WBSRocks: Business Growth With Enterprise Software And Digital Transformation podcast

59:49

Send us a text Marketing automation and core CRM systems, though often linked, are fundamentally distinct in design and purpose. Marketing automation is tailored for upstream business processes that involve unstructured data and require seamless integration with multiple systems to drive engagement and lead generation. In contrast, core CRM systems are built to support downstream Revenue Operations with highly transactional workflows, necessitating a structured data model capable of capturing complex business hierarchies. However, even the most advanced CRMs often fall short in supporting the intricate, ad-hoc relationships found in industries like real estate or non-profits, where flexibility and nuanced relationship management are critical. In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to conduct an independent review of HubSpot’s capabilities. We covered many grounds, including where HubSpot 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 HubSpot. Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm 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.…

WBSRocks: Business Growth with Enterprise Software and Digital Transformation

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WBSP712: Grow Your Business by Learning from Enterprise Software Stories - Jan 2025, Week 1, an Objective Panel Discussion 1:00:29

5 days ago1:00:29

1:00:29

Send us a text The tech and enterprise software landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, marked by a mix of bold acquisitions and cautious public market strategies. While Databricks' CEO candidly states that “it’s dumb to IPO this year,” citing market volatility and strategic timing, major players are making aggressive moves elsewhere. From Thomson Reuters’ $600M acquisition of tax automation firm SafeSend to WWT’s $1.25B blockbuster deal to acquire Softchoice, the momentum is clearly shifting toward consolidation and capability expansion. Microsoft’s Satya Nadella has also sparked debate with his prediction that AI agents could overtake traditional SaaS models by 2025, signaling a fundamental shift in how software is built and consumed. Meanwhile, companies like SPS Commerce, Cass Information Systems, and Later are strengthening their portfolios through targeted acquisitions, reflecting a broader trend of investing in specialized tools and emerging platforms. Together, these developments hint at a future shaped less by IPOs and more by ecosystem dominance and AI-powered disruption. In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds, including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendor. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry. Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm 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.…

WBSRocks: Business Growth with Enterprise Software and Digital Transformation

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WBSP711: Grow Your Business by Learning the Top 10 Cloud-native ERP Systems in 2025 w/ Sam Gupta 26:02

6 days ago26:02

26:02

Send us a text This curated list stands apart by spotlighting ERP platforms that were engineered from inception as true cloud-native solutions, intentionally bypassing the limitations of retrofitted legacy systems. These modern ERPs are designed to leverage the full scope of cloud capabilities—delivering streamlined operations, cost efficiencies, and reduced maintenance overhead. While they may not rival the feature depth of long-established systems, their edge lies in agility, intuitive design, and mobile readiness, making them particularly attractive to forward-looking organizations. Our evaluation prioritizes architectural integrity over popularity, favoring vendors that have fully embraced cloud-native frameworks and are actively innovating in this space. The result is a lineup that not only reflects current market needs but also signals where ERP is headed—toward more flexible, scalable, and user-centered experiences. In this episode, our host, Sam Gupta, discusses the top 10 cloud-native ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these cloud-native ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each cloud-native ERP system. Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm 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.…

WBSRocks: Business Growth with Enterprise Software and Digital Transformation

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WBSP710: Grow Your Business by Learning from ERP Challenges for Govt and Non-profit Organizations w/ Douglas Camin 59:48

11 days ago59:48

59:48

Send us a text Implementing ERP systems in government and non-profit sectors comes with distinct challenges, including tight budget constraints, complex regulatory requirements, and the heightened need for operational transparency. In these environments, the role of enterprise architecture becomes especially critical—it acts as a strategic framework that aligns IT investments with organizational objectives, ensuring that ERP solutions are not only compliant and cost-effective but also sustainable over the long term. By offering a clear roadmap, enterprise architecture helps mitigate implementation risks, optimize resource allocation, and drive greater efficiency, all while reinforcing accountability and public trust in mission-driven operations. In this episode, Sam Gupta engages in a LinkedIn live session with Douglas Camin, CIO, Coordinated Care Services in a live LinkedIn session and discusses ERP challenges for govt and non-profit organizations and the differences in enterprise architecture for financial services and government spaces. Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm 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.…

WBSRocks: Business Growth with Enterprise Software and Digital Transformation

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WBSP709: Grow Your Business by Understanding Attio’s Capabilities, an Objective Panel Discussion 1:03:20

