Brief History of Dynamics GP: 1980s and Microsoft Acquisition

Dynamics GP is an accounting software developed by Great Plains Software Inc. of Fargo, ND, and acquired by Microsoft Corporation in 2000. Learn the history and future of GP.

Updated December 4th, 2023 • By Lexi Wood
ERP vs. Accounting Software: Differences Explained

The main difference between ERP and accounting software is the capabilities: Accounting only handles financials while an ERP does everything. Eplore the 7 key differences.

Updated November 16th, 2023 • By Russ Davidson
How to Evaluate ERP Software: 7 Criteria Checklist

We've created a roadmap to help you choose the ERP program that makes the best financial sense for your organization.

Updated November 8th, 2023 • By Lexi Wood
Guide to ERP Finance Modules: Features and Benefits

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is a popular method for managing business operations, particularly those which involve financial management.

Updated November 7th, 2023 • By Russ Davidson
ERP Benefits in 2023: Advantages of ERP Systems

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software offers many benefits to businesses. As a software suite, ERP includes many popular features for customizing your company operations across multiple departments.

Updated November 7th, 2023 • By Russ Davidson
Why ERP Systems are Important for Your Business

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, an integrated suite of business applications, allow organizations to streamline and optimize their business processes, such as financial, sales, and...

Updated October 20th, 2023 • By Russ Davidson
ERP Modules: Types, Benefits, and Functions

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are a critical part of any modern business.

Updated October 20th, 2023 • By Russ Davidson
10 Popular ERP Features: List of Key Capabilities

Do your needs require an industry-specific ERP? Or will mainstream ERP products provide the features you need? We survey 25 popular products to find out.

Updated October 20th, 2023 • By Russ Davidson
The History and Evolution of ERP Systems: The Past and Future

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) has a long and storied past, stretching from manufacturer's ledger books in the 1940s to the integrated suite of business applications we know today.

Updated October 20th, 2023 • By Sydney Hoffman
ERP vs. CRM: What's The Difference?

The very short version is: ERP covers primarily financial processes while CRM is focused on external customer communication. Find out which your business needs.

Updated October 20th, 2023 • By Lexi Wood
ERP Implementation Plan: 5 Key Phases

The 5 key steps of successful data integration are: installation, configuration, customization, data migration, and integration. Find out how to optimize your new ERP.

Updated October 20th, 2023 • By Russ Davidson
ERP vs. MRP Systems: What Are the Key Differences?

There are always ways to improve your business operations. Two popular types of software for streamlining business processes are enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools and manufacturing resource planning (MRP).

Updated October 20th, 2023 • By Lexi Wood
ERP Data Migration Steps and Best Practices

How much time will it take to transfer business data from one system to another? What's involved? What are the stakes? We connected with an implementation expert to get answers.

Updated October 20th, 2023 • By Lexi Wood
How Long Does it Take to Implement an ERP System?

Successful ERP implementations take between 4 and 6 months on average. Projects take longer depending on company size and customizations.

Updated October 20th, 2023 • By Lexi Wood
ERP Security: How to Secure an ERP System

The digital age has put online businesses at risk from malware, phishing attacks, and ransomware. Use 7 best practices to protect your ERP software.

Updated October 20th, 2023 • By Lexi Wood
Why Do ERP Implementations Fail?

Up to 75% of all ERP implementations fail. Failures can lead to lost revenue and even lawsuits. Here is a list of the 11 most notorious examples of ERP failures.

Updated October 20th, 2023 • By Katherine Boehm
What is ERP Integration? Benefits, Strategies, and Challenges

ERP integration is the process of connecting and communicating with other software applications. Learn more about the methods and benefits of integrating ERP.

Updated October 20th, 2023 • By Lexi Wood
Top Examples of ERP Systems in 2023

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software creates a system of business applications designed to streamline and automate the back office functions of your organization--including accounting,...

Updated September 25th, 2023 • By Russ Davidson
What is Business Intelligence?

Business intelligence is a technological infrastructure that compiles, parses, and turns data into actionable information. Learn how BI works and view examples.

Updated September 13th, 2023 • By Sydney Hoffman
Amortization vs. Depreciation: Key Differences

Amortization writes off the cost of an intangible asset over its useful life, while depreciation tracks loss in value for tangible assets—view formulas, examples, and differences.

Updated September 13th, 2023 • By Sydney Hoffman
How to Calculate Manufacturing Overhead Costs Step by Step

Calculate manufacturing overhead costs by summing up your facility’s indirect expenses. View examples and formulas and learn how to calculate predetermined overhead rate.

Updated September 13th, 2023 • By Sydney Hoffman
Power BI Dashboards 101: Learn from 8 Top Examples

Jumpstart your dashboard with these eight Power BI examples, then learn nine best practices for building a clean and concise design with actionable insights.

Updated September 13th, 2023 • By Sydney Hoffman
What Is Inventory Shrinkage? Causes, Examples, and Prevention

Inventory shrinkage occurs when actual inventory levels are lower than your accounting records. Learn about causes, prevention, and how to calculate shrinkage rate with examples.

Updated September 13th, 2023 • By Sydney Hoffman
Understanding Dropshipping and How To Get Started

Dropshipping is where a retailer relies on a third-party supplier for inventory and order fulfillment. Find out how you can leverage this low-risk business model for your store.

Updated September 13th, 2023 • By Sydney Hoffman
Guide To Calculating Fixed Asset Depreciation

Depreciation is an accounting practice of allocating the cost of an asset over its useful life.

Updated September 13th, 2023 • By Sydney Hoffman
Why Is Quality Control Important in Manufacturing?

Quality control is a set of procedures that ensures mass-produced goods meet predefined quality standards. Learn QC benefits, methods, and its role in quality management.

Updated September 13th, 2023 • By Sydney Hoffman
A Guide to Variance Reports: Definition and Examples

A variance report is a planning document that compares budgeted amounts for expenses and revenue to actual results. View examples and learn how to write a report.

Updated September 13th, 2023 • By Sydney Hoffman
What is a Master Production Schedule | Guide and Examples

A master production schedule is a plan manufacturers use to determine product types, quantities, and output. Learn how to prepare an MPS, view examples, and download templates.

Updated September 13th, 2023 • By Sydney Hoffman
What Is Software Testing?

Software testing is the process of assessing a software application to evaluate its functionality and verify that it meets user expectations. Review common types and techniques.

Updated September 13th, 2023 • By Sydney Hoffman
What Is Rough-cut Capacity Planning?

Rough-cut capacity planning (RCCP) helps manufacturers determine whether they have the necessary labor and raw materials—or capacity—to meet planned production.

Updated September 13th, 2023 • By Sydney Hoffman
MRP vs. MPS: What’s the Difference?

A master production schedule (MPS) is a plan based on independent demand, and MRP determines production based on dependent demand. Read on for definitions, examples, and diagrams.

Updated September 13th, 2023 • By Sydney Hoffman
50 ERP Statistics

Software Connect has collected over 50 ERP statistics you need to know to fully understand the potential benefits, costs, and drawbacks.

Updated September 6th, 2023 • By Lexi Wood
Construction Technology Trends - 2023 Report

We surveyed 158 construction businesses and shared the results in our 2018 construction technology trends report. Find out how contractors are investing in the future.

Updated August 29th, 2023 • By David Budiac
What is ERP? A Comprehensive Guide to Enterprise Resource Planning in 2023

Most workplaces depend on an ERP to handle all sorts of business processes. Yet what exactly is ERP? Find out how an ERP system can help your business flourish.

Updated August 22nd, 2023 • By David Budiac
ERP and the Automation Opportunity

Too many manual processes putting the hurt on your financial management efficiency? Find out how to find and evaluate the right software to improve automation.

Updated August 18th, 2023 • By Adam Bluemner
5 Types of Construction Accounting Methods

Learn about the construction industry's accounting methods, such as accrual and cash, to handle long-term contracts and revenue recognition like CCM and PCM.

Updated August 15th, 2023 • By Lexi Wood
ERP Components: Main Parts of a Modern System

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software typically comes packaged à la carte. Customers can choose components to add or remove functionalities as needed.

Updated August 1st, 2023 • By Katherine Boehm
Top 6 ERP Software Vendors

In today's age of digital transformation, the top ERP vendors are: This is because more and more businesses are taking advantage of the benefits of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.

Updated July 28th, 2023 • By Russ Davidson
What is a Manufacturing Execution System (MES)?

Gain a better understanding of the manufacturing execution systems (MES) and software which make it possible to turn raw materials into finished products.

Updated June 22nd, 2023 • By Lexi Wood
Fundraising Technology Trends Study

How are today's most successful fundraisers using technology to succeed? Find out how software, communication channel, and payment acceptance decisions impact fundraising success.

Updated April 20th, 2023 • By David Budiac
Discrete vs. Process Manufacturing

Process manufacturing involves using a formula to create a product, while discrete manufacturing involves assembling distinct individual parts into a product.

Updated April 9th, 2023 • By Katherine Boehm
What is QuickBooks?

QuickBooks by Intuit is a well-known accounting software designed to help small to medium-sized businesses manage their finances. Learn more about QuickBooks products.

Updated March 31st, 2023 • By Katherine Boehm
Types of Construction Billing & Best Practices

Construction billing isn’t easy. Learn about the three top methods of advanced, progress, and arrears to get a better understanding of your own processes.

Updated March 29th, 2023 • By Adam Bluemner
ERP Market Share, Size, and Trends Report for 2023

The world of the ERP software market overview has existed in some shape over the last 40 years, and the competitive landscape continues to grow every year.

Updated March 21st, 2023 • By Russ Davidson
What is Hybrid ERP?

You don't have to choose between keeping your on-premises solution or implementing a new cloud-based one: a Hybrid ERP combines on-premises ERP and cloud-based software, creating a solution that is the best of both worlds.

Updated March 16th, 2023 • By Katherine Boehm
CMMS vs. EAM: What’s the Difference?

Computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and enterprise asset management (EAM) both optimize the maintenance of equipment and assets.

Updated March 15th, 2023 • By Lexi Wood
Demand Forecasting: Types, Techniques, and Examples

Demand forecasting is the process of developing the best possible predictions of future consumer demand. Businesses can optimize inventory levels and pricing strategies using historical data, customer surveys, and expert opinions.

Updated March 9th, 2023 • By Sydney Hoffman
ERP vs. EPM: How Are They Different?

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) and enterprise performance management (EPM) solutions help companies automate and improve business processes. More specifically, ERP solutions streamline management of day-to-day business processes and transactions.

Updated March 8th, 2023 • By Lexi Wood
What is Supply Chain Management?

Supply chain management (SCM) is the active coordination of goods and services to the end destinations. The goal is to reduce production costs by streamlining operations.

Updated March 6th, 2023 • By Lexi Wood
What is MRO Inventory?

Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) inventory refers to all items necessary for maintenance work and day-to-day operations.

Updated February 28th, 2023 • By Lexi Wood