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Take Me to the Cloud

62 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago -

Are you a business professional who wants to holistically improve your business operations? You've come to the right place. Tune into our podcast series, "Take Me to the Cloud" to learn insights from our experts that combine cloud systems, operations, supply chain and finance

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Episodes

Scaling New Heights: ERP and E-Commerce Synergy

April 22, 2024 17:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MB

Did you know that integrating your enterprise resource planning (ERP) system with your e-commerce business allows you to be more competitive and scalable? There are various products and solutions to future-proof your organization, such as NetSuite’s SuiteCommerce and SuiteCommerce Advance. Our Withum team members Wendy Lin and Rifat Karim welcome Joaquin Varela and Santiago Juan from UnlockCommerce for this special episode. Tune in as they navigate current trends and challenges and share the...

Introducing Job Costing in Manufacturing ERP Systems

January 30, 2024 18:00 - 8 minutes - 6.13 MB

Manufacturers struggle to compare their job costs to their projected profits. Withum’s CRM and ERP Consulting Services Team members Wally Merkas, Melissa Holton and Riley Larsen service manufacturers and support their ERP evolution. Tune in as they break down the types of job costing, including standard costing, and relevant industry examples.

ChatGPT’s Role in E-Commerce

December 18, 2023 15:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MB

Conversational AI tools like ChatGPT have taken the world by storm. E-commerce businesses across the globe are implementing it to personalize and streamline customer conversations on their website. Withum’s Management Consulting Team is here to guide you through using AI to support and grow your e-commerce business. Tune in as Mars Lomtakul, Wendy Lin and Luis Palmitesta discuss the benefits of AI for e-commerce businesses.

Closing the Books: Control Your Year-End Close

December 08, 2023 02:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MB

Businesses must proactively approach their year-end accounting and financial reporting procedures as 2023 quickly comes to a close. Our host, Melissa Holton, welcomes Eric Lowe from Withum’s Outsourced Accounting Systems and Services (OASyS) team. They know this is a daunting task, so listen in on their best practices to help you achieve a successful close and prepare for the year-end audit.

Breaking Down Project Management Tools and Techniques

November 20, 2023 19:00 - 11 minutes - 7.79 MB

Project management tools have evolved significantly over the years, adapting to the changing needs of businesses and their teams. Today, there’s an emphasis on implementing agile project management tools with modern techniques to benefit organizations and provide more visibility to leadership. Our host Melissa Holton welcomes back one of Withum’s Scrum masters, Kim Gordon, for this lively episode. They discuss what software is trending and how to remain in control of your project management.

Do ERP Systems Belong in Project Management?

October 30, 2023 14:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MB

Project management is a priority for most businesses. However, many are still unaware that an ERP solution could make managing their projects easier. Join host Melissa Holton and Withum’s Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central experts, Josh Stove and Will Gutekunst, as they share their experiences and best practices on how to consolidate project processes to achieve organizational efficiencies.

Strengthening Your Financial Operations With Streamlined Payment Processing

October 16, 2023 14:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MB

As technology advances and the demand for flexible payment options grows, your e-commerce business must perform at its best to stay ahead of the competition. Utilizing an ERP system such as NetSuite allows for faster and safer payment processing. Tune in as Withum's consultants Melissa Holton, Luis Palmitesta and Melanie Saunders welcome special guest Jeremy Collins, VP of Strategic Partnerships at MerchantE. They discuss the latest payment trends and e-commerce solutions their clients imple...

Powering Up Your Business With New NetSuite 2023.2 Release Features

September 18, 2023 14:00 - 11 minutes - 7.61 MB

Listen in as host Melissa Holton and guests Darryl Woodworth and Luis Palmitesta dive into the latest NetSuite release, unveiling the game-changing updates and features that will enhance your business operations. Discover how these enhancements can streamline your processes, boost efficiency, and keep your organization at the forefront of ERP technology.

Countdown to SuiteWorld 2023

September 08, 2023 17:00 - 8 minutes - 5.66 MB

Withum’s ERP team is counting down the days until SuiteWorld on October 16-19th! It’s Oracle NetSuite’s largest annual gathering in Las Vegas – and this year, we’re celebrating 25 years of NetSuite. Tune in as our industry professionals Chris Higgins, Christina Barea, Sasha Tchulkova and Alexis Blacknik share their insights and what they’re looking forward to most.

