The ABCs of ERP & Beyond

40 Episodes
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By: Peter Nicholson & Nirav Shah

The ABCs of ERP & Beyond podcast offers insight into the world of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, and how they can enable business growth and optimise processes, as well as exploring leadership and business skills.  The ABCs of ERP & Beyond aims to help you understand how ERP systems and related technologies can be leveraged to improve business operations and achieve success

Acumatica Summit 2026: AI, Automation & The Future of ERP
#4
Today at 11:00 AM

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What happens when ERP stops being software… and starts becoming a digital replica of your entire business?

In this episode, Peter Nicholson and Nirav Shah unpack the biggest moments from Acumatica Summit 2026 — from the buzz of the new venue to the bold product announcements shaping the future of cloud ERP.

They dive into how Acumatica is embedding AI directly into business workflows, making systems smarter, more proactive, and deeply connected to real-world operations. You’ll hear about InsightXL’s live Excel integrat...


Emergency Episode! LIVE updates from Acumatica Summit 2026
#3
Last Sunday at 8:00 PM

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We were so impressed with the news and updates from Acumatica Summit 2026 in Seattle, we had to grab a few minutes to document our initial impressions.  Apologies in advance for Pete's slurring of words, he must've been too excited about the updates... or the free beer at the after party.


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Shopify + Business Central: What the Native Connector Won't Tell You
#2
01/23/2026

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Thinking about connecting Shopify to Business Central? Before you flip that switch, you need to know what you're getting into.

In this episode of The ABCs of ERP & Beyond, Pete and Nirav dig into the Shopify-to-Business Central integration — what it does well, where it falls short, and why your data quality matters more than any connector ever will.

What we cover: → What the native Shopify connector actually does (and doesn't do) → Why returns management is a pain point you'll hit fast → The hidden gotchas: multi-cu...


S04E01 | Why Your Factory Feels Chaotic and How ERP Brings Control Back
#1
01/09/2026

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Why does manufacturing feel so chaotic for so many businesses?

In the first episode of 2026, recorded in person back in November, we explore one of the most misunderstood areas of ERP: planning and scheduling — and why getting it wrong creates constant firefighting.

We talk through:

Why planning and scheduling are often confused — and why that mattersHow production delays quickly turn into cash flow problemsThe limits of manual, Excel-driven, tribal-knowledge planningWhat modern ERP systems actually do differentlyHow data-driven planning, capa...


S03E23 | 2025 Highlights!
#23
12/23/2025

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Didn't listen to ANY episodes but want to know what we spoke about? Listen to what we picked out as our top events, episodes, and life moments from 2025.


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Nirav Shah - nirav.shah@adcirruserp.com
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Have you experienced an ERP data migration, or are you planning one? Share your thoughts, experiences, or ask questions in the comments section below. We’d love...


S03E22 | Top 5 Ways to Transition WIP Into Your New ERP
#22
12/09/2025

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This week on The ABCs of ERP & Beyond, we’re talking all things production orders and WIP (Work in Progress). If you’re in manufacturing, you know how critical it is to keep your BOMs, routings, and shop floor data accurate—and to make sure WIP is recorded properly, both financially and physically.

Whether you’re implementing a new ERP or just trying to keep production running smoothly, this episode will give you practical tips to get your WIP and production orders under control.

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S03E21 | Top 5 Reasons Why Your Go-Live WILL FAIL!
#21
11/24/2025

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In this episode of The ABCs of ERP & Beyond, Pete and Nirav break down the top five reasons ERP go-lives go off the rails, and what you can do to steer your project back on track. Whether you're preparing for your first implementation or guiding your organization through a major upgrade, this episode highlights the hidden pitfalls that most companies don’t see coming.

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S03 E20 | WE'RE BACK! Come check out Acumatica 2025 R2 with us!
#20
11/10/2025

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After an extended break where Pete was busy getting married, we're now BACK with a look at what caught our eye in Acumatica's latest major release, 2025 R2.  Year, this does feature AI talk but this is a game changer in the ERP space so come check it out!

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S03E19 | Why You’re Not Ready for ERP
#19
09/15/2025

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Are you thinking about ERP but not sure if your business is ready? In this episode of The ABCs of ERP & Beyond, we break down the Top 5 signs you’re not ready for ERP — and more importantly, what you should do about it.

👉 Topics covered:

ERP isn’t QuickBooks (process mapping matters)Time dedication — why ERP slows you down before speeding you upWhy you need an internal accounting teamNegative inventory and why ERP won’t magically fix itThe danger of not assigning a project manager


If any of the...


