WBSRocks: Business Growth with ERP and Digital Transformation

Send us a textManufacturing ERP systems may appear similar on the surface, but their differences become stark once you look underneath—especially for industries where precision, engineering complexity, and compliance cannot be compromised. While many vendors promote similar modules, only specialized ERPs are architected to handle the rigorous demands of electronics, wire harness, and other engineering-intensive sectors. This webinar will unpack why industry-specific systems consistently outperform generic, one-size-fits-all ERPs, showing how they enhance traceability, strengthen real-time visibility, and seamlessly connect quoting, ordering, production, inventory, quality, and shipping into a unified operational flow. We'll explore how features like dynamic scheduling, embedded revision and configuration control, automated quality enforcement, and real-time WIP and material visibility are purpose-built—not bolted on—to support complex manufacturing. By the end, you'll clearly see how the right specialized ERP can improve accuracy, reduce errors, accelerate throughput, and ultimately drive profitability in high-stakes production environments.In this episode, Sam Gupta hosts Tanner Rogers, Director of Sales, Cetec ERP, to discuss the ultimate ERP playbook for Electronics & Wire Harness companies.Video: https://www.elevatiq.com/events-and-webinars/the-ultimate-erp-playbook-for-electronics-manufacturing/Questions for Panelists?

Send us a textThis week's enterprise technology updates highlight major movements across ERP support, AI automation, testing, analytics, and workflow orchestration. Rimini Street extended support for all SAP ECC 6.0 and S/4HANA releases through 2040, offering long-term stability for organizations navigating SAP's transition timeline. Zencoder launched Zentester, an AI-powered end-to-end testing agent designed to transform vibe coding into enterprise-grade engineering, while Acorn secured $12.3 million in Series A funding to accelerate its growth. Algolia introduced its MCP Server to empower developers, and Aravo enhanced its Evaluate Engine with new features to strengthen risk and compliance workflows. Avetta rolled out upgrades to the Avetta One platform, and Orbit Analytics expanded its GL Sense solution with new capabilities. Pipefy launched AI agents tailored for HR teams, Advantive released a new version of its statistical process control solution, and Aquant detailed its retrieval-augmented conversation technology—together showcasing how AI, automation, and modernization continue reshaping every layer of the enterprise software ecosystem.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06EUjRBLHDAQuestions for Panelists?

Send us a textWhen evaluating the top 10 large-company CRMs in 2025, it's essential to ground the discussion in how we define this segment: organizations with more than 5,000 employees and over $1 billion in annual revenue, representing the true enterprise tier. Unlike startups, small businesses, or even mid-sized firms, large enterprises operate with global scale, complex geographic footprints, and deeply layered organizational structures that demand far more from their CRM systems. Their priorities include advanced territory and quota management, multi-layered sales and service planning, global data consolidation, and strict compliance with regulations across multiple jurisdictions. As a result, CRMs designed for this tier aren't simply expanded versions of mid-market solutions—they are built with entirely different architectural assumptions, offering deeper configurability, stronger governance controls, more sophisticated integration frameworks, and data models engineered to support highly interconnected business units operating across regions, languages, currencies, and regulatory environments.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Large Non-Profit CRMs in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these Large Non-Profit CRMs. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each CRM system.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFtzoHQiqfgRead: https://www.elevatiq.com/post/top-non-profit-crms/Questions for Panelists?

Send us a textThe aerospace and defense industry operates in one of the most demanding environments, where compliance, traceability, and precision are non-negotiable—yet many manufacturers still rely on generic ERPs that were never built for aviation. As a result, they pour millions into customizations just to meet basic FAA, DoD, and OEM requirements, only to end up with fragile systems that struggle under the weight of cert linkage, serial and lot tracking, shelf-life controls, and calibration traceability. In this webinar, we'll break down the “Aerospace ERP Gap,” exposing the risks and costs of forcing generic ERPs into aerospace use cases, including the all-too-common “$2M customization trap.” You'll see how industry-built ERP platforms close this gap with out-of-the-box capabilities for MRO, manufacturing, and defense contractors—delivering compliance-ready workflows, integrated configuration management, and real-time visibility across every aircraft, tool, and certificate. Ultimately, these purpose-built solutions help organizations move from reactive and fragmented to unified and intelligent, without blowing budgets or stretching implementation timelines.In this episode, Sam Gupta hosts Ralph Merhi, CEO, ERP.aero, to discuss the inside of the aerospace ERP gap, the $2M cost of getting it wrong.Video: https://www.elevatiq.com/events-and-webinars/erp-aero-overview-webinar/Questions for Panelists?

Send us a textThis week brought a surge of AI-driven innovation across CX, martech, enterprise software, and development tooling. Treasure Data introduced five new AI suites aimed at elevating customer experiences, while Uniphore unveiled a suite of AI marketing agents and Zeta Global provided more details on its Zeta Answers platform—each reinforcing the rapid expansion of AI across customer engagement. In the enterprise and ERP ecosystem, Accenture launched its Distiller agentic AI framework, Precisely rolled out AI-driven automation for SAP ERP, and Rimini Street extended support for all SAP ECC 6.0 and S/4HANA releases through 2040, signaling major momentum in long-term ERP modernization and support. On the engineering and DevOps front, Zencoder debuted Zentester, an AI-powered end-to-end testing agent designed to turn vibe coding into enterprise-grade engineering. Meanwhile, Acorn secured $12.3 million in Series A funding to accelerate its growth, Algolia released its MCP Server to enhance developer productivity, and Aravo expanded its Evaluate Engine with new features—collectively highlighting how AI, automation, and modernization continue reshaping every layer of the enterprise technology stack.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrKYmqgnWMgQuestions for Panelists?

Send us a textWhen evaluating the top 10 mid-sized CRMs in 2025, it's important to anchor the discussion in how we define the mid-sized market: organizations with roughly 100 to 5,000 employees and annual revenues from about $100 million to $1 billion. While some vendors might loosely label this range as enterprise, its operational profile aligns more closely with a true mid-sized segment—complex enough to require mature workflows, multi-layer security, and structured organizational planning, yet not burdened by the extreme global compliance, multinational consolidation, or governance demands seen in large enterprises. This tier sits squarely between the lightweight needs of startups and small businesses and the heavy global operational requirements of enterprise firms. As a result, CRM systems built for mid-sized organizations strike a deliberate balance: they offer richer data models, stronger automation, and more advanced capabilities than systems targeted at smaller businesses, without introducing the excessive overhead or architectural rigidity common in enterprise-focused platforms.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Mid-Sized Non-Profit CRMs in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these Mid-Sized Non-Profit CRMs. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each CRM system.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLnUew0p7iURead: https://www.elevatiq.com/post/top-non-profit-crms/Questions for Panelists?

Send us a textThis week's customer experience and marketing technology updates highlight a clear shift toward deeper intelligence, tighter collaboration, and more secure enterprise-grade platforms. CallMiner strengthened its conversational analytics footprint with the acquisition of VOCALLS, while Contentstack expanded its composable ecosystem by launching the new Data and Insights solution. Mosaicx introduced the next generation of its Engage platform, and Salesforce continued its march toward unified workflows by embedding Slack directly into CRM collaboration. In the government and regulated markets, Talkdesk achieved FedRAMP authorization for its CX Cloud Government Edition, signaling a major milestone for secure cloud CX. Meanwhile, Treasure Data rolled out five new AI suites aimed at enhancing customer experiences, Uniphore unveiled a new suite of AI marketing agents, and Zeta Global provided fresh details on its new Zeta Answers offering—collectively reflecting increased innovation and maturity across the CX and martech landscape.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85vq3s9786EQuestions for Panelists?

Send us a textWhen evaluating the top 10 not-for-profit CRMs for small businesses in 2025, it's essential to understand how this market is segmented, starting with organizational size and industry context. While many assume not-for-profits operate with simpler technology needs, their CRM requirements can actually be far more complex—often extending into grant management and other operational layers, especially when the ERP footprint remains intentionally lean. For this analysis, we classify small business not-for-profits as organizations with roughly 20 to 200 employees, acknowledging that complexity often matters more than headcount. In this tier, processes are typically siloed and focused on customer- and constituent-facing workflows such as marketing, donor and volunteer engagement, and basic lifecycle tracking, with fewer downstream marketing demands. Because datasets and business objects are less interconnected than in mid-market or enterprise environments, CRM systems for this segment prioritize simplicity, lowered configuration effort, and accessible pricing—while still offering the flexibility to support a wide range of not-for-profit models, including associations, education, healthcare, charities, and religious organizations.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Non-Profit Small Business CRMs in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these Non-Profit Small Business CRMs. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each CRM system.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mhAL_jsdboRead: https://www.elevatiq.com/post/top-non-profit-crms/Questions for Panelists?

Send us a textThe enterprise tech landscape saw a wave of AI-driven advancements this week, with major vendors pushing deeper into intelligent automation and unified customer experiences. Sage introduced its AI-powered Copilot to Sage X3, while Storyblok rolled out two new integrations to strengthen content operations. Workday expanded its ecosystem with a new AI Agent Partner Network and Gateway, and AdDaptive Intelligence broadened its AI-powered advertising platform. In the CX space, CallMiner acquired VOCALLS and Mosaicx launched the next generation of its Engage platform. Contentstack unveiled a new Data and Insights solution, Salesforce embedded Slack for tighter CRM collaboration, and Talkdesk secured FedRAMP authorization for its CX Cloud Government Edition. Rounding out the announcements, Treasure Data released five new AI suites focused on customer experience, Uniphore introduced a suite of AI marketing agents, and Zeta Global shared details on its new Zeta Answers offering—collectively signaling an accelerating shift toward more intelligent, integrated, and automated digital ecosystems.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iplWl80n90YZhdGlxBackground Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommQuestions for Panelists?

Send us a textIn the not-for-profit startup CRM segment—particularly for organizations with fewer than 20 employees—the environment is lean, centralized, and heavily dependent on a single CRM administrator who shapes processes across the organization. At this early stage, scattered systems and data silos are manageable, so CRM platforms prioritize simplicity, usability, and light integrations over complex workflows or deep data structures. Budget limitations also push these organizations toward DIY deployments, choosing tools they can configure and launch with minimal outside help. But as you move into the broader not-for-profit space, operational complexity rises sharply. Website integrations for donations, event registrations, and recurring payments become essential, blurring the line between CRM and e-commerce. This is why some CRM vendors in this segment offer built-in e-commerce capabilities—bringing their pricing closer to that of standalone e-commerce platforms while meeting the needs of more sophisticated not-for-profit operations.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Non-Profit Startup CRMs in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these Non-Profit Startup CRMs. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each CRM system.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihCIyzNkfV4Read: https://www.elevatiq.com/post/top-non-profit-crms/Questions for Panelists?