What You Should Know About Sage Intacct’s R3 Release

August 24, 2023 14:00 - 8 minutes - 5.93 MB

Technology continues to evolve and adapt to marketplace needs. Sage Intacct is no different, and its latest release has a handful of new features. From an enhanced vendor approval process to an AI-powered timesheet solution, Withum has you covered. Tune in as industry expert Sumaiya Alam-Stribling shares how Sage Intacct’s R3 updates will immediately benefit your finance department.

How Sage Intacct Empowers Small Business CFOs

August 10, 2023 14:00 - 6 minutes - 4.49 MB

Technology plays a prominent role in helping finance leaders achieve success. Sage Intacct’s sophisticated platform enables small business CFOs and controllers to strategically grow their business. With customized KPI dashboards, real-time data insights and numerous functionality benefits, their valuable time can be spent elsewhere. Hear why Withum’s industry experts Kim Gordon and Sumaiya Alam-Stribling prefer automating finance and accounting processes with Sage Intacct.

Increased Inventory Visibility Powered by Modern Warehouse Management Systems

July 26, 2023 20:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MB

Warehouse management has evolved to support the rapid growth of technology and the increased demand for goods and services. Manufacturers need real-time reports and visibility to maintain accurate inventory, solve supply chain challenges and make informed decisions. Host Melissa Holton welcomes RF-SMART’s Ashley Cox to discuss how modern cloud technology like NetSuite ERP and warehouse management systems (WMS) can be your single source of truth.

Balancing the Benefits and Risks of AI in the Workplace

June 29, 2023 16:00 - 13 minutes - 9.23 MB

In recent years, the advantages of artificial intelligence (AI) have surpassed concerns raised by businesses. However, this doesn't imply that automation technology is without its drawbacks. Host Melissa Holton welcomes back Charlie Callari for a timely episode. Tune in to learn more about the pros and cons of AI, including ChatGPT, in today's modern workplaces.

Navigating Revenue Recognition for SaaS and Technology Startups

May 24, 2023 17:00 - 13 minutes - 9.28 MB

Revenue accounting for software, technology and emerging growth companies can be challenging. The type of revenue recognition also varies depending on the nature of the organization. Host Melissa Holton welcomes back Withum’s Chris Higgins and special guest David Hansell. They discuss the current shift to ASC 606 and its impact on business operations.

Addressing Collaboration and Project Management in Remote Environments

April 25, 2023 18:00 - 13 minutes - 9.41 MB

With workforces remaining remote, project management tools are crucial for keeping teams connected and on track. Software such as Miro can ensure communication is effective and collaboration is efficient. Each platform has its own strengths, so choosing one that works best for your business needs is critical. Join Withum’s newly certified Scrum masters, Melissa Holton and Kim Gordon, as they share their experiences embracing workflow technology.

What's New With NetSuite?

March 16, 2023 00:00 - 13 minutes - 9.31 MB

If you're familiar with Oracle NetSuite, you know it's that time of year and no, we're not talking taxes. Each year NetSuite delivers two product releases via automatic updates to all users bringing new enhancements and capabilities. The first release of 2023 is here! In this episode, Take Me to the Cloud host Melissa Holton welcomes certified NetSuite professionals Chris Higgins, Luis Palmitesta and Darryl Woodworth, who bring over 30 years of combined NetSuite experience to Withum. Listen ...

Trends Driving B2B E-Commerce Consumerization

February 24, 2023 21:00 - 14 minutes - 9.76 MB

Businesses in the B2B e-commerce space have seen substantial growth in sales, with no signs of slowing down. To keep up, not only are e-commerce businesses expected to invest in their online storefront, but they also need to provide excellent customer service. Join Withum’s experts Mars Lomtakul, Luis Palmitesta and Wendy Lin as they dive into emerging trends that can drive a change in strategy and elevate your organization.

Elevating Your E-Commerce with Jamersan

January 30, 2023 21:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MB

The benefits of a modern e-commerce platform can bring in significant revenue and reduce operating costs. Withum’s industry experts Melanie Saunders and Wendy Lin join host Melissa Holton to welcome special guest TJ Gamble. TJ is the CEO of Jamersan and has been building quality e-commerce sites for over ten years. Listen in as they discuss common client pain points and what solutions are available for organizations.

