Webinar On-demand

Legacy ERP systems can be a significant barrier to enterprise adaptation, digital transformation, and AI readiness. However, an ERP implementation is often the most expensive and risky technology undertaking a company will make each decade. To be successful, organizations need to move beyond high level trends and ERP reports to understand factors like industry fit, agility, and daily operational support. More importantly, organizations need to be able to shortlist and ultimately select the right ERP partner because this is a technology decision that cannot be easily changed.

This session will start by exploring what analyst reports can and cannot tell you about ERP selection. It will then explore why a CIO of a global automotive supplier selected QAD despite knowing where it stood in the rankings. This will include how leaders should evaluate ERP solutions factoring in topics like industry expertise, implementation realities, and long-term business impact. The session will also include a moderated discussion that provides a raw, insightful look at how manufacturing leaders navigate ERP decisions based on business realities.

Attend the session to:

• • • Differentiate between ERP market reports and real-world decision criteria.
    • Identify key factors beyond rankings that impact manufacturing ERP success.
    • Understand why industry-specific expertise matters more than broad evaluations.
    • Apply insights from an experienced ERP leader’s journey to their own selection process.

  
  Sponsored by:

  

   

  Speakers

   

  Beth Hespe
  Analyst Relations Director, QAD

  Beth Hespe is an experienced public relations professional specializing in analyst relations, social media marketing, and media relations. As Analyst Relations Director at QAD, she leads analyst relations for QAD’s ERP and supply chain software. Previously, she managed analyst relations at Ixia (acquired by Keysight Technologies) and built the analyst relations function at Garfield Group Public Relations, where she rose to Vice President. Beth holds an M.S. in Science Journalism from Boston University and a B.A. in Biological Sciences from Rutgers University.

  Tom Roberts
  VP Enterprise Engagement, QAD

  Tom’s previous career in Information Technology covered all the bases. From answering help desk calls at EDS, to consulting for Accenture, to enabling Manufacturing, Procurement, and Shared Services Operations for Johnson Controls, and to serving as Vice President & Chief Information Officer for Yanfeng Automotive Interiors, he’s had a lot of multifaceted opportunities. Tom joined QAD in 2018, to help customers and prospects learn more about how QAD’s Adaptive Manufacturing solutions could drive value for them. Today, Tom leads Enterprise Engagement for QAD’s largest customers, ensuring that customers have a voice and receive maximum benefit in their relationship with the company.

  Michael Ochi
  Product Marketing Director, QAD

  Michael Ochi is the Director of Product Marketing at QAD, where he channels his passion for manufacturing, warehousing, sustainability, and technology. With a background that spans engineering, consulting, and product management, he brings a well-rounded perspective to providing holistic guidance to business and technology leaders. Michael holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Industrial Engineering from Cal Poly, SLO’s acclaimed Learn By Doing atmosphere that developed his ability to build fast, pragmatic solutions.