Send us a textThe enterprise software landscape continues its rapid AI-driven transformation, as vendors double down on automation, intelligence, and ecosystem connectivity. NT Logistics and Qued deepened their partnership to enhance logistics optimization, while Priority Software unveiled aiERP, embedding AI directly into core ERP workflows. Progress Software introduced AI-powered tools to accelerate developer productivity, and Sage rolled out AI Supply Chain Intelligence for SMBs alongside a new Copilot for Sage X3, reinforcing its mid-market dominance. On the content and marketing front, Storyblok launched two key integrations, AdDaptive Intelligence expanded its AI advertising platform, and Contentstack introduced its Data and Insights Solution. Meanwhile, Workday's new AI Agent Partner Network and Gateway underscores a growing focus on interoperable AI ecosystems, complemented by CallMiner's acquisition of VOCALLS, signaling continued consolidation across AI-native enterprise platforms.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 CRM requirements of nonprofits are uniquely mission-driven, extending well beyond conventional sales and customer engagement functions. Unlike commercial enterprises, these organizations must manage complex relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders—including donors, volunteers, members, partners, and beneficiaries—each with distinct interaction and reporting needs. Core capabilities such as donation lifecycle management, pledge tracking, campaign segmentation, and impact measurement are essential to sustaining transparency and trust. Nonprofits also rely heavily on integrations with fund accounting systems and marketing automation tools to maximize limited resources while maintaining accountability to donors and regulators. Given their dependence on public and grant funding, robust data governance and auditability are non-negotiable. A CRM that aligns with the nonprofit operational and compliance model is not just a tool for engagement—it's the backbone for mission execution, resource optimization, and long-term sustainability.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Non-Profit CRMs in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these Non-Profit CRMs. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each CRM system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 enterprise technology landscape continues to accelerate toward AI-driven transformation and vertical specialization, with a surge of strategic partnerships, product launches, and acquisitions reshaping the ecosystem. TELUS Digital's acquisition of Gerent strengthens its Salesforce consulting depth, while AppDirect's purchase of Broker Online Exchange marks an ambitious expansion into energy procurement—blurring the lines between technology marketplace and industry operations. Appian's Connected Claims 2.0 redefines insurance process automation through AI, and Celonis' partnership with Peech introduces a groundbreaking solution aimed at reducing retail perishables loss using real-time intelligence. Meanwhile, HCLTech and UiPath's collaboration focuses on scaling agentic automation across global enterprises, underscoring how automation is evolving into an enterprise-wide capability. On the innovation front, LuminX's $5.5 million seed funding highlights growing investor confidence in emerging AI players, and Priority Software's launch of aiERP reflects the movement toward embedded intelligence at the ERP layer. Complementing this, Progress Software's AI-powered developer tools and Sage's AI Supply Chain Intelligence for SMBs show that across functions—from supply chain to software development—AI is becoming the defining force driving efficiency, adaptability, and competitive advantage.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 CRM needs of large enterprises are shaped by scale, complexity, and stringent governance demands that go far beyond what smaller organizations require. These businesses operate across multiple geographies, currencies, and regulatory environments, making territory management, multi-level forecasting, and compliance core to their CRM strategy. Unlike smaller firms that prioritize ease of use, large enterprises demand robust systems capable of managing global data consolidation, advanced security, and enterprise-grade scalability. Their CRMs must seamlessly integrate with ERP, CPQ, marketing, and analytics ecosystems while maintaining strict data sovereignty and access control standards. With decision-making dispersed across regions and divisions, AI-driven insights, predictive forecasting, and centralized reporting become essential. Ultimately, for large enterprises, a CRM is not just a sales tool—it's a governance and intelligence engine powering global alignment, operational efficiency, and strategic execution.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Large Company CRMs in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these Large Company CRMs. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each CRM system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 enterprise software ecosystem is undergoing another wave of AI-driven transformation, with vendors and service providers racing to redefine customer intelligence and automation capabilities. Gainsight's debut of Atlas, a suite of AI agents, and Similarweb's launch of its own AI agent collection both signal a shift toward modular, intelligent ecosystems that automate customer insights and engagement. Complementing this, Snowplow introduced Snowplow Signals—a real-time customer intelligence infrastructure designed to power next-generation, AI-enhanced products. On the acquisition front, Invoca's purchase of Symbl.ai strengthens its conversational analytics capabilities, while Salesforce's planned acquisition of Informatica underscores its commitment to deepening data integration and intelligence at scale. Meanwhile, TELUS Digital's acquisition of Gerent, a Salesforce-focused consultancy, highlights how implementation partners are becoming increasingly strategic in this evolving, AI-first landscape where intelligence infrastructure is the new competitive battleground.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 mid-market CRM buyer occupies a distinct and often underestimated space between simplicity and scale. Unlike startups that seek rapid deployment or small businesses focused on cost efficiency, mid-sized organizations require systems that can support growing operational complexity without the burden of enterprise-grade bureaucracy. Their CRM priorities revolve around robust workflow automation, stronger data security, and cross-departmental collaboration across sales, marketing, service, and operations. With multiple product lines or regional divisions, they need a platform that offers deeper analytics, moderate ERP or CPQ integration, and flexible reporting capabilities for managerial insight and planning. Yet, they're not contending with the global consolidation, multi-currency, or data sovereignty challenges faced by large enterprises. Instead, their goal is to scale efficiently—to deploy a CRM that's powerful enough to grow with the business but still agile enough to adapt quickly to evolving market and organizational dynamics.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Mid-Sized CRMs in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these Mid-Sized CRMs. