit.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. 

Send us a textSelecting an ERP system for the automotive industry involves unique challenges due to its consumer-centric nature, leading to intricate and unpredictable processes. Consumer behaviors impact the entire automotive value chain, necessitating continuous innovation and modifications to products. This dynamic environment underscores the importance of collaboration and joint planning, influencing compliance and global trade processes. Understanding critical success factors is crucial, as choosing an ERP system not tailored to the industry may result in overengineering and adoption challenges. In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the top 10 automotive ERPs in 2024. He also discusses the crucial needs of automotive companies and how to identify the systems designed for them. Finally, he describes the pros and cons of each solution and where each of them might be a fit.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. 

Send us a textFor large companies, the ERP system selection process extends beyond functional specifications, focusing on handling immense transactional capacity and cross-functional process throughput. Software-enabled process evaluation mirrors resource planning, emphasizing meticulous capacity planning for smooth operations. The pivotal decision in cross-functional process throughput involves choosing between isolated and tightly integrated processes, considering factors like human resources interactions and reconciliation overhead. Varied implementation strategies emerge, with some favoring tightly integrated methods while others opt for slightly more best-of-breed approaches. Large enterprises face challenges such as evolving desired states and extended implementation horizons, treating ERP as the corporate financial ledger while allowing subsidiaries flexibility. Navigating these complexities prompts the question: which systems prove optimal, irrespective of architecture?In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the top 10 large company ERP in 2024. He also discusses the crucial needs of large enterprises and how to identify the systems designed for them. Finally, he describes the pros and cons of each solution and where each of them might be a fit.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. 

Mike Bowers, industrial data expert, discusses the state of industrial data today. Topics include evolution of technologies like JSON and SQL, importance of data collection from edge devices, and adoption of newer methods for real business value in manufacturing systems.

Send us a textSurpassing the $100 million revenue mark presents a significant challenge, where reliance on ad-hoc planning and siloed processes can lead to financial performance issues. Companies aiming to move beyond this stage require robust process integration and global financial and operational synergies. In the mid-market, tailored system solutions become crucial, with notable diversity, especially among upper mid-market companies nearing $1 billion in revenue. Ideal systems for mid-market businesses, whether upper or lower end, must balance advanced capabilities, scalability, and alignment with specific growth trajectory needs and constraints.In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the top 10 ERP systems for mid-sized businesses in 2024. He also discusses the crucial needs of mid-sized businesses and how to identify the systems designed for them. Finally, he describes the pros and cons of each solution and where each of them might be a fit.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. 

Send us a textAs businesses progress beyond the startup phase, ERP adoption becomes integral, yet disjointed solutions persist, even within an ERP-inclusive architecture, often centered on financial reporting and basic transactions. Streamlining ad-hoc processes and unique data models from the earlier stage is essential to avoid financial challenges at the next inflection point, especially with the expansion of departments leading to overlapping responsibilities. The importance of batch capabilities becomes apparent, addressing increased workload from reconciling disconnected data silos and managing ad-hoc processes, prompting a closer look at process re-engineering and tightly integrated processes, particularly in inventory management. The tactical perspective of executives, guided by current priorities and immediate needs, raises the question of which ERP systems best suit smaller businesses at this transitional stage.In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the top 10 ERP systems for small businesses in 2024. He also discusses the crucial needs of small businesses and how to identify the systems designed for them. Finally, he describes the pros and cons of each solution and where each of them might be a fit.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. 

Send us a textWhat exactly is an ERP? It's essentially a bundled suite of various offerings. However, simply combining various offerings doesn't automatically qualify a collection of software as an ERP. The determining factor is the level of embeddedness that categorizes software as an ERP. Moreover, the components included within an ERP may vary depending on the industry. While finance and accounting typically form the core requirements for an ERP, the approaches differ—some integrate HCM and FP&A, while others incorporate PLM, WMS, and TMS. So, where does Unit4 stand in terms of capabilities, and how does it stack up against other ERP systems?In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to conduct an independent review of Unit4’s capabilities. We covered many grounds, including their unique suite approach because of their combination of ERP, HCM, S2P, and FP&A. We also discussed the differences between service-centric and product-centric ERP and how they each differ in their process and cross-functional integration.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.