Automating Your Year-End Closing Process

December 21, 2022 02:00 - 12 minutes - 8.31 MB

Before ringing in the new year, accounting and finance departments face the challenge of closing their books. It’s not too late to automate and integrate your financial close process to provide faster and more accurate reporting. Host Melissa Holton welcomes back Chris Higgins, who manages Withum’s NetSuite Practice. Tune in to learn how to reduce annual bottlenecks and unlock greater efficiency with modern software.

Redefining the Customer Experience with AI

November 21, 2022 20:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MB

Businesses – regardless of industry – need to take advantage of innovative, user-friendly ERP solutions to keep up with demand. In this episode, host Melissa Holton welcomes special guest Charlie Callari, Director of Customer Solutions at NLX. NLX’s AI software helps organizations transform customer contact into automated, personalized self-service experiences. Tune in to hear how Withum and NLX work together with NetSuite solutions to enhance customer experiences.

SuiteWorld 2022 With Mon Cheri Bridals

October 11, 2022 18:00 - 4 minutes - 3.36 MB

Withum's Management Consulting Team had a great time at SuiteWorld 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada! Listen in as host Melissa Holton sits down with Mon Cheri Bridals' Jami Mensch and Angelica Silverio. They discuss their experience at SuiteWorld and how they successfully implemented NetSuite to accommodate their growth.

SuiteWorld 2022 With RF-SMART

September 29, 2022 20:00 - 14 minutes - 9.93 MB

Withum is currently attending SuiteWorld 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada! Our Management Consulting Team members Melissa Holton and Luis Palmitesta met with RF-SMART's Lawrence Cooper. Listen in as they discuss how the native application within NetSuite solves common business problems and what RF-SMART's new shipping product brings to the table.

SuiteWorld 2022 With RF-Smart

September 29, 2022 20:00 - 14 minutes - 9.93 MB

Withum is currently attending SuiteWorld 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada! Our Management Consulting Team members Melissa Holton and Luis Palmitesta met with RF-Smart's Lawrence Cooper. Listen in as they discuss how the native application within NetSuite solves common business problems and what RF-Smart's new shipping product brings to the table.

SuiteWorld 2022 With Satori Reporting

September 29, 2022 18:00 - 10 minutes - 7.36 MB

Withum is currently attending SuiteWorld 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada! Our Management Consulting Team members Melissa Holton and Chris Higgins met with Satori Reporting's Founder and CEO, Josh LaSov. Tune in to learn more about the only pre-built Power BI reporting solution for NetSuite that companies quickly implement for maximum reporting capabilities.

How CRM Can Take Your Company to New Heights

September 22, 2022 18:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MB

Modern business owners recognize that customer relationship management (CRM) systems are fundamental to accommodating rapid growth and strengthening external relationships. With numerous options available, many are unsure which one is the best fit for their company. Tune in as Withum’s Management Consulting Team Members Josh Stove, Luis Palmitesta, Mars Lomtakul and Angie Ng discuss two major industry players and the value they bring to the table: NetSuite and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business...

The Rise of Headless Commerce

August 29, 2022 20:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MB

Headless commerce is rapidly transforming how companies do business online. Digital experiences are solely owned by the businesses and curated to users, thanks to flexible front-end development. In this episode, Wally Merkas, Mars Lomtakul and Melanie Saunders of Withum’s Management Consulting Team discuss the long-term economic and technical benefits of headless commerce.

SuiteWorld 2022 Edition

August 03, 2022 11:00 - 6 minutes - 4.4 MB

This episode is an exciting one. Meet our new Take Me to the Cloud host, Melissa Holton, and get a scoop into this year’s Oracle NetSuite's largest annual gathering of the NetSuite community happening September 27-30 in Las Vegas! Hear the unique reasons why you should attend and what to expect, even if you can’t join in person.

Growing Cannabis Businesses With People, Processes and Technology

July 19, 2022 19:00 - 9 minutes - 6.79 MB

The medical and recreational cannabis industry has emerged into segregated markets providing various business opportunities. Withum’s Management Consulting Team Members Walter Merkas and Kim Gordon dive in headfirst to discuss the operational facets of cannabis. From maturity models to compliance hurdles, learn how to get ahead of the curve and measure your short and long-term wins.

Solving the Implementation Challenges of Omnichannel

June 15, 2022 18:00 - 11 minutes - 7.83 MB

Omnichannel customer experience has become the next big step in the e-commerce roadmap. It may sound daunting initially, but planning ahead and setting achievable goals is the key to success. Listen in as Wally Merkas, Melanie Saunders and Wendy Lin of Withum's Management Consulting team share their recommendations on easing into omnichannel.