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each CRM system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 enterprise software landscape in 2025 continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, marked by a surge of strategic acquisitions, partnerships, and AI-driven innovations. Acumatica's acquisition by Vista Equity Partners signals a new phase of investment and potential scaling for the mid-market ERP leader. Meanwhile, alliances like Capgemini's expanded collaboration with Mistral AI and SAP, and SAP's new partnership with Alibaba Group, underscore the growing importance of regional and AI-native synergies. On the AI front, DataRobot's open-source framework for agentic workflows and Deloitte's launch of a Global Agentic Network both highlight the race to operationalize autonomous digital workforces. Product innovation also remains intense: Snyk's AI Trust Platform, Gainsight's Atlas, and Similarweb's AI Agent collections illustrate how vendors are embedding intelligence across ecosystems. Complementing this trend, Invoca's acquisition of Symbl.ai and Salesforce's plan to acquire Informatica show how data and conversational intelligence are becoming central to customer engagement strategies. Even digital service providers like TELUS Digital are doubling down on CRM-centric growth through the acquisition of Gerent, reflecting how every layer of the enterprise stack is being redefined by AI and data infrastructure convergence.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 textUnlike startups prioritizing rapid deployment and simplicity, small businesses now seek consistency in customer data, light automation, and limited but meaningful integrations—often with accounting or marketing systems. Their CRM expectations include emerging needs for security, role-based access, and reporting maturity without the overhead of enterprise-grade tools. In compiling our 2025 rankings, we analyzed each vendor's product share, roadmap alignment, and community ecosystem while factoring in win rates, investor confidence, and innovation direction. The resulting list identifies platforms purpose-built for small businesses—solutions that deliver process efficiency, automation, and integration depth without sacrificing ease of use or affordability.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 CRMs for small businesses in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these CRM systems for small businesses. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each CRM system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 enterprise technology landscape in 2025 is marked by accelerating AI adoption, strategic partnerships, and expanded automation capabilities across industries. Velixo secured a Series A investment from Elephant to fuel growth in financial reporting automation, while FloQast launched auditable AI agents aimed at addressing the growing talent gap in accounting and finance. Infor and Kinaxis announced a new partnership to enhance AI-driven supply chain collaboration, and Pegasystems introduced an AI-powered solution tailored for governance agencies. Planview unveiled several upcoming product enhancements focused on strategic portfolio management, while Rimini Street rolled out new Workday-centric services to strengthen support options for enterprise clients. SAP introduced its Omnichannel Sales Transfer and Audit solution to drive transparency across sales operations, UiPath expanded its testing toolkit with advanced AI agents, and Workato acquired DeepConverse to bring conversational intelligence into its automation platform—collectively signaling that enterprise software innovation is converging around intelligent, interconnected, and highly automated ecosystems.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 textWhen assessing the Top 10 CRMs for Startups in 2025, it's important to establish a clear definition of what constitutes a startup and how its needs differ from larger organizations. In this context, startups are typically companies with fewer than 20 employees or less than $10 million in annual revenue—businesses still shaping their go-to-market models and refining repeatable sales and marketing processes. These organizations are usually founder-led, with lean operational structures and limited departmental specialization, which means their CRM requirements prioritize simplicity, affordability, and rapid deployment over complex integrations or deep customization. Unlike mid-market or enterprise firms, startups need tools that deliver immediate visibility and momentum without requiring heavy IT involvement or long implementation cycles.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 CRMs for Startups in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these CRM systems for startups. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each CRM system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 enterprise software ecosystem continues to evolve rapidly as vendors double down on AI, automation, and data-driven orchestration across business functions. Nintex unveiled new generative AI capabilities to enhance business automation, while Circana introduced its Liquid Supply Chain solution to drive agility and responsiveness in complex networks. CloudBolt extended its optimization capabilities to Kubernetes through the acquisition of StormForge, signaling a stronger focus on cloud efficiency. Kinaxis partnered with Databricks to accelerate AI-powered supply chain orchestration and also announced a collaboration with Infor, further expanding its ecosystem reach. Rootstock's Spring '25 release reimagined the modern ERP experience for manufacturers, and Tempo launched a Strategic Portfolio Management platform to strengthen business alignment. Meanwhile, Tricentis rolled out new testing innovations in its spring update, Velixo secured Series A funding from Elephant to fuel growth, and FloQast introduced auditable AI agents to help finance teams bridge the growing talent gap—illustrating how innovation is reshaping every layer of the enterprise stack.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 textEnterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems in 2025 remain a specialized and best-of-breed category within the enterprise software landscape, purpose-built for organizations that prioritize the maintenance, tracking, and optimization of physical assets. Unlike ERP platforms that aim to unify enterprise-wide processes, EAM systems are typically siloed—designed to function independently and often deployed at the departmental level. This independence allows maintenance, reliability, and facility teams to manage their operations with greater agility, without the need for extensive cross-functional integration. For organizations seeking rapid implementation, localized asset control, and immediate operational value, modern EAM platforms offer the ideal balance of flexibility, scalability, and focus, delivering tangible impact without the burden of complex enterprise rollouts.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 EAM Systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these EAM systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each EAM system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 enterprise software landscape is undergoing rapid transformation as vendors double down on AI, automation, and data intelligence. ActiveCampaign's acquisition of Hilos strengthens its conversational marketing stack by expanding WhatsApp capabilities, while HG Insights is redefining data intelligence to refine go-to-market execution. HubSpot's planned acquisition of Dashworks signals a deeper integration of AI knowledge management, and Sitecore's launch of the Martech industry's first AI Innovation Lab underscores the growing urgency for marketers to accelerate their AI journeys. StackAdapt continues to advance transparency in connected TV and cross-screen analytics, whereas Accenture and Pipefy are joining forces on over 450 AI agents to scale process automation. Camunda's introduction of agentic orchestration brings a new layer of autonomy to enterprise workflows, and Nintex's generative AI updates further enhance intelligent automation. Meanwhile, Circana's Liquid Supply Chain solution and CloudBolt's acquisition of StormForge to optimize Kubernetes environments highlight a broader trend—AI and automation are now converging across marketing, operations, and infrastructure to drive unified, data-driven execution.