Busting the omnichannel - enterprise hacks and chats

NRF 2019 - personalization and data obstacles with Joachim Klein of ThreeKit

In Jon's first ever podcast from NRF's retail "Big Show," Jon sits down with Joachim Klein of ThreeKit, where the two overcome NRF sounds to break down the key trends of the show, before the podcast is finally vanquished by a vacuum cleaner. The guys discuss the next-gen tech at the show, including robotics, facial recognition, and virtual fashion assistants, before digging into the problem of personalization and the opportunities retailers have if they can conquer their data problems. Klein then shares ThreeKit's go-to-market plan, and why these seasoned retail executives have banded together and put skin in the game. Their goal: bring augmented reality, visual commerce, and 3D product configuration into the same platform. End note: apologies for the background noise, the quietest place we could find at NRF was not terribly quiet, even with lavalier mics. SOUND UPDATE: my colleague Den Howlett has edited out as much background noise as possible in this new mix. Yes, you can get Busting the Omnichannel on iTunes.

Overcoming IT project failure - Josh Greenbaum on how ProQ wants to change project outcomes

"Up to 2/3 of all enterprise software projects fail to deliver their expected value. Will your project be one of them?" That's the basis for Jon's first-ever podcast with analyst and ProQ founder Josh Greenbaum. On some hidden bean bag chairs in the basement of SAP TechEd, the guys discuss the multiple ways that enterprise projects can fail or underperform, and why early interventions can change outcomes. Greenbaum explains why ProQ's approach, by providing a way of measuring teamwork and project health, can have impact. The guys also talk about other efforts to disrupt and improve the consulting industry, including Raven Intel. Note: while this was taped at SAP TechEd, SAP is not the topical focus on this podcast. Check Jon's recent TechEd wraps for your SAP analysis fix. Bonus: the guys are interrupted at the 22:00 mark by disruptive window tape measurers.  Yes, you can get Busting the Omnichannel on iTunes. 

The Sage Intacct Advantage Review - CFOs, finance transformation and the Gaylord hotel experience - with Brian Sommer

In this review of Sage Intacct Advantage 2018, Brian shares his undying love for the baffling labyrinth of exquisite possibilities known as the Nashville Gaylord Opryland Hotel. The guys quickly move on to the matter at hand - assessing Intacct now that the acquisition by Sage is in year two. They guys discuss new product announcements, and mix in views on other vendors given that the fall conference season is finally, mercifully winding down. They also hit on the impact of "vertical ERP" and how Intacct approaches it. The backdrop of the talk is the transformation of finance, and whether Sage has been an asset or hindrance to Intacct since the acquisition. Yes, you can get Busting the Omnichannel on iTunes. 

The SAP TechEd Vegas Review - the ABAP PaaS, serverless ERP, community and more with @grahamrobbo

In an SAP TechEd special, Jon Reed is joined by SAP Mentor Graham Robinson in the lost Vegas corridors to hash out what they learned behind the scenes - and how that stacks up with SAP's news announcements. Graham, who is an independent consultant and expert SAP developer, has plenty to say about SAP's ABAP PaaS announcement, and how ABAP on the SAP Cloud Platform impacts developers and customers. The guys also hash out the "serverless ERP" annnouncement, and how ERP functions as a service could play into running the SAP Cloud Platform at scale. The highs and the lows of the show are covered, including the keynote, and a surprise challenge to Jon by SAP CTO Björn Goerke in response to his diginomica show review. The guys reflect on SAP's change in community leadership - and the future of TechEd as SAP attempts to turn community into an edge again, after some down years. Yes, you can get Busting the Omnichannel on iTunes. 

Why HR cloud implementations need transparency - Raven Intel reveals the data behind their launch

What if HR customers had a way of assessing the quality of the partners servicing their implementations? Would less projects run into budget and scope problems - or outright failure. Well, now they do, thanks to the upstarts at Raven Intel. During "HR tech week" in Las Vegas, at SuccessConnect 2018, Jon sat down with Bonnie Tinder and Michele of Raven Intel on the day of their official launch to dig into the motivations behind their mission - and business model. To coincide with their launch, Raven Intel released a study of 100 initial SAP customers and their experiences with consulting partners and HR vendors (see: HCM Implementation Report, 2018). Jon asks Bonnie and Michelle about the lessons they took from their study, and how troubled HR tech projects can become better HR tech projects. Bonnie and Michele explain why their approach is different than the big vendor peer review sites that are picking up steam. Jon also asks about the challenges they may face as they get customers to evaluate major consulting partners that aren't used to being publicly evaluated. Sidenote: Bonnie and Michele are childhood friends who have always wanted to work together - now they get their chance. Of the two, Bonnie speaks first on the podcast. Yes, you can get Busting the Omnichannel on iTunes. 

Overcoming the AI, ML and data science skills gap - with Vijay Vijayasankar of IBM

In their first online talk in several years, Jon Reed of www.diginomica.com is reunited with one of his old school guests for a fresh talk on the problem of hiring data science skills - and what to do about it. Vijayasankar details the types of data science skills that a data science team needs, and where the hiring gaps are. There's plenty of advice for individuals on how to fill those gaps. The guys also hit on the problem of algorithmic bias, and issues of diversity in data science. Note: this is the audio-only version of this chat. You can catch the video version on Jon's youtube: youtube.com/jonathanwreed. Yes, you can get Busting the Omnichannel on iTunes. 

