All our Insights

Insight: Cloud ERP

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is the most essential business system for many organisations because it runs the critical business processes. Without this software solution, business operations will stop. That is why we devote a separate insight to ERP. Several companies still use an outdated ERP system. This has to do with the fact that they once opted for a tailor-made system for their company. The company handles certain processes for which the ERP installation has been adapted. This system continued to be used synthetically.

In the cloud

However, these outdated systems no longer fit the modern business operations that organizations strive for. That's why several software vendors have introduced new versions of their solutions. The systems use best practices for verticals. A software package is adjusted much less often. Instead, companies identify more closely with the standards for their industry. For example, cloud ERP makes it easier for companies to use software updates. They also realise performance increases, they follow a subscription model, and resources are easier to add to implement growth. The cloud is the future, also for ERP. Ultimately, several major software vendors play a role in the world of ERP. We discuss Oracle, SAP, Microsoft, IFS, NetSuite and Infor.

Read our Insights on Cloud ERP

Insight: IT in Retail

In this insight, we zoom in on how retail uses IT. This industry has been rapidly implementing technology in its physical shops. Retail has also been working on setting up, maintaining and optimising webshops. Many companies active in this sector cannot do without IT anymore.

Physical and digital

Keeping a physical shop running requires a lot of hardware and software. Logical essential components are a network and the implementation of security tools, but you can also increase efficiency, for instance, with hand scanners, intelligent cameras and self-scanning checkouts. Software can also be very useful for retail. Think product registration, accounting, or comprehensive ERP systems. Retail chains also increasingly rely on online services. Consumers want to be able to purchase goods and services digitally. Sometimes, newer retail brands do business exclusively online. Setting up such a website and digital environment involves a lot of work. Building a website according to the MACH architecture and creating a chatbot that answers most customer questions are some components of suitable e-commerce environments. An interesting new development for retail chains is spatial computing. This allows customers shopping online to use augmented reality, for example, to see whether a new product will fit into their interiors. This special by Techzine covers various aspects of IT in retail. What can IT suppliers that play a significant role in the retail sector do? Among others, Salesforce, Freshworks, Zebra Technologies, Manhattan Associates and commercetools are featured.

Read our Insights on IT in Retail

Insight: Low-code

In this insight, we analyse what to make of low-code. Low-code technology is becoming increasingly popular within organisations, due to the fact that software can be developed in a relatively simple way. With low-code users get building blocks and drag-and-drop mechanisms to create apps much faster than before. Not everyone is familiar with low-code. That is why, we analyze the different low-code solutions and strategies, we will look at the questions of what it is and what exactly you need to take into account. In principle, there are two different kinds of low-code which you can use: a pure low-code platform on which you build standalone applications which operate independently and a low-code platform solution from an IT supplier which adds functionality or extend the platform.

Low-code development versus low-code platform

Various players on the market are working on such a pure low-code platform. Mendix and OutSystems are examples of this. They are used to fasten application development. On the other hand, you have the SaaS suppliers such as Salesforce, Oracle, SAP, ServiceNow and Microsoft, which also offer low-code possibilities but from within a platform. We will explain what these different vendors do and what makes them unique. There are also more and more vendors combining low-code with other technologies, such as integration platforms, business process management and robotic process automation. The merge of such technologies is also referred to as hyper-automation.

Read our Insights on Low-code

Insight: Security

In this Insight, we discuss the most important topics regarding cyber security. Security should be high on the agenda of every organisation by now. The number of malware attacks and data leaks is at an all-time high. What can your organisation do to become safer and reduce risks?

Ransomware

One of the types of attack many companies fear is ransomware. In many reports, this form of malicious attack is the most common. When companies become a victim of ransomware, the consequences will impact the business considerably during a more extended period.

Securing the company network to the cloud and the home offices

Another subject that requires careful consideration is network security. Not only the company network but also the cloud and home offices. Home offices have become a popular gateway to the corporate network for cybercriminals during the COVID pandemic. However, many security measures for home networks are different from those for traditional company networks. What is also striking is that the security industry is fundamentally flawed. By this, we mean that many investments do not deliver what was expected or hoped for. Things can and must get better. We also discuss many other important topics, such as API security and SASE.

Read our Insights on Security