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 textBefore exploring the Top 10 Marketing Automation Systems in 2025, it's essential to define what truly qualifies as a marketing automation platform and the criteria used for evaluation. This category is distinctly siloed—comprising standalone, SaaS-based systems designed to function independently, without the need for deep operational or cross-functional integration. Although some ERP and CRM platforms may offer features like campaign tracking or email management, they do not fall under this category. True marketing automation systems are purpose-built to orchestrate complex, multi-channel campaigns, automate customer journeys, and manage behavioral engagement at scale—delivering the kind of precision and personalization that integrated enterprise systems typically can't achieve on their own.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Marketing Automation Systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these marketing automation systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each marketing automation system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 enterprise technology landscape continues to accelerate its AI-driven transformation, with a flurry of announcements underscoring the shift toward intelligence and automation. BMC unveiled new GenAI innovations designed to unlock deeper business value from enterprise data, while Certinia rolled out its Spring 2025 release with enhanced automation capabilities. Laserfiche introduced a suite of generative AI features, and Make launched its Make AI Agents to bring real-time intelligence to no-code workflows. ActiveCampaign expanded its reach into conversational commerce by acquiring Hilos for WhatsApp integration, and HG Insights redefined data intelligence to sharpen go-to-market execution. Meanwhile, HubSpot revealed plans to acquire Dashworks to bolster its AI knowledge capabilities, and Sitecore launched the martech industry's first AI Innovation Lab to accelerate marketers' AI adoption. Complementing these moves, StackAdapt advanced transparency in connected TV and cross-screen analytics, while Accenture and Pipefy announced collaboration on more than 450 AI agents—signaling that enterprise AI innovation is scaling from pilots to operational impact across industries.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 textField service systems have emerged as a critical and independent pillar of enterprise software, complementing ERP and CRM rather than blending into them. Their siloed design is deliberate—crafted to empower technicians and contractors operating in unpredictable environments where connectivity can falter. By truncating transactions and prioritizing speed, these platforms enable uninterrupted operations in the field, with data later synced to the enterprise backbone. This decoupled architecture ensures that essential functions—like customer interactions, service tickets, and work orders—continue smoothly without being weighed down by complex back-end models. Rather than a limitation, this separation is a strategic strength, enabling real-time, device-centric execution in even the most bandwidth-challenged scenarios.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Field Service Systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these field service systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each field service system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 enterprise software landscape is rapidly evolving with a wave of AI-driven innovations, strategic acquisitions, and product updates designed to enhance automation and business agility. Precisely strengthened its Automate SAP Data API with new enhancements, while SAP showcased its Joule-powered AI capabilities to deepen enterprise intelligence. SC Codeworks rolled out updates to its warehouse management system, and WaveMaker debuted a marketplace for prefabricated app building blocks to accelerate low-code development. In a major move, Braze announced its agreement to acquire OfferFit, expanding its personalization capabilities, while AVEVA and ServiceNow revealed a new partnership aimed at integrating industrial and digital workflows. BMC introduced generative AI innovations to unlock greater value from enterprise data, and Certinia detailed its Spring 2025 release with fresh product enhancements. Laserfiche unveiled new generative AI features, and Make launched Make AI Agents, bringing real-time intelligence to no-code automation—collectively underscoring how AI and automation are reshaping the next chapter of enterprise technology.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 textDefining plastic extrusion ERP systems requires recognizing both their specialization and breadth, as they span the diverse business models across the extrusion value chain—from resin and pellet distributors to large-scale manufacturers of finished plastic products. While the focus is on extrusion, these systems must also account for the interconnected roles of suppliers, converters, and distributors to ensure real-world workflows are fully represented. However, no single ERP vendor fits every sub-segment equally well; some platforms are built for the complexities of high-volume extrusion manufacturing, while others better serve niche distributors or specialty converters. That's why guidance tied to each ERP option is crucial, with attention paid not only to system size but also to how well it supports extrusion-specific needs like scheduling, quality control, and regulatory compliance—factors that can ultimately determine whether an ERP investment delivers long-term value.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Plastic Extrusion ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these Plastic Extrusion ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each Plastic Extrusion ERP system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 enterprise technology space is seeing a surge of innovation and strategic moves as vendors double down on AI, automation, and customer-centric solutions. Beroe expanded its procurement suite with the acquisition of nnamu, while Capgemini and NVIDIA, alongside Oracle and NVIDIA, announced new collaborations and integrations to accelerate AI adoption. Deloitte entered the spotlight with the release of its Zora AI Platform, and Hyland reinforced its customer focus by appointing a Chief Customer Officer. In the AI-driven automation arena, Kore.ai introduced the Kore.ai Agent Platform and Pipefy unveiled new AI agents to strengthen process automation. OneDigital launched its Impact Studio Platform to fuel digital engagement, while Precisely enhanced its Automate SAP Data API, and SAP showcased new Joule-powered AI capabilities. Rounding out the updates, SC Codeworks delivered enhancements to its warehouse management system, reflecting the broader trend of continuous improvement across supply chain and enterprise operations.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 machinery manufacturing ERP landscape is uniquely complex, demanding far more than the generic capabilities many vendors claim to offer. These businesses are highly project-driven, building large, costly machines that require collaboration across mechanical, electrical, and calibration engineering disciplines—often within long development cycles and tightly interdependent workflows. While smaller ERP systems may provide advanced tools like CAD integrations or specialized workflows, they frequently lack the robust supply chain, inventory, and financial capabilities necessary to support the full business model. Beyond engineering-heavy production, machinery manufacturers often operate diverse divisions under one umbrella, from parts businesses resembling distribution and commerce operations to service arms managing rentals, long-term maintenance contracts, and advanced field service. These layers of complexity make it clear that only a handful of ERP systems—typically those designed with both depth and breadth—can effectively support the industry without extensive customization.