xTuple's Collective Brainpower Blog

Let's take a brief stroll down Memory Lane... back to a time when a lot of people didn't recognize, or were a little afraid of, the phrase "open source." And what that means today for xTuple and our community of customers.

Tax law is complex and ever-changing. And the challenges are exponentially harder for businesses operating on a global scale. But understanding those challenges — and the available solutions — can create unparalleled opportunities for businesses of all sizes. In this report by International Data Corporation (IDC), learn the status of cross-border ecommerce, cause and effect, and what this means for your business.

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...

More than ever, businesses are relying on enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to streamline their operations. From accounting to manufacturing to sales, the all-in-one solutions drive efficiency and collaboration. But for some businesses, the price tag of an ERP solution is simply too high.

In a business-to-business (B2B) sector such as manufacturing, it’s possible for one single customer to generate millions in revenue. But in the multi-channel digital world of today, the same account-based B2B sales tactics that worked before are not enough to move leads effectively down the sales funnel. In short, B2B manufacturing companies are going to need to adopt some business-to-consumer (B2C) marketing tactics to maximize revenue growth.

Technology changes nearly as quickly as the calendar flips. A new device or upgrade that was trending not long ago may become antiquated or obsolete before you know it. Information technology is integral to most businesses today, but keeping up with the interrelated parts of IT and the advancements — from software to cybersecurity to social media platforms — isn’t always prioritized. IT experts say companies falling behind in that category could see their business slip as a result.

There’s nothing sexy about sales tax compliance. There really isn’t. But there is something mighty compelling about not running afoul of the tax authorities. Following some simple tips can help put even the least assiduous person on the path to successful sales tax compliance. And so, without further ado, here are 10 tips for complying with sales tax regulations:

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 it’s impact...

TEC’s mission is to provide expertise on the enterprise software industry through thought leadership, data, and consulting. [TEC] recently invited other industry experts to provide their views on the enterprise resource planning (ERP) software landscape. The goal was to gather a cross-section of insights that will help companies of all sizes make informed decisions on ERP software.

When it comes to cost-saving techniques, many manufacturers instinctively look toward making cuts; this could mean anything from laying off employees to pulling back on new technology. However, these methods can bring down morale and quash innovation, which allows competitors to get ahead. Good news: there are other ways to save money that won’t hurt business — and can actually help it thrive. We have compiled a list of ten ways to save that may help to cut costs without cutting personnel or creativity.

Back by popular demand, this 2019 sales tax changes webinar will get you up to speed! For anyone that deals with sales and use tax, this is a must attend. Scott Peterson, U.S. tax policy expert and former executive director of the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board, is a leading authority on sales tax nexus and will explain why 2019 might bring more change than any other year we've seen.

Over the last few months, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program has been commemorating its 30th anniversary. The Program has enjoyed taking a step back to look at the beginnings, the reasons the Program came to be, and how MEP can continue to deliver on its mission to strengthen and empower U.S. manufacturers well into the future..

Three major casinos abound in the greater Tulsa, Oklahoma, area, means a high-stakes arms race among them, and the need for each to adapt in an ever-evolving gaming business. This past fall, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa ascertained it’s in the game for the long haul. Completing an extensive remodeling of rooms, some of which were only five years old, as well an upgrade to the gaming floor, xTuple customer Cordeck was entrusted with the latter project ensuring the quality for such specialized work.

Preview 2019: Your business is changing. The economy is moving; optimism is on the rise. IN THIS ISSUE: xTuple 5.0 — Major upgrade for xTuple Users such as CRM enhancements (including sophisticated marketing automation), tax integrations and subscriptions! Winners Announced: xTupleCommerce License giveaway; Where's Wally? Talking IOT with Global Manufacturers; More Hot Topics; upcoming xTupleU Training.

Well, you've probably heard by now about the upcoming xTuple 5.0. We just recently published the "alpha" release (for testing purposes only!), and we've been reaching out to people about how best to position their business to take advantage of what will be a major upgrade for all xTuple users. Here I recap for you what's included in the 5.0 release, such as major CRM enhancements (including sophisticated marketing automation), tax integrations and subscriptions to name a few. And let me also tell you how xTuple is helping keep customer's ERP current, safe... and supported!

Big changes are taking place in the ERP (enterprise resource planning) space. CIO and key decision makers in businesses across all industries are taking note and making big plans for their ERP systems and budgets in 2019. Because they understand that this is not just a new technology to add to their stack, ERP is a business tool that can guide them toward a competitive edge in their respective marketplaces.

We hear things like this every day: "xTuple's scripting environment is such a powerful tool," and "I just wanted to give the dev team and all contributors a kudos for making such a solid and mold-able product." Thanks to a member of our community, you can start building your own xTuple Scripting ToolBox today. Avoid beating your head against the wall as you attempt to leverage the flexibility of open source software and accomplish some scripting to custom fit xTuple for your specific needs.

By now, everyone has heard about the largest software company transaction in history. IBM, the world's ninth-largest information technology company (by revenue), is paying $34 billion to acquire Red Hat, the North Carolina company credited with popularizing Linux — the open source operating system (OS) and, more recently, all kinds of open source hybrid cloud computing infrastructure.

The company’s recently released B2B web experience and e-commerce platform aims to transform the way its manufacturing and distribution clients approach their own customers by leveraging the company’s core open source ERP system and harnessing its data pool.

Ding! Ding! We have a winner! Scott Woempner, president of Woempner Machine Company in Thomasville, NC (USA) snagged an Amazon Gift Card valued at $500 just for stopping by the xTuple booth at IMTS 2018, THE biennial International Manufacturing Technology Show. IMTS is such an important showcase for manufacturers and their supply chain; we’ve already signed up for the next event to exhibit in 2020.