Blogs and News

ERPSeptember 4, 2019

451 Research: Moving to cloud — Are there technology speed bumps?

Cloud computing is causing a rethink and gradual change with regard to how IT is consumed. Enterprises are getting started with cloud and as-a-service deployments wherever possible instead of starting new datacenter builds or developing infrastructure services that offer no differentiated value. Enterprises are increasing their use of third-party vendors to host business services, using private and public tenant options to complement or replace on-premises systems rather than source hardware and software themselves.

Corporate NewsSeptember 4, 2019

Virginia’s international growth strategy for manufacturers

Launched in January 2002, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s (VEDP) Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) Program assists exporters in the Commonwealth that have firmly established domestic operations and are committed to international exporting as an expansion strategy. Participating firms are chosen based on their dedication to growth through export.

Corporate NewsSeptember 4, 2019

Technology Strategies: Words from Woz on Innovation

Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak was the headliner at the Norfolk Forum on Tuesday, October 14, 2014. Wozniak regaled a crowded Chrysler Hall, recounting stories of his rise to fame from high school outcast to celebrated inventor. He also served as the opening act for xTupleCon, the global user conference held by the eponymous Norfolk, Va.-based enterprise software company. The Woz, as he is known affectionately among the digerati, held court on everything from smartwatches to self-driving cars — even his take on the box office bomb "Jobs."

LogisticsAugust 30, 2019

Your guide to surviving Brexit

The UK is set to leave the European Union (EU) in the next few months. Currently, this will be without any agreement on its exit terms or future trading relations with the remaining EU members or rest of the world. This guide — from our partner at Avalara — explains how businesses will be impacted by new customs and value-added tax (VAT). It includes a No-deal Brexit Checklist, with details of actions businesses should take now to mitigate the new trade frictions and tax liabilities.

Connected WorkerAugust 30, 2019

Why U.S. Manufacturing Executives are Optimistic

A recent article on the IndustryNet blog regarding optimism among manufacturing executives caught our attention. The article, citing various reports from the Department of Labor and the Federal Reserve, suggests that industry confidence is not misplaced. Despite the positive sentiments, however, a number of executives also expressed concerns about the recent government shutdown and its impact on manufacturing. Lastly, while still a concern, tariffs are not causing as much consternation as they did in previous months.

ERPAugust 30, 2019

What is the difference? MPS and MRP

In this article, we explore the differences — and similarities — between manufacturing planning systems MPS (Master Production Scheduling) and MRP (Material Requirements Planning), and the business cases that warrant the use of each.

ERPAugust 30, 2019

What is Master Production Scheduling (MPS)?

In a previous article, we answered the question “What is MRP (Material Requirements Planning)?" To summarize, MRP is a software algorithm that results in an inventory plan for the purchase, manufacture and transfer of items such that inventory levels are minimized and service levels are maximized. To produce this plan, MRP takes into account many variables at all levels of the Bill of Materials, including how much inventory is on hand, where it is located, when more will be received, how long it takes to replenish and time phased demand.

ERPAugust 30, 2019

What is Landed Cost and How Do You Calculate It?

For companies involved in importing, the cost of freight and duty on items purchased overseas can be quite significant. In developing a fully realized product cost to maintain profit margins, your accounting department must capture every cost of doing business associated with each product.

EDIAugust 30, 2019

5 Trends (& Opportunities) for Automotive Aftermarket Parts Makers

I'm always looking for ways to help more manufacturers grow their businesses, and I’ve read a few interesting articles on current trends in the Automotive Aftermarket Industry that made me stop and think about their marketplace opportunities. According to Hedges & Company — a highly regarded market research company serving the automotive aftermarket and motorsports industries — new data on consumers’ auto parts buying behavior shows some big market changes.

Insights for Performance

Featured Insights

CAI Software Acquires LLumin; Expanding CMMS Capabilities for Process and Discrete Manufacturers

CAI Software Acquires PlanetTogether; Strengthening Advanced Planning and Scheduling Capabilities Across Manufacturing

CAI Software Names Gretchen Keefner General Manager of Graphic Communications Division

CAI Software Appoints Gaurav Maini as Chief Technology & AI Officer

CAI Software and Print ePS, a division of eProductivity Software (ePS), Announce Strategic Merger to Drive Innovation in Manufacturing Software Solutions

CAI Software Recognized as an Industrial IoT Product of the Year Recipient for ShopVue, Parsable, and Linsight

451 Research: Moving to cloud — Are there technology speed bumps?

Virginia’s international growth strategy for manufacturers

Technology Strategies: Words from Woz on Innovation

Your guide to surviving Brexit

Why U.S. Manufacturing Executives are Optimistic

What is the difference? MPS and MRP

What is Master Production Scheduling (MPS)?

What is Landed Cost and How Do You Calculate It?

5 Trends (& Opportunities) for Automotive Aftermarket Parts Makers

Talk to an Expert