Ensuring A Smooth, Successful Month-End Close

May 16, 2022 12:00 - 9 minutes - 6.44 MB

Many small to medium-sized businesses experience pain points in their financial close processes. A long, drawn-out process results in accounting and finance teams running on a proverbial hamster wheel. Withum’s Management Consulting team members Melissa Holton and Chris Higgins discuss the value of being mindful of your resources. They also share their tips and tricks to ensure timely completion every month.

Risky Business: Proactive Risk Management Strategies

March 30, 2022 20:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MB

Risk management is not a simple checklist, but rather a dynamic system of processes that work and live together to provide conscious awareness. Listen in as Brad Smolen, Joe Riccie and Jones Yiu from Withum's Management Consulting team discuss their experiences with risk management. They will also break down best practices for businesses and the value behind this investment.

Robotic Process Automation Isn't Replacing You, It's Enhancing You

March 08, 2022 15:00 - 26 minutes - 17.9 MB

There was a time when we thought Robotic Process Automation would replace our jobs. In this episode, Joe Riccie welcomes Wilton Rogers III, Founder, President and CEO of Simply Automate to debunk that theory and share how automation is your pathway to modernization and innovation. 

Distribution in the Face of Disruption

February 23, 2022 15:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MB

From accelerated digitization to expanded competition, numerous disruptive forces affect distributors. Kim Gordon welcomes Chris Higgins and Luis Palmitesta to discuss how consumers drive the market today. Hear how distributors use analytics, e-commerce and CRM technologies to institute new business practices, strategies and insights.

The Benefits of Resource Management Planning and Tips to Consider

January 14, 2022 16:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MB

As the new year kicks off, it is time to ramp up your resource management planning (RMP). Our Management Consulting team discusses the basic principles and shares how RMP can benefit your organization in this episode. Tune in as Brad Smolen, Joe Riccie and Jones Yiu speak about their experiences in project management and what to consider in your own resource management plan.

The Benefits of Resource Management Planning and Tips to Consider

January 14, 2022 16:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MB

As the new year kicks off, it is time to ramp up your resource management planning (RMP). Our Management Consulting team discusses the basic principles and shares how RMP can benefit your organization in this episode. Tune in as Brad Smolen, Joe Riccie and Jones Yiu speak about their experiences in project management and what to consider in your own resource management plan.

Why Financial Visibility Is Your Key to Success

December 01, 2021 15:00 - 6 minutes - 4.61 MB

In this episode, we welcome back Tom Burns and Christian DiRusso from Withum's Management Consulting Team. They break down the importance of financial visibility and how your organization’s management can work together to improve it. Hear their take on current challenges and what tools are deemed essential for success.

What You Need to Know About Our App-Centric Economy

November 10, 2021 14:00 - 7 minutes - 5.29 MB

Withum’s Management Consulting team members Tom Burns and Christian DiRusso discuss what app-centricity is and what our app-centric economy looks like today. The vast, ever-growing marketplace of software tools and ERP applications is exciting but can be intimidating. Tune in to learn about the benefits of expanding your accounting software and where to start.

Pros and Cons of Point Solutions

October 15, 2021 13:00 - 11 minutes - 7.8 MB

In this episode, Kim Gordon is joined by Walter Merkas and Jones Yiu from Withum's Management Consulting Team. They discuss what point solutions are and their advantages and disadvantages for organizations.  Listen in as they break down the big picture of this specialized software and compare it to integrated suite solutions.

Innovation in Accounts Payable: Why Consider Payment Automation?

September 17, 2021 18:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MB

Withum’s Joe Riccie welcomes Finexio’s Founder and CEO, Ernest Rolfson as they discuss today’s payment challenges in multiple industries and controls and why traditional payment processes are slowing down operations and causing lost labor time.  They provide feedback on benefits of B2B electronification and adding intelligence and automation to accounts payable to drive innovation, process improvement and payment adoption.  

Key IT Due Diligence Considerations for Mergers and Acquisitions

August 10, 2021 21:00 - 12 minutes - 8.68 MB

Considering a merger or acquisition? In this episode Kim Gordon and Wally Merkas discuss M&A activities from the buyer side when it comes to IT due diligence.  What should the acquirer think about regarding their target’s IT systems? How to they assess and mitigate overall risk of the acquisition? Listen in for questions to ask and best strategies to consider. 

