How do you know if that shiny new technology will generate actual business value or just burn through budget? In this episode, we break down a practical framework for forecasting tech ROI before implementation. From identifying root problems to applying change impact assessments, learn how to align technology investments with real business outcomes, especially when pressure from the board or hype cycles starts to cloud judgment.

Struggling with agile rollouts? Get the FREE guide: https://theconfluencial.com/agile-whitepaper-form 

Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ 

When tariffs hit, the impact goes far beyond supply chain and sales. In this episode, we talk about how price shifts frustrate customers, why your service teams need better data, and how to use your ERP to separate fact from fiction. You'll hear real-world examples of price bluffing, vendor changes, and how to make faster, smarter decisions when markets shift.

If your systems can't explain a price change or flag a supplier issue, it’s time to rethink how you use them.

Struggling with agile rollouts? Get the FREE guide: https://theconfluencial.com/agile-whitepaper-form 

Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ 

This mini-sode explores how tariff uncertainty impacts sourcing strategies and procurement planning. Learn how one manufacturer responded with inventory stockpiling, supplier diversification, and compliance-driven decision-making. A quick dive into how global policy shifts drive operational change.

Struggling with agile rollouts? Get the FREE guide: https://theconfluencial.com/agile-whitepaper-form 

Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ 

AI is not a standalone strategy. It is a technology that should align with your enterprise architecture and serve defined business outcomes. In this episode, we discuss how to identify high-impact AI use cases across supply chain, labor, production, and fulfillment before pursuing a full ERP deployment. You will learn how to anchor decisions in strategic goals, assess process-level needs, and avoid over-engineering with systems that exceed the scope of the problem. We also explain how River AI supports this evaluation by matching functional requirements to the right technology, giving your team clarity without relying on vendor hype.

Struggling with agile rