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ERP Phase 0 is more than just a clever way to cut down on the zeroes in your total cost of ownership—it’s the strategic groundwork that can make or break your entire implementation. This critical phase is where businesses assess their needs, document current processes, and align their objectives with the capabilities of a chosen ERP system. Think of it as building a zero-solid foundation: whether it's a retailer identifying supply chain gaps or a manufacturer validating workflow compatibility, Phase 0 is where hidden inefficiencies surface and alignment begins. Skipping this step often leads to costly delays, scope creep, and mismatched expectations. But embracing it? That’s how you set your ERP project up for real, scalable success.

In this episode, Sam Gupta engages in a LinkedIn live session with Jakob Bent Smed, Founder, JBS Advisory in a live LinkedIn session and discusses ERP Phase 0 stories.

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For 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.

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Many marketing automation platforms tend to overpromise, presenting themselves as all-encompassing solutions capable of delivering seamless, customer-centric workflows across the entire CRM spectrum. In reality, these platforms are typically optimized for specific use cases, and their underlying data models reflect that specialization. B2C-focused systems often emphasize features like order management, subscriptions, and loyalty programs, whereas B2B platforms are built around complex customer hierarchies, account-based marketing, and territory-based permissions. While there is some functional overlap, the structural differences between B2B and B2C solutions are significant, particularly when it comes to integration requirements and workflow design. In this context, evaluating where Brevo fits becomes crucial—understanding whether it leans more toward B2B or B2C use cases, how well it adapts to varying business needs, and how its capabilities compare with other niche and hybrid platforms in the market.

In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to conduct an independent review of Brevo’s capabilities. We covered many grounds, including where Brevo 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 Brevo.

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For 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.

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When evaluating the top ERP systems for the medical device industry, it’s essential to recognize the wide range of business models that fall within this sector, from biotech startups to large-scale manufacturers of capital equipment and consumables. This ranking focuses strictly on the ERP solutions themselves—independent of the companies behind them—and considers their applicability across organizations of all sizes. Since ERP requirements differ significantly depending on a company’s scale, regulatory obligations, and operational focus, the commentary accompanying each system is critical in helping businesses determine fit. For example, a biotech firm may prioritize robust compliance and research support, while a consumables manufacturer might seek high-efficiency production and traceability. As such, a top-ranked ERP solution may not be universally ideal, but rather excels in particular areas like scalability, automation, or compliance. Choosing the right system involves aligning these strengths with your specific business needs, ensuring the ERP not only supports current operations but is also capable of adapting to future growth and industry demands.

In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 medical device ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these medical device ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each medical device ERP system.

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For 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.

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CIOs are pivotal to successful business transformation, serving as the bridge between equipment IT, product IT, and corporate IT to create a unified and agile technology ecosystem. Achieving this coherence requires more than technical oversight—it demands a strategic mindset rooted in business value. Tools like Signavio and LeanIX have become essential in this effort, enabling CIOs to map and model business processes, identify redundancies, and ensure clear ownership across the IT landscape. These platforms not only enhance visibility but also support cross-functional alignment and better resource utilization. However, the true power of Enterprise Architecture lies in its ability to drive adaptability and collaboration among stakeholders. CIOs must champion EA not just as a framework, but as a transformative force that connects technology initiatives to tangible business outcomes. Past failures highlight the dangers of poor communication and lack of executive buy-in, where even well-designed EA strategies can result in underused systems or disconnected goals. Ultimately, CIOs who align IT with dynamic business needs and foster a culture of agility are best positioned to lead through change and deliver long-term value.

In this episode, Sam Gupta engages in a LinkedIn live session with Martin Mohr, CIO, RAFI Group in a live LinkedIn session and discusses business transformation from the lenses of a CIO.

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For 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.

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The sustainability of the open-source business model remains a subject of ongoing debate, particularly when examining its long-term viability as a product differentiator. While open-source has often served as an effective marketing and adoption strategy—evident in early trailblazers like SugarCRM—it doesn’t always guarantee lasting market dominance. SugarCRM, for instance, initially gained traction by fostering a strong community and ecosystem around its open-source version. However, despite this early success, the company eventually discontinued its community edition, raising questions about the durability of the model. Such a pivot can alienate loyal users and erode trust, especially if customers feel that transparency and flexibility—the core promises of open-source—are being compromised. Furthermore, once a product shifts away from its open-source roots, the competitive advantage it once held may diminish, particularly as the value proposition becomes more aligned with proprietary alternatives. This transition often forces companies to reevaluate how they attract and retain customers in a more crowded, less differentiated market.

In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to conduct an independent review of SugarCRM’s capabilities. We covered many grounds, including where SugarCRM 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 SugarCRM.

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For 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.

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When assessing the top aerospace and defense ERP systems for 2025, it's essential to recognize that this evaluation is rooted in a defined set of criteria focused solely on the ERP solutions themselves rather than the reputation or size of the vendors behind them. The list accommodates businesses across the spectrum—from small subcontractors to large OEMs—acknowledging that ERP suitability is highly context-dependent. A system ranked at the top may excel in areas like compliance, scalability, or supply chain integration but might not align with the streamlined needs of a smaller Tier 2 supplier or a service-focused firm. The aerospace and defense industry is far from monolithic; it includes a diverse array of business models, from component manufacturing to project-based consulting, each with distinct requirements. As such, factors like industry-specific functionality, support for standards like AS9100, and project management capabilities such as WBS must be considered. The commentary accompanying each system in the ranking will delve into these nuances, helping organizations identify the ERP solution that best fits their operational profile rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all approach.

In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the top 10 aerospace and defense ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these aerospace and defense ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each aerospace and defense ERP system.

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For 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.

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When evaluating the cost of a review platform, businesses must consider more than just the price—they need to assess the value it brings to their marketing and conversion strategy. A robust review system can significantly impact customer trust, ad performance, and even SEO rankings, making it a powerful asset beyond simple testimonials. The real question is whether the investment can be tied directly to measurable ROI. Platforms like Yotpo have gained popularity by offering features such as automated review collection, AI-driven sentiment analysis, and seamless integrations with eCommerce ecosystems. If a platform can drive higher conversions, reduce customer acquisition costs, and enhance brand credibility, then even a five-figure investment might be justified. However, businesses must carefully compare options and ensure that the chosen solution aligns with their overall growth and engagement strategies.

In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to conduct an independent review of Yotpo’s capabilities. We covered many grounds, including where Yotpo 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 Yotpo.

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For 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.

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Given these complexities, selecting the right ERP system for the paper industry requires a solution that goes beyond generic functionalities to address sector-specific challenges. From managing raw material fluctuations and complex production scheduling to ensuring seamless integration across newly merged entities, an effective ERP must provide real-time visibility and adaptability. Additionally, regulatory compliance, sustainability tracking, and waste reduction are growing concerns that necessitate robust data analytics and reporting capabilities. Companies that invest in an ERP tailored to the paper industry gain not only operational efficiency but also a strategic advantage, enabling them to optimize production, streamline supply chains, and respond swiftly to market changes.

In this episode, Sam Gupta engages in a LinkedIn live session with Fred Donatucci, CIO/IT Executive Advisor in a live LinkedIn session and discusses ERP Consolidation in the Paper Industry and their unique needs & challenges.

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For 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.