Enterprise Apps Unpacked

Moving an on-premises ERP system to the cloud can be extremely challenging. That's especially true when the target is multi-tenant software-as-a-service ERP, which typically requires organizations to adopt generic business processes and give up customizations they built on the old ERP.

SaaS ERP has undeniable advantages in accessibility, ease of use, low maintenance and advanced technologies like AI. That makes it a worthy goal, but the journey usually involves numerous obstacles, and many companies adopt halfway measures instead of making a full commitment to running everything in the cloud.  

In this episode, we explore one manufacturer's experience with moving from the on-premises version of Epicor Kinetic ERP software to the multi-tenant SaaS version and reveal the strategies it used for a successful migration.  

Featuring: David Paquet, Director of Technological Innovation and Procurement, Tilton Group

In today's episode, we'll also cover:

How temporarily using the "classic" user interface eased employees' transition to the new, web-based UI.

Why the company didn't move its manufacturing execution system (MES) to the cloud.

How application programming interfaces (APIs) enable the SaaS ERP and on-premises MES to communicate.

Why Tilton Group adopted Epicor's AI-driven inventory planning and optimization tool.

References: 

How to migrate to a new ERP system

Podcast: Deloitte experts on why internal controls are key in cloud ERP migration

Epicor website's Tilton Group case study

To learn more about enterprise applications, check out Search ERP.

The huge popularity of e-commerce added new complications to the already complicated process of reverse logistics, whereby products are sent back up the supply chain and returned to retailers, distributors and manufacturers. Besides adding shipping costs and environmental impacts, e-commerce returns are more susceptible to fraud and abuse.

As a result, companies are looking for ways to reduce their costs by minimizing returns and redirecting returned goods in more profitable directions.  

In this episode, we explore an innovative platform that enables returned goods to be donated to nonprofit organizations that have identified specific needs. Donors spend less on shipping, get a tax deduction or write-off and improve their environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings.  

Featuring: Aisya Aziz, CTO, LiquiDonate       

In today's episode, we'll also cover:

How the LiquiDonate platform works.

Where it fits in the e-commerce and logistics ecosystem.

How it integrates with other reverse-logistics and e-commerce platforms.

Why it supports circular economy goals for product reuse and recycling.

References: 

What to know about the circular economy and sustainability

Understanding reverse logistics

LiquiDonate case studies

To learn more about enterprise applications, check out Search ERP.

Until recently, industrial AI has mostly been focused on predictive tools and analytics that run on workstations and mobile devices. Now agentic AI is shifting the focus to execution by giving industrial robots more autonomy and making some decisions without human intervention.

Yet people could be more essential than ever in making this new age of industrial AI a reality in asset-intensive industries like oil & gas, mining and manufacturing. Frontline workers -- machine operators, maintenance technicians, safety inspectors and warehouse workers -- can respond faster and more effectively to equipment failures thanks to AI-assisted workflows integrated with back-office ERP systems. These connected workers also play a critical role in gathering the data and providing the business context and guardrails that AI requires.

In this episode, we explore how industrial AI technology helps coordinate the activities of frontline workers and why humans and AI agents working closely together to convert insights into action is a powerful combination for industrial automation.

Featuring: Sundeep Ravande, CEO and Co-Founder, Innovapptive 

In today's episode, we'll also cover:

How the Innovapptive platform works.

The biggest industrial AI challenges.

The role of multi-agent orchestration.

How industrial AI could evolve in the next five to 10 years.

References: 

The AI factory model: What CIOs need to know

AI use cases in manufacturing

Innovapptive's guide to the connected worker

Innovapptive case studies

To learn more about enterprise applications, check out Search ERP.

Human-centered leadership aims to put people first by prioritizing empathy, inclusiveness and employee development. While the approach has roots in the early 20th century, it is still just gaining a foothold in a world where top-down management remains dominant.

But now artificial intelligence is emerging as an effective tool for amplifying human-centered leadership. At the same time, human-centered approaches are proving to be the most effective way to encourage AI adoption that meets the goals of individual employees and the business as a whole.    

In this episode, we explore how an emerging type of "supermanager" blends savvy use of AI with human-centered leadership, and why developing supermanagers is essential in helping employees adapt to the massive changes brought about by AI.

Featuring: Julia Bersin, Director of Research, The Josh Bersin Company      

In today's episode, we'll also cover:

Why redesigning work around AI requires input from employees who are comfortable experimenting with the technology.

Tips on training employees to become "superworkers" by using AI more effectively.

AI tools supermanagers use in their own supervisory tasks.

References: 

Career cure for AI phobia: Be a beekeeper, not a worker bee

When building an AI strategy, don't forget the humans

Bersin video: The rise of the supermanager

To learn more about enterprise applications, check out Search ERP.

Can non-technical workers really use supposedly user-friendly low-code/no-code development tools to write and customize software, especially AI applications, for serious business use?

Indeed they can -- if they're operating under the auspices of a well-planned citizen developer program that sets realistic expectations, establishes clear guardrails, and provides the right programming tools and training. It's also important to have an effective process for deciding which staff-written AI agents and apps should be productized or added to the organization's internal IT architecture.    

In this episode, we explore how citizen developers can jumpstart an organization's AI deployment efforts, the essential elements of a program, who needs to be involved and the challenges to expect.

Featuring: Fabien Cros, Chief Data and AI Officer, Ducker Carlisle  

In today's episode, we'll also cover:

How Ducker Carlisle cut operating costs by 3%.

Whether citizen developer programs change the relationship between the business and IT sides.

How to decide when a citizen-developed app merits professional development.

References: 

What is citizen development?

Citizen developers are redefining enterprise AI development

StackAI low-code tool used by Ducker Carlisle

To learn more about enterprise applications, check out Search ERP.