S03E18 | How Manufacturers Can Get Started On AI
#18
09/01/2025

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AI isn’t just for tech giants, it’s reshaping the manufacturing floor too. But before manufacturers jump into the hype, there’s groundwork that needs to be done. In this episode of The ABCs of ERP & Beyond, Peter Nicholson and Nirav Shah break down how manufacturers can prepare for AI adoption in practical, realistic steps.

If you’re in manufacturing and wondering “where do we even begin with AI?” — this episode is for you.

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S03E17 | A UK Acumatica Go-Live, Unfiltered
#17
08/18/2025

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In this episode of The ABCs of ERP & Beyond, Nirav puts Pete in the hot seat to talk about his division’s UK ERP go-live on Acumatica.

From the nerves of cutover weekend to the surprises that came during go-live week, Pete shares what actually happened when the system went live — the wins, the challenges, and the lessons learned. You’ll hear about the early concerns from users, the contingency plans that gave leadership confidence, and how expectations had to be managed across the business.

This...


Surviving Day One in Business Central: What They Don’t Tell You
#16
08/04/2025

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Starting fresh in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central? It’s more than just logging in, it's navigating new environments, strange terminology, and a sea of menus. In this episode of The ABCs of ERP and Beyond, Pete and Nirav break down everything you actually need to know on Day One but won’t find in the onboarding manual.

From picking the right company environment, understanding your Role Center, using the Tell Me search tool, and personalizing your workspace...


From Chaos to Control: Top 5 ERP Wins for Shipping Teams
#15
07/21/2025

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Shipping delays, missed paperwork, manual tracking... sound familiar? In this episode of The ABCs of ERP and Beyond, Pete and Nirav unpack the top 5 ways an ERP system transforms shipping departments from overwhelmed to optimized. 

Whether it's real-time tracking, automated documentation, or better carrier coordination, this episode highlights practical ERP benefits that make shipping teams faster, leaner, and stress-free. Perfect for operations leads, warehouse managers, and anyone tired of chasing freight in spreadsheets.

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S03E14 | Why You Should NOT Customize Your ERP
#14
07/07/2025

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🎯 Top 5 Reasons to Avoid Customizations!
In Part Two of The ABCs of ERP & Beyond, Pete and Nirav tackle the flip side of ERP decision-making: why not customizing might just be the smartest move your business can make. From smoother upgrades and lower long-term costs to better alignment with vendor best practices, we explore the strategic advantages of keeping it clean and close to standard.

💡 Whether you're mid-implementation or just starting your ERP journey, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you avoid common pitfalls and future...


S03E13 | ERP Customizations: Top 5 Reasons You Should Customize (Or Not!)
#13
06/23/2025

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🎭 To Customize or Not to Customize? That is the ERP question! In this episode of The ABCs of ERP & Beyond, we dive into the top 5 reasons why some businesses choose to customize their ERP systems and why others steer clear. From solving unique business challenges to long-term strategic risks, Pete and Nirav unpack what really matters when deciding whether to go custom or stick with out-of-the-box. Perfect for CFOs, IT leads, and anyone wrestling with ERP implementation decisions.

📌 Don’t forget to check out part two: Top 5 Re...


From GI to BI: Live Demo – Acumatica to Power BI
#12
06/08/2025

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Ready to bring your Acumatica data to life? In this live demo episode of The ABCs of ERP & Beyond, we walk through the full process — from creating a Generic Inquiry (GI) in Acumatica to connecting it directly into Power BI.


🚀 Learn how to structure your GI, expose it via OData, and build a Power BI report that turns raw data into real insight — all in real time.
Ideal for analysts, admins, and anyone tired of copy-pasting into Excel.

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ERP Benefits for CFOs in Manufacturing
#11
05/26/2025

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In this episode of The ABCs of ERP & Beyond, Pete and Nirav dive into why modern CFOs should care deeply about ERP systems — and how the right system can transform financial operations in manufacturing businesses.

We walk through five core CFO responsibilities and break down how ERP makes each one faster, smarter, and more reliable:

✅ Budgeting (without the Excel chaos)
✅ Financial reporting that’s real-time and audit-ready
✅ Capex and asset management with clear ROI
✅ Strategic planning powered by consolidated data
✅ Built-in internal controls that...


Business Central vs. Acumatica... FIGHT!!
#10
05/12/2025

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It’s an ERP smackdown! In this episode of The ABCs of ERP & Beyond, Pete and Nirav go head-to-head on Business Central vs. Acumatica—two major players in the mid-market ERP world. We break down how they stack up in five key areas

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S03E09 | 10 Steps To Set Up Business Central
#9
04/25/2025

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Ready to hit the ground running with Business Central? In this episode, Pete and Nirav break down the exact 10 steps to go from zero to ERP hero. Whether you're migrating from another system or starting fresh, we’ve got you covered — from licenses and location setup to posting groups and Power BI. Bonus: you’ll be placing your first sales order by the end of this episode. 