3 IT Due Diligence Considerations for Buyers During M&A

August 10, 2021 21:00 - 12 minutes - 8.47 MB

Considering a merger or acquisition? In this episode Kim Gordon and Wally Merkas discuss M&A activities from the buyer side when it comes to IT due diligence.  What should the acquirer think about regarding their target’s IT systems? How do they assess and mitigate overall risk of the acquisition? Listen in for questions to ask and best strategies to consider. 

Avoiding Challenges in Your eCommerce Platform Implementation

July 14, 2021 12:00 - 10 minutes - 7.24 MB

Kim Gordon and Wally Merkas welcome back Dave and Brad from Slatwall to break down challenges of implementing an ecommerce project. They address where to start, the internal resources you’ll need, the state of your data, storefront and project scope, cost and much more.  

Flexibility and Functionality of Headless Commerce

July 14, 2021 12:00 - 11 minutes - 8.05 MB

In this episode, featuring our guests Dave Crouch and Brad Gustavesen from Slatwall Commerce, we look at headless commerce and the functionality and flexibility it provides to B2B ecommerce.  Take a listen to learn what headless commerce is, how you can leverage existing systems without having to replace or highly customize them and what it can bring to the table for your business.  

Flexibility and Functionality of Headless Ecommerce

July 14, 2021 12:00 - 11 minutes - 8.05 MB

In this episode, featuring our guests Dave Crouch and Brad Gustavesen from Slatwall Commerce, we look at headless ecommerce and the functionality and flexibility it provides to B2B ecommerce.  Take a listen to learn what headless ecommerce is, how you can leverage existing systems without having to replace or highly customize them and what it can bring to the table for your business.  

Why Distributors are Going Digital

July 14, 2021 12:00 - 10 minutes - 7.27 MB

Dave Crouch and Brad Gustavesen from Slatwall Commerce join Kim Gordon and Wally Merkas to talk about the pressure distributors are facing to go digital. Mid-market distributors and manufacturers are struggling to get information on the supply side and the demand side as customer expectations are changing.  Hear their take on current challenges in B2B commerce and why there is such a demand to provide a digital channel to customers.  

A Successful Project Manager – A Look into the Role and Key Skills

June 30, 2021 00:00 - 25 minutes - 13.1 MB

Kim Gordon continues our discussion on project management with Walter Merkas and Yaffa Rabkin. What role does a successful project manager play in an ERP implementation project and what skills do they need to employ to keep the project on track? Find out in this episode.

Adapting to Varying Complexities of ERP Implementation Projects

June 30, 2021 00:00 - 18 minutes - 9.62 MB

In this episode, we shift gears and look at project management when it relates to ERP implementations. ERP implementation projects vary in complexity and may require adaptability of your project management approach.  Kim Gordon, Walter Merkas and Yaffa Rabkin share insights around setting goals, project approaches and what does “done” really look like for this type of project with varying complexities. Take a listen to gain best practices to make your ERP implementation project a success.

Keeping Up With Evolving Consumer Expectations

June 04, 2021 14:00 - 15 minutes - 8.28 MB

Today’s state of operations in food and beverage manufacturing companies has created a need for leadership to evaluate their core ERP systems. In this episode, Walter Merkas welcomes back Steve Gignac and John Shepperson from SWK Technologies to share what they’re seeing in the marketplace and discuss the impacts of outdated technology on evolving consumer expectations.

Pandemic Impacts on the Food & Beverage Industry

June 04, 2021 13:00 - 23 minutes - 13.5 MB

To wrap up our series on the food and beverage industry, Kim Gordon sits down with Steve Gignac, Director of Solution Architecture of Enterprise Solutions, and John Shepperson, Senior VP Business Development for SWK Technologies to examine the uncertainty across the industry today.  They discuss how business models are changing, assess the state of the food industry and introduce ideas for planning and preparing for change.

Solving for Supply Chain Disruption During and After the Pandemic

May 20, 2021 17:00 - 12 minutes - 8.58 MB

In this episode, we welcome back John Shepperson, Senior VP Business Development at SWK Technologies and a special guest Nick Barron. Nick is a Manager of Information Technology at Marathon Ventures, a full-service processing, manufacturing, packaging and marketing company for foods and beverages.  John and Nick discuss disruptions Marathon Ventures faced in their supply chain during the pandemic and what the organization has done to overcome these challenges.