SAP SuccessConnect 2018 - the unscripted review with Jarret Pazahanick

In this in-depth on-site conversation, Jon Reed and SAP SuccessFactors expert and customer advocate Jarret Pazahanick break out what they've learned from a hectic two days in Vegas. The guys hit on the show's highs and lows, from news to executive keynotes to a powerful closer from Michael J. Fox. Jon asks Pazahanick to elaborate on his critique of the SuccessFactors partner and certification approach - and what needs to change. The 60 minute talk is a gut check from what Pazahanick heard at the SuccessFactors influencer event last spring, and where we are now. Jon asks Jarret to address the "Jarret is a Workday fanboy" jabs he gets from time to time. The guys leave with a view of where SuccessFactors needs to go from here, and some continuing mysteries around payroll as a cloud service - something Jon will be addressing more fully in an upcoming diginomica article. Yes, you can get Busting the Omnichannel on iTunes. 

The future of services, PSA and ERP - FinancialForce in review with Brian Sommer

In their last sit-down of the spring event season, Brian and Jon huddle in the Alexa-free environment of FinancialForce Community Live 2018 to break down FinancialForce's goals and obstacles. Topics include the push for modern ERP and servitization, the pros and cons of their Salesforce platform play, and the keys to their current growth rate. The guys break out their talks with FinancialForce executives and customers and talk about what needs to happen next. Yes, you can get Busting the Omnichannel on iTunes. 

The implausible enterprise - an underground podcast with Esteban Kolsky

In this impromptu/underground recording with the implausible Esteban Kolsky, the guys grab some time as Salesforce Connections to discuss the future of the enterprise. Two Kolsky blog posts are up for consideration, one on his enterprise software priorities, the other on AI misconceptions. Since this taping is at a CX event, the guys also get into the epic problem of delivering a halfway-decent customer experience across channels. Doing their best with Jon's backup recording, Jon also takes the chance to ask Esteban the burning question: why are you such a grouchy *!*. That leads into a discussion of the vital role of the enterprise idealist/curmuedgeon, or, gadfly. At the end of the thirty minute chat, the meaning of the "implausible" Esteban Kolsky is revealed. Producer's note: this had to be taped on the backup of Jon's backup recorder, but hopefully the listening experience was improved decently for you during production. Yes, you can get Busting the Omnichannel on iTunes. 

Practical AI in focus - a chat on customer use cases and AI hype overload with Brian Dennett of Enable AI

In their second podcast from Sapphire Now 2018, Jon Reed and guest Brian Dennett move on from SAPpy talk to discuss Brian's startup, Enable AI, and why they are taking a practical approach to AI as augmented intelligence. Brian shares his view on why AI and ML are getting market traction, and the customer problems that Enable AI is tackling. Brian also advises on how companies should get started with "AI," and why data scientists are not necessarily required. Though this is not an SAP-focused podcast, the guys briefly touch on how customer-focused AI projects tie into a C/4HANA and Leonardo context at one point or another. Yes, you can get Busting the Omnichannel on iTunes. 

Sapphire Now 2018 in review - with Brian Dennett of Enable AI

In Jon's annual Sapphire Now event review, he has a new guest, Brian Dennett of Enable AI, who was also part of the SAP blogger program coverage. Jon and Brian hash out the messages of the show, including the "intelligent enterprise" messaging and whether the Leonardo aspects actually made sense this year. They discuss Brian's pick for the sleeper announcement of the show, Master Data Management as a service, and why it matters. The guys share their findings from their often-spirited blogger sessions; Brian explains why has a philosophical difference with SAP on their "AI" approach. The guys wrap by giving their letter grades for the show, and Jon airs a couple of SAP gripes. Note: this recording was made on Jon's backup recording rig due to a microphone failure. Yes, you can get Busting the Omnichannel on iTunes. 

Advanced content strategy - deep work in the attention economy at Podcamp '18

In this lightly-edited version of Jon's Western Mass Podcamp 2018 workshop discussion, Jon presents his advanced content method for using deep work as a way of differentiating your business. This interactive content strategy session builds on themes of content positioning, avoiding social media marketing overdose, the power of curation, and earning sustained attention by building opt-in communities. Audience members pose questions and Jon provides some coaching on content and business challenges, from content formats to ebooks to SEO. This is the second of two related podcasts - the first one covered how to reach today's informed buyer (and their networks). Yes, you can get Busting the Omnichannel on iTunes.