Let’s make your Business Central setup smoother than your morning coffee. ☕

Find out how to grab a free 30 day trial h...


S03E08 | Surviving the Trump Tariffs: How to Handle Them in Business Central!
#8
04/11/2025

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The Trump-era tariffs continue to impact global trade, and businesses need to navigate them efficiently. In this video, we break down what these tariffs mean, how they affect your costs, and—most importantly—how to manage them effectively in Microsoft Business Central.

Learn how to:
✅ Track and apply tariffs in BC
✅ Ensure compliance with import duties
✅ Minimize financial surprises in your supply chain

Don't let tariffs disrupt your business—watch now and stay ahead of the game!
#ERPTips  #BusinessProcesses #BusinessCentral #TrumpTariffs

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S03E07 | Surviving the Trump Tariffs: How to Handle Them in Acumatica!
#7
04/04/2025

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The Trump-era tariffs continue to impact global trade, and businesses need to navigate them efficiently. In this video, we break down what these tariffs mean, how they affect your costs, and—most importantly—how to manage them effectively in Acumatica.

Learn how to:
✅ Track and apply tariffs in Acumatica
✅ Ensure compliance with import duties
✅ Minimize financial surprises in your supply chain

Don't let tariffs disrupt your business—watch now and stay ahead of the game!

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S03E06 | Building the A-Team for ERP Success
#6
03/14/2025

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Implementing ERP software is a massive undertaking, and the right project team can make or break the process. In this episode of The ABCs of ERP and Beyond, Pete and Nirav break down what it takes to assemble a winning team for a smooth and successful ERP implementation.

💡 Key takeaways:
✅ The essential roles every ERP project team needs
✅ How to balance business and IT expertise
✅ Common pitfalls that derail projects—and how to avoid them
✅ Tips for keeping stakeholders engaged and aligned

Whether you'r...


S03E05 | Credit Card Processing in ERP – What You Need to Know
#5
02/28/2025

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Struggling with manual payment processes outside your ERP? If your team is manually adding e-commerce payments, dealing with delayed collections, or lacking a seamless way for customers to pay invoices, it’s time to rethink your credit card processing strategy.

In this episode of ABCs of ERP and Beyond, we explore how integrating credit card processing into your ERP enhances efficiency, improves accuracy, and boosts customer satisfaction. We cover:

✅ The role of payments, AR collections, and ERP integration
✅ Pros & cons of credit card processing in ERP


S03 E04 | Acumatica Summit 2025: The Biggest Reveals & What They Mean for You
#4
02/14/2025

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Acumatica Summit 2025 delivered some big surprises, powerful updates, and key insights that could shape the future of ERP. In this episode of The ABCs of ERP & Beyond, we break down the most important announcements, discuss what they mean for businesses, and share our biggest takeaways from the event.

💡 What’s Inside:
✅ Must-know product updates & new features
✅ Surprising moments & major trends
✅ How these changes impact ERP users
✅ Our expert analysis & predictions

Don’t miss this exclusive recap—watch now to stay ahead of the game...


S03E03 | Business Central Mobile Scanning: Is it a Game Changer? 🚀
#3
02/01/2025

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Ever wondered how different ERP systems handle mobile scanning? 🤔 In this final part of our mini-series, we put Business Central to the test and the results were quite unexpected! We often see similarities between Business Central and Acumatica, but in mobile scanning, the differences are stark. Tune in to find out how these systems compare. 

#ERP #MobileScanning #BusinessCentral


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S03E02 | Mobile Scanning in Acumatica Demo
#2
01/17/2025

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In the second part of our three part miniseries, Nirav takes us through Acumatica mobile scanning features.  From receiving an online order from your Shopify store, all the way through to warehouse picking, packing, shipping.  We see the power of a modern ERP and the way it brings multiple business process flows seamlessly together.

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S03E01 | Intro to Mobile Scanning
#1
01/03/2025

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Welcome back to the third season of our podcast all about ERP and how it can enable growth for your business and optimise processes.  To kick off 2025, we're taking a look at mobile scanning technology - the benefits, what the options are, and how to start thinking about the implementation of the technology.

Don't forget to subscribe to ou podcast wherever you're listening to us from, and go check us out on YouTube as we'll be showcasing mobile tech demos in Acumatica and Microsoft Business Central.

S...