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Machinery manufacturing ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these Machinery manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each Machinery manufacturing ERP system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 textEngineered AI has achieved remarkable milestones, yet fundamental questions remain about whether it can ever reason, think, or truly understand like the human mind. Current systems, while powerful, expose the limitations of today's technology, particularly the persistent neuroscience gap—the divide between brain research and cognitive psychology that prevents machines from replicating human-like cognition. This gap is compounded by the looming energy challenge, as the massive computational demands of AI training strain global infrastructure, in stark contrast to the human brain's ability to operate on the energy equivalent of a 20W light bulb. These realities underscore the growing promise of neurocomputing, which seeks to emulate the brain's structure and efficiency, offering a potential breakthrough in building systems that are not only more intelligent but also vastly more energy-efficient.In this episode, Sam Gupta engages in a LinkedIn live session with Michael Azoff, Chief Analyst, Omdia, in a live LinkedIn session to discuss LLMs: disembodied AI - it's not human-like AI as we imagine it.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 enterprise software and services landscape is buzzing with fresh announcements that highlight the industry's accelerating shift toward AI, collaboration, and customer-centric innovation. Zoho launched Projects Plus, a new collaborative platform designed to streamline teamwork, while Accenture unveiled an AI Agent Builder to help enterprises create intelligent digital assistants at scale. Acumatica rolled out details of its 2025 R1 product release, reinforcing its momentum in the cloud ERP space, and Aisera expanded its reach with the debut of a global partner program. On the procurement front, Beroe strengthened its capabilities by acquiring nnamu, while Capgemini and NVIDIA announced a new collaboration that underscores the growing role of advanced computing in enterprise solutions. Deloitte entered the fray with the release of its Zora AI platform, and Hyland signaled its commitment to customer experience with the appointment of a Chief Customer Officer. Together, these moves paint a picture of an ecosystem evolving rapidly at the intersection of AI, collaboration, and industry-specific innovation.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 textUnlike most manufacturing segments where vendors claim one-size-fits-all solutions, apparel stands apart as an industry so unique that generalized ERP systems often fall short. Specialized ERP platforms tailored for apparel-centric processes have emerged to address challenges like fabric management, style variations, and seasonal demand—delivering far greater operational alignment than broad-based systems. This complexity deepens when you compare sub-segments within apparel itself: designer fashion brands, uniform producers, sportswear manufacturers, and luxury fashion houses all operate on fundamentally different models, each with unique supplier dynamics, compliance requirements, and return management needs. As a result, the true measure of success in apparel ERP lies in aligning not just to the industry at large, but to the specific micro-segment a business serves.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Apparel manufacturing ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these Apparel manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each Apparel manufacturing ERP system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 textEver wondered what ERP and fasteners have in common? Spoiler: it's a lot more exciting than just bolts and spreadsheets! In this session, we'll dive into real-world ERP implementation stories from the fasteners industry—where efficiency, precision, and supply chain visibility come together in ways that are, quite literally, riveting. And the conversation doesn't stop there; we'll also explore Alox's forward-looking roadmap, where strategic innovation aligns with the nuts and bolts of growth, proving that even in a world of screws and rivets, technology can be the ultimate game-changer.In this episode, Sam Gupta engages in a LinkedIn live session with Anders Green, Founder, ALOX4, to discuss ERP implementation stories for the Fasteners industryBackground Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 enterprise technology landscape continues to move at a rapid pace, with several major announcements reshaping how organizations approach digital transformation. Phenom and Deloitte unveiled details of their strategic alliance, signaling a stronger push into talent experience innovation. Progress contributed to the developer community by releasing more than 50 UI components for free, while QAD ushered in a new era of leadership with the appointment of a new CEO. SAP expanded its process transformation portfolio by adding fresh capabilities to its SAP Signavio solution, and ServiceNow bolstered its AI-driven workflow platform through the acquisition of Moveworks. Zoho introduced Projects Plus, a new collaborative platform designed to streamline teamwork, while Accenture rolled out an AI Agent Builder to empower enterprises in creating advanced intelligent assistants. Acumatica also detailed the feature set of its 2025 R1 product release, underscoring its commitment to cloud ERP innovation, and Aisera broadened its ecosystem reach with the debut of a global partner program. Together, these developments highlight the intensifying competition and innovation across ERP, AI, and enterprise software markets.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 textProcess manufacturing stands out as one of the most intricate and fragmented domains in the ERP landscape, largely because of the wide-ranging product types and production methods that differ—even among companies that may look similar at first glance. Unlike discrete manufacturing, which focuses on standardized components and assemblies, process manufacturing is driven by formulas and recipes that demand both precision and adaptability. Industries such as food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals operate in environments where even the slightest change to an ingredient can trigger ripple effects across product quality, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. This diversity in formulations and processes makes it nearly impossible for a single ERP system to fit all needs seamlessly. To address this complexity, ERP evaluations must go beyond feature checklists, weighing factors like vendor market share, acquisitions that enhance process-specific functionality, long-term product roadmaps, and the strength of the community ecosystem. Equally important are considerations such as win rates, investor confidence, and technological vision, since only platforms that combine deep process capabilities with strategic commitment to the space can deliver sustainable value to manufacturers navigating this demanding landscape.