12 days ago1:03:20

1:03:20

Send us a text It’s fascinating how quickly the tech landscape evolves—platforms like Salesforce and Workday, once seen as trailblazing disruptors, are now being viewed as legacy systems, navigating the same kind of disruption they once caused. Innovations like object and graph databases have redefined what flexibility, connectivity, and user experience look like, giving rise to a new generation of platforms such as Notion, Attio, ClickUp, Monday.com, Airtable, and Smartsheet. These tools prioritize adaptability, intuitive design, and real-time collaboration, reshaping how businesses manage data and workflows. Within this new wave, Attio stands out as a modern CRM alternative built on a graph-first architecture, offering dynamic relationship tracking and a highly customizable interface. As companies seek lightweight, modular tools over rigid enterprise suites, the question now is not just how Attio compares to its competitors—but whether it represents the future of relationship management altogether. In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry experts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to conduct an independent review of Attio’s capabilities. We covered many grounds, including where Attio 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 Attio. Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm 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.…

WBSRocks: Business Growth with Enterprise Software and Digital Transformation

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WBSP708: Grow Your Business by Learning the Top 10 Pharma ERP Systems in 2025 w/ Sam Gupta 18:34

13 days ago18:34

18:34

Send us a text When evaluating the top ERP systems for the pharmaceutical industry, it’s crucial to recognize that this list focuses solely on the ERP solutions themselves—not the vendors behind them—and spans organizations of all sizes, from emerging biotech startups to large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturers. Since ERP needs vary widely across the pharma value chain, the accompanying commentary offers essential guidance on which systems best serve specific market segments. The industry encompasses a wide array of business models, including traditional pharma companies, biotech firms, cannabis producers, nutraceutical manufacturers, CROs, and R&D consultancies—each with distinct regulatory, operational, and supply chain demands. For instance, a contract research organization may require robust data integrity and clinical compliance tools, whereas a nutraceutical producer might prioritize batch traceability and rapid production scalability. These differences underscore the importance of selecting an ERP system that not only supports compliance but also aligns with a company’s core processes and growth trajectory. In this episode, our host Sam Gupta discusses the top 10 pharma ERP systems in 2025. He also discusses several variables that influence the rankings of these pharma ERP systems. Finally, he shares the pros and cons of each pharma ERP system. Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm 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.…

WBSRocks: Business Growth with Enterprise Software and Digital Transformation

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WBSP707: Grow Your Business by Learning from ERP Phase 0 Stories w/ Jakob Bent Smed 39:22

18 days ago39:22

39:22

Send us a text 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. Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm 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.…

WBSRocks: Business Growth with Enterprise Software and Digital Transformation

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WBSP706: Grow Your Business by Understanding Brevo’s Capabilities, an Objective Panel Discussion 1:01:26

19 days ago1:01:26

1:01:26

Send us a text 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. Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm 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.…

WBSRocks: Business Growth with Enterprise Software and Digital Transformation

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WBSP705: Grow Your Business by Learning the Top 10 Medical Device ERP Systems in 2025 w/ Sam Gupta 21:11

20 days ago21:11

21:11

Send us a text 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. Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm 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.…

WBSRocks: Business Growth with Enterprise Software and Digital Transformation

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WBSP704: Grow Your Business by Learning the Nuances of Business Transformation from the Lenses of a CIO w/ Martin Mohr 1:00:45

25 days ago1:00:45

1:00:45

Send us a text 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. Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm 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.…

WBSRocks: Business Growth with Enterprise Software and Digital Transformation

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WBSP703: Grow Your Business by Understanding SugarCRM’s Capabilities, an Objective Panel Discussion 1:00:04

26 days ago1:00:04

1:00:04

Send us a text 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. Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm 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.…

WBSRocks: Business Growth with Enterprise Software and Digital Transformation

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WBSP702: Grow Your Business by Learning the Top 10 Aerospace And Defense ERP Systems in 2025 w/ Sam Gupta 19:37

27 days ago19:37

19:37

Send us a text 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. Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm 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.…

WBSRocks: Business Growth with Enterprise Software and Digital Transformation

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WBSP701: Grow Your Business by Understanding Yotpo’s Capabilities, an Objective Panel Discussion 58:31

5 weeks ago58:31

58:31

Send us a text 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. Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm 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.…

WBSRocks: Business Growth with Enterprise Software and Digital Transformation

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WBSP700: Grow Your Business by Learning the Nuances of ERP Consolidation in the Paper Industry w/ Fred Donatucci 58:43

5 weeks ago58:43

58:43

Send us a text 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. Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm 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.…

WBSRocks: Business Growth with Enterprise Software and Digital Transformation

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WBSP699: Grow Your Business by Learning the Top 10 Automotive ERP Systems in 2025 w/ Sam Gupta 30:23

5 weeks ago30:23