S02E24 | 2024 Podcast Review!
#24
12/20/2024

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This week, we look at our favorite highlights of our second year of The ABCs of ERP & Beyond! We discuss the most important topics, our favorite memories, and what we are excited for in ERP for 2025 and our podcast.

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S02E23 | Nirav is at Directions EMEA 2024!
#23
11/21/2024

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In this episode, Nirav updates us with the biggest news updates he saw at Directions EMEA 2024 held in Vienna, Austria. Hot off the press!

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🔔 STAY IN...


S02 E22 | ERP Benefits for Executives (IN PERSON EPISODE FINALLY!)
#22
11/08/2024

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This week, we're in sunny downtown Chicago for this special FIRST EVER in person episode of The ABCs of ERP & Beyond.  This week, we're in Millennium Park to discuss what benefits there are for executives.

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S02E21 | New Features in Acumatica 2024 R2!
#21
10/25/2024

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This week, we pick out our favorite features from Acumatica's latest release - 2024 R2. 

You can find out more about the release here: https://en-gb.acumatica.com/cloud-erp-software/acumatica-release-news/acumatica-2024-r2/

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S02E20 | Moving from MS Dynamics NAV to Acumatica
#20
10/11/2024

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In this week's episode, we discuss what you should be aware of and what to consider when moving from Microsoft NAV to Acumatica.  This time, these two ERPs are products by different companies.  Whilst there are some similarities, there are some important aspects that need consideration when looking to move from one to the other. Join us as we discuss our top items to know.

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S02E19 | Managed Services
#19
09/28/2024

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This week we discuss our top 5 reasons why managed services are so powerful for transforming your business by releasing your teams to manage admin in-house.


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S02E18 | Moving from NAV to BC
#18
08/23/2024

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In this week's episode, we discuss what you should be aware of and what to consider when moving from Microsoft NAV to BC.  Whilst both ERPs are products of Microsoft, there are some key considerations that will help your migration.

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S02E17 | Top 5 Benefits for Automotive Distributors Part 2
#17
08/09/2024

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This is part two of a two part series. 

Buckle up for this episode of The ABCs of ERP & Beyond as we drive into how ERP systems can turbocharge the operations of automotive distributors. We'll navigate through the top five benefits, including EDI capabilities that streamline supplier communication, and e-commerce connectors that shift your online sales into high gear. We'll also steer you through the advantages of predictive forecasting for better inventory planning and cash flow analysis, and show how ERP empowers your field sales reps with offline a...


S02E16 Top 5 Benefits for Automotive Distributors Part1
#16
07/26/2024

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Buckle up for this episode of The ABCs of ERP & Beyond as we drive into how ERP systems can turbocharge the operations of automotive distributors. We'll navigate through the top five benefits, including EDI capabilities that streamline supplier communication, and e-commerce connectors that shift your online sales into high gear. We'll also steer you through the advantages of predictive forecasting for better inventory planning and cash flow analysis, and show how ERP empowers your field sales reps with offline and online capabilities, ensuring they can take orders without any roadblocks...


S02E15 ERP Benefits for... Procurement
#15
07/11/2024

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🚀 Ready to transform your business's bottom line? Dive into the world of cutting-edge procurement strategies!

In this episode, we're unlocking the secrets of:

Slashing costs with data-driven supplier negotiationsPredicting supply chain hiccups before they happenTurbocharging your cash flowSaying goodbye to double orders and hello to automation

From vending machines to vendor portals, we're covering it all. Don't miss this game-changing guide to procurement mastery through ERP!

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S02 E14 | Acumatica & BigCommerce Integration
#14
06/29/2024

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Discover how Acumatica ERP and BigCommerce work together to streamline e-commerce operations. In this first episode of our three-part series, we'll explore importing orders, synchronizing inventory and pricing, and processing sales between the two platforms. Whether you're an Acumatica user, a BigCommerce merchant, or curious about optimizing online business processes, tune in for insights on enhancing efficiency and user experience in the world of integrated e-commerce and ERP.

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S02 E13 | Identifying Organ Rejection!
#13
06/14/2024

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In this episode of The ABCs of ERP & Beyond, we explore the concept of "organ rejection" in ERP systems. Discover why organizations resist new ERPs and learn how to spot and overcome key challenges like user resistance and soaring costs. Join us and expert Niav for essential insights into making your ERP implementation a success.

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S02 E12 | Questions for ERP Vendor Selection Process
#12
05/31/2024

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Join us in this episode of The ABCs of ERP & Beyond as we dive into the crucial process of selecting the right ERP vendor for your organization's success. From understanding industry specialization to evaluating support infrastructure and pricing models, we break down the essential questions you need to ask during the vendor selection process.

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Have you experienced an ERP data migration, or are...