The enterprise event season halfpoint review show - with Reed and Sommer

We're halfway through the enterprise event season folks - so it's time for the sassy halftime review with Jon Reed and Brian Sommer. Taped at IFS World, this informal, unrehearsed podcast finds the guys in a chippy mood, with a few sacred cows taken off to pasture and a few chips off of Brian's shoulder. The overuse of IoT and AI buzzwords is mocked, as well as the problem of systems that claim to be next-gen but are integration nightmares with a long time to value. The guys end on a high note with a couple of Brian's vendors to watch. Yes, you can get Busting the Omnichannel on iTunes

Servitization and the push to modern ERP manufacturing - an IFS World review

In this live recording from IFS World Conference 2018, Jon Reed and usual podcast suspect Brian Sommer review the first two days of the IFS World show, explaining to listeners why this industry-focused ERP solution is worth watching. They kick around the IFS push to modernize platform and partners, and look at whether this approach will work for existing and net new customers. The guys also hash out Brian's Twitter beef with new IFS CEO Darren Roos, and why the two of them differ on IFS' emphasis on the servitization of manufacturing. They hit on what IFS needs to accomplish this year, and finally, the guys share a few quick anecdotes on their failed quest for good BBQ and their successful/problematic TexMex achievement. Note: Jon and Brian also taped a "halftime show" of the spring enterprise software conference season - look for that one next week. Yes, you can get Busting the Omnichannel on iTunes.

Reaching the informed B2B buyer (and their networks) - an informal podcamp session with Jon Reed

In this interactive live discussion from Western Mass Podcamp 2018, Jon shares his views on researching the so-called informed buyer, and why marketing and sales must change. Participants from the session share their own challenges, and Jon hits on the dynamics of winning (and sustaining) attention, and why topic authority and opt-in audiences are essential. He explains why social media is useless without content, and why content is useless without a clear business identity. The role of subscription and curation is discussed. (Jon did a related session that continues these themes with a look at the power of immersive creativity; look out for that podcast soon). Yes, you can get Busting the Omnichannel on iTunes.

Acumatica Summit 2018 in review - the quest for modern ERP

In their Nashville sit down, Brian Sommer and Jon Reed break down Acumatica Summit 2018, with an eye towards what constitutes modern ERP software (and modern go-to-market). The guys discuss the big takeaways and talk about the reasons behind Acumatica's growth surge. Topics include the challenge ERP vendors face with external (big) data and IoT, as well as Acumatica's approach to next-gen (AI, ML, etc). They wrap by discussing Acumatica's challenges and what other vendors can learn from their approach. Note: several articles referred to in this podcast can be read on diginomica.com. Yes, you can get Busting the Omnichannel on iTunes.

XeroCon 2 - blockchain, AI, and arguing about banking innovation

In part two of their XeroCon 2017 sit down, Jon Reed and Brian Sommer continue hashing what XeroCon needs to do for cloud financials traction in the U.S. They move on to discuss Xero's stance on cryptocurrency and blockchain, and more on AI and predictive. Jon also tricks Brian into revisiting his argument with the banking panel on the lack of big bank innovation. Finally, Brian and Jon unveil their name for Xero's chatbot (which has yet to issue any chatbot announcements or plans, but Brian and Jon are trying to stay ahead of this curve).Yes, you can get Busting the Omnichannel on iTunes.

Xero in review - talking clouds, AI, accountants, XeroCon and biz change with Brian Sommer

In the short version of Jon's chat with Brian Sommer at XeroCon 2017, the guys settle into their makeshift podcast bunker to talk about how accountants are faring in their tech-driven push to become advisors - and why the surge of automation is forcing the issue. Alexa can't save them from Austin's crud weather, but they persist. The guys talk about the pros and cons of Xero's plans for US expansion, and what value their users are deriving from a cloud financials platform. They kick around Xero's practical take on AI, and why automation could prove to be an asset for accountants that get ahead of the curve. LISTENER'S NOTE: The extended full Xero discussion will come out later this week. Yes, you can get Busting the Omnichannel on iTunes.

SAP TechEd Barcelona Review - Reed and Hirsch on Leonardo, cloud, and where SAP goes next

In their Barcelona tradition, Jon Reed of diginomica and SAP Mentor and cloud expert Dick Hirsch review the news, debates, and questions from SAP TechEd Barcelona 2017. They break down what they learned on Leonardo, along with questions about how SAP got away from process expertise in their positioning. Separating hype from reality includes a review of SAP's blockchain pursuits, and why cloud requires a different level of pricing transparency. Can SAP flip the pricing script? The guys also hit on SAP's multi-cloud ambitions, including the Google partnership, and Jon reveals what he learned - or didn't - on the Android SDK possibility in the future.  Yes, you can get Busting the Omnichannel on iTunes.

Teamability and the art - and gotchas - of team-building

In this live podcast from Constellation Research's Connected Enterprise 2017, Jon talks with the Teamability team about why team building is hard - and the unique method they bring. With the occasional bird chirping during our outdoor taping session, CEO Dr. Janice Presser and COO Mark Talaba share field examples and explain why the science of team building goes far beyond "good" and "bad" teams.

Jon also gets into his own experience being tested by Teamability, what he learned, and the three podcasters kick around the ups and downs of teams until it's time for Mark's Uber to the airport - then Jon issues the ultimate Teamability challenge. Dr. Janice Presser is also the author of the new book @Dr. Janice - Timing isn't Everyhing. Teaming is. Yes, you can get Busting the Omnichannel on iTunes.