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.
xTuple's Collective Brainpower Blog
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...
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...
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..
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.
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.
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.
Trying to solve the sales and marketing challenges of today and prepare for tomorrow's unique business needs? Suffering compliance headaches, such as sales tax complexity? Big changes in xTuple warranted bumping the major version numbering to meet — no, exceed — your requirements. Here's why you should care, what customer's development sponsorship we all have to thank, and what's in 5.0 for you.
America's manufacturing sector and its importance to the country's economic well-being and national security cannot be overstated. While manufacturing makes up 8.5% of U.S employment and 11.7% of U.S. GDP (gross domestic product), our country’s manufacturers drive 35% of productivity growth, 60% of exports, and 70% of private-sector research and development (R&D). This is of big importance to not only to you and me — and the nation — but the global supply chain as well.
There are six reasons why prospects don't buy from you, but just one is enough to kill a sale. Preempt these objections and you'll sell more. Is your sales team meeting its quota?
There's some really good news coming out of the National Federation for Independent Business (NFIB), which is reporting a record high in optimism and plans for growth among its membership of American small businesses. And importantly, it's not just good news for the companies — it's good for workers, too! The NFIB Research Foundation has collected Small Business Economic Trends data from NFIB’s membership with quarterly surveys since 1973 and monthly surveys since 1986. The most recent was conducted in August 2018, and the report is awesome.
Business development in the manufacturing industry is changing rapidly. It's harder for small to mid-sized manufacturers to compete with larger ones on cost, recognition, and range of capabilities. The constant push to vendor consolidation heightens market pressure. It’s not the family business or the “old-boys” network it used to be.
I just saw "The Lego Movie" recently, which was of course great fun. Sure, it's a whip-smart commentary on corporatism, groupthink, and the awkward process of growing old and losing your soul... but I just can't get that hilariously catchy theme song out of my head. Everything is Awesome! We're seeing all kinds of news these days about record low unemployment, quarterly growth numbers, and — most encouragingly — small business confidence. So, is everything really going to be awesome now?