News & views - Page 5 of 20

Requirements Overload

August 17, 2025 | 1059 Comments | Michael Burns

There are times when defining requirements for an ERP selection process that our client would question the effort and think that we are too much in the weeds and should save this detail when evaluating the systems and implementing the system. A leaner approach does make sense for standard requirements, but if the client has complexity and unique processes, then detailed requirements are worth the effort to: Avoid costly change orders when vendors discover what is needed during the implementation – It’s sometime called scope creep and you’re damned if you make the change as it will likely delay the […]

Ontario Automotive Modernization Programs (O-AMP)

August 17, 2025 | 1021 Comments | Michael Burns

The Ontario Automotive Modernization Program helps modernize Ontario’s automotive supply chain to make it more competitive and responsive to the changing needs of its customers. Funding: Up to $150,000grant to offset up to 50% of eligible project costs. (aim for $300k+ budget to receive max grant return). Eligible Applicants for Ontario Automotive Modernization Program: Ontario automotive parts manufacturers (at least 50% of total revenues must be generated from the automotive supply sector). The direct applicant must be a SME (<500 employees in Ontario and <$1B consolidated global revenues). The applicant must be in the automotive supply chain to original equipment manufacturers of passenger […]

Le monde des oiseaux. Very nice.

August 16, 2025 | 933 Comments | Michael Burns

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AI in Finance

June 9, 2025 | 0 Comments | Michael Burns

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Problems with ERP systems

June 9, 2025 | 0 Comments | Michael Burns

I read an interesting article about problems with ERP Systems on May 28, 2025 which you can check out by clicking here. The article identifies the following 4 problems with ERP: System – system is missing functionality needed Setup – system ok but not setup properly Incomplete – system ok but not using it Business Practice – system ok but not using it well It’s important to classify the problem, as the solution is not always a new system. We take a similar approach when we do our business process reviews, where we interview employees to describe the business process […]

APIs vs. File Transfers: A Brief Comparison

May 16, 2025 | 0 Comments | Michael Burns

In the world of data exchange between systems, two common methods stand out: Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and file transfers. Each has distinct use cases, advantages, and limitations, making them suitable for different scenarios depending on the needs of the system or organization. What is an API? An API is a set of rules that allows software applications to communicate with each other in real time. They are ideal for real-time, interactive data sharing and are commonly used in web applications, mobile apps, and cloud services. Pros of APIs: Real-time data access Can apply business logic in importing data Better error handling and […]

AS-IS Business Process vs TO-BE Business Process

March 20, 2025 | 0 Comments | Michael Burns

AS-IS Business Process A business process review will document the existing or AS-IS business process. The primary objective is to uncover inefficient and ineffective processes that should be eliminated. It can also be used to uncover requirements for a new system based on what is needed to fix the problems and based on what works well. Another objective would be to understand the impact of the problems, which can lead to a business case when benefits are identified and calculated in eliminating the problems. An ideal time to do a business process review is when an organization’s existing systems need […]

Scale AI

February 5, 2025 | 0 Comments | Michael Burns

Scale AI is Canada’s artificial intelligence (AI) Global Innovation Cluster dedicated to boosting industry performance by leveraging AI technologies to improve value chains, with a specific focus on building resilient and sustainable supply chains. Sale AI Funding Scale AI is funded from the Governments of Canada and Quebec as well from the private sector through membership fees and strategic partnerships. The Government of Canada’s contribution to Scale AI amounted to $230M over 5 years, from April 1, 2018 until March 31, 2023. Additional funding of $53.4M has been granted by the Government of Québec. They have already funded $700M in […]

Not Just The Top 10 ERP Systems

February 5, 2025 | 0 Comments | Michael Burns

Some consultants will identify the top 10 ERP systems or just consider them in software selection projects. These systems have the largest customer base and typically have: Modern user interfaces Invested large sums in R&D to take advantage of new technology like AI. Invested large sums in security. But should you also consider lesser-known systems that cater to a specific industry? Advantages of Lesser-Known ERP Systems They are usually industry specific and also include business processes optimized for the industry and industry experts to implement the system. Licensing and implementation are usually less expensive. They are often less difficult to […]

Independence

February 5, 2025 | 1222 Comments | Michael Burns

Let’s assume you’re looking for an independent consultant to assist you in selecting a new ERP system. One question to answer is how do you know they are independent. Take a look at a Blog from the Enterprise Spectator or some insights which include: Conflicts of Interest per Enterprise Spectator Does the firm offer services to tech providers? Do they have a partner or alliances page? If so, are tech providers listed? Does the consultant also offer implementation services for specific vendors? Are their blog posts and white papers truly thought leadership reports, or are they mostly puff pieces for […]