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 Process manufacturing ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these process manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each process manufacturing ERP system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 textDesigning a successful digital transformation framework requires more than just introducing new technologies—it demands seamless integration with existing business processes to avoid disruption and maximize efficiency. As organizations plan large-scale implementations, they must prioritize agility and scalability, ensuring that strategies can adapt over time while delivering lasting impact. Crucially, the transformation should empower teams by streamlining workflows, elevate customer experiences through smarter interactions, and provide clear, measurable value that justifies the investment and drives ongoing innovation.In this episode, Sam Gupta engages in a LinkedIn live session with Michael Schank, Managing Director, Process Inventory Advisors, in a live LinkedIn session as they discuss the digital transformation framework for large-scale implementation.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 textRecent developments across the enterprise technology landscape highlight a strong push toward AI-driven efficiency, enhanced integration, and strategic partnerships. Resulticks' launch of Genie, an AI-powered marketing agent, promises to reduce workloads by 40% while boosting real-time audience engagement. Simpplr is expanding its platform extensibility with custom apps that enable seamless enterprise integrations, while iFabric Corp adopts BlueCherry® ERP to drive smarter supply chain and operational growth. Talkdesk's After Hours feature improves customer and agent satisfaction by extending support beyond standard business times. Additionally, ARIS has partnered with ProcessMaker to introduce a new task mining solution, Cleo and Programmers.io announced a fresh partnership, and Crusoe unveiled new managed services. Strategic alliances also continue to shape the market, with Phenom teaming up with Deloitte, Progress releasing over 50 free UI components, and QAD announcing a new CEO to lead its next phase of growth.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 discrete manufacturing can be complex due to frequent overlaps with other production modes like Make-to-Order, Make-to-Stock, or Engineer-to-Order. Many manufacturers operate hybrid models—for example, a machine builder that also manages chemical adhesives—where discrete processes dominate but some process-oriented functions are necessary. This list highlights ERP solutions that excel primarily in discrete manufacturing, even if they offer limited process capabilities. Understanding the precise structure of your operations is essential to determine whether you need comprehensive process support or just enough to complement your core discrete workflows effectively.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 discrete manufacturing ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these discrete manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each discrete manufacturing ERP system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 textCustomer engagement is rapidly evolving, with CRM systems playing a pivotal role in shaping how brands connect with their audiences. Today's CRM platforms go beyond simple contact management—they harness data and AI to deliver personalized, timely interactions that resonate on a deeper level. This shift means businesses must move from transactional exchanges to building genuine relationships, creating experiences that foster loyalty and long-term customer value.In this episode, Sam Gupta engages in a LinkedIn live session with Thomas Wieberneit, CEO, aheadCRM, in a live LinkedIn session as they discuss CRM and customer engagement trends.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 enterprise software and AI landscape continues to evolve with a wave of targeted innovations and strategic alliances. Rimini Street and T-Systems North America have joined forces to offer cost-effective enterprise software support and hosting, while ServiceNow is introducing AI agents tailored for the telecom sector to enhance productivity across service lifecycles. AI continues to take center stage—Creatio's latest 8.2.2 release brings key platform enhancements, Pipedrive now simplifies sales reporting with AI-generated insights, and Resulticks debuts Genie, an AI agent designed to slash marketing workloads by 40%. Meanwhile, GoTo is catering to automotive dealerships with a new communication platform, Persado is transforming financial services marketing through dynamic AI-driven emails, and Simpplr is boosting enterprise integration flexibility with custom app extensibility. From smarter ERP deployments like iFabric Corp's adoption of BlueCherry®, to customer service innovation with Talkdesk's After Hours initiative, the momentum toward industry-specific, AI-augmented, and integration-ready solutions shows no signs of slowing down.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 textWhile often conflated with Engineer-to-Order (ETO), project manufacturing has distinct characteristics that set it apart—particularly in how engineering complexity plays out. ETO usually demands intensive front-end design and quoting, but project manufacturing may involve minimal engineering, as seen in construction or infrastructure projects. What remains essential, however, is strong support for project planning, costing, scheduling, and other contract-driven requirements. ERP systems built for high-volume discrete or process manufacturing often overlook these project-centric needs, lacking features like milestone billing, long lead-time planning, or pre-sales estimation. For project manufacturers, selecting an ERP system that aligns with these operational demands is critical to ensuring delivery precision and financial control.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 project manufacturing ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these project manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each project manufacturing ERP system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 textEnterprise IT decisions carry enormous financial and strategic weight, and analyst firms like Gartner, Forrester, and IDC play a pivotal role in shaping them. Yet despite the influence of their research, many IT and business leaders struggle to use it effectively. Too often, organizations rely on reprints or surface-level summaries without grasping the full context or limitations. When properly interpreted, analyst insights can significantly reduce risk, streamline decisions, and steer companies away from costly mistakes. But unlocking that value requires more than just access—it demands a clear understanding of how to translate dense reports into actionable guidance that aligns with specific business needs.In this episode, Sam Gupta engages in a LinkedIn live session with Carter Lusher—an industry analyst veteran with experience on both sides of the table, as a former Gartner and Ovum analyst, in a live LinkedIn session as they discuss the consumer's guide to IT industry analyst research and advice.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 enterprise software landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with vendors doubling down on AI innovation, strategic partnerships, and vertical-specific enhancements. Acumatica is making waves by detailing its AI-driven ERP roadmap tailored for the mid-market, while Deltek introduces benchmarking capabilities powered by its Clarity study to enrich Vantagepoint users' insights. Meanwhile, Appian and Creatio are pushing platform updates that elevate data fabric and process automation experiences. Strategic alliances are also taking center stage—IFS and UKG are teaming up in North America, as are Rimini Street and T-Systems for enterprise support and hosting. From GoTo's targeted platform for automotive dealerships to Persado's dynamic email tailored for financial services, and ServiceNow's AI agents built for telecom, the message is clear: enterprise tech providers are sharpening their focus on specialization, intelligence, and integration.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds, including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendor. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 Configure-to-Order (CTO) space within manufacturing demands systems built for flexibility—balancing standardized components with the ability to configure products quickly and accurately. Unlike Engineer-to-Order (ETO), where each project starts from scratch, CTO relies on predefined options that can be assembled in various ways to meet customer needs. This configuration may occur within ERP or PLM systems, or extend outward through CPQ tools and e-commerce interfaces, depending on how a company structures its sales and fulfillment processes. Given the wide variability in product complexity and go-to-market strategies, there's no universal approach—successful CTO execution hinges on aligning configurability with business objectives and user experience.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 configure-to-order manufacturing ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these configure-to-order manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each configure-to-order manufacturing ERP system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 the right research firm is a strategic decision that hinges on aligning their domain expertise with your industry's specific challenges and goals. These firms do more than collect data—they interpret trends, test assumptions, and translate findings into actionable insights that inform critical business decisions. To ensure a good fit, it's essential to evaluate their methodologies, track record, and how well they tailor recommendations to your objectives. A credible research partner doesn't just report on the market—they help shape your strategy with intelligence you can act on.In this episode, Sam Gupta engages in a LinkedIn live session with Duncan Chapple, Analyst Relations Lead, Elisa Polystar, in a live LinkedIn session as they discuss how to work with the right research firms.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 textCustomer service in eCommerce comes with unique complexities, especially when managing thousands of product-related inquiries that can make or break a sale. Given the typically lower price points, even premium brands face a dilemma: hiring seasoned agents can be cost-prohibitive, yet relying on less experienced staff may jeopardize customer satisfaction. This is where seamless integration with eCommerce platforms becomes vital—ensuring agents have the right context and tools to respond effectively. Unfortunately, many customer service solutions built for other industries lack this deep integration, leaving eCommerce teams to navigate disjointed systems and compromised service quality.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to conduct an independent review of Georgias' capabilities. We covered many grounds including where Georgias might be a fit in the enterprise architecture and where it might be overused. Finally, they analyze many data points to help understand the core strengths and weaknesses of Georgias.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 textIn Engineer-to-Order (ETO) environments, early-stage collaboration with customers is critical, particularly during design and engineering. While general-purpose tools like Smartsheet or Monday.com may aid in project tracking, they typically fall short in supporting the depth and complexity of data exchange inherent in ETO workflows. Similarly, CAD and PLM platforms offer some collaborative capabilities, but their reach is often confined to engineering-specific tasks. The real challenge—and opportunity—emerges once the Bill of Materials (BOM) is finalized: ERP systems must seamlessly take over to drive production and execution. ERP platforms with built-in CAD and PLM integration simplify this transition, reducing technical friction, while those without native support often require costly middleware or custom development, increasing implementation risk.In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the top 10 engineer-to-order manufacturing ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these engineer-to-order manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each engineer-to-order manufacturing ERP system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 textProject management has come a long way from rigid, legacy systems to more adaptable, user-friendly platforms that cater to today's fast-paced work environments. Modern solutions range widely—from balanced tools that blend structure with flexibility to sprawling, spreadsheet-like systems demanding heavy consulting to tailor workflows. In this evolving landscape, ClickUp has emerged as a versatile player, promising both ease of use and robust customization. But the key question remains: how does ClickUp stack up against its competitors in delivering the right mix of simplicity and power for diverse project needs?In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to conduct an independent review of ClickUp's capabilities. We covered many grounds including where ClickUp might be a fit in the enterprise architecture and where it might be overused. Finally, they analyze many data points to help understand the core strengths and weaknesses of ClickUp.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 enterprise technology landscape is heating up with a wave of strategic acquisitions and bold AI investments signaling a new era of innovation and consolidation. Lenovo's move to acquire Infinidat strengthens its foothold in enterprise storage, while CDP consolidation accelerates as Rokt absorbs mParticle, tightening the data ecosystem. AI-driven capabilities are front and center, with ServiceNow advancing its agentic AI roadmap through Cuein and Oracle launching AI agents tailored for sales professionals. Meanwhile, startups like DeepSeek-R1 are shaking up the AI space by offering open-source alternatives to ChatGPT, and Atomicwork's recent $25M+ Series A reflects growing investor confidence in AI-powered enterprise IT tools. From Render's $80 million cloud simplification push to Vercel's acquisition of Tremor to boost open-source React development, the market is rapidly evolving toward smarter, more integrated solutions.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendors. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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 textMake to Stock (MTS) manufacturers may span diverse industries, but their ERP needs often align around the essentials: accurate demand forecasting, efficient inventory management, and resilient supply chain operations. With production driven by forecasts rather than confirmed orders, the stakes for planning precision are high—making tools like MRP, S&OP, and warehouse logistics critical to profitability. In our 2025 ERP analysis, we zeroed in on platforms that go beyond basic functionality, identifying those with strategic investments in MTS-specific capabilities, robust communities, and agile technology stacks. Whether you're in food and beverage, automotive, or consumer goods, the systems highlighted here are designed not just to meet today's operational challenges, but to scale with the complex future of proactive manufacturing.In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 make-to-stock manufacturing ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these make-to-stock manufacturing ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each make-to-stock manufacturing ERP system.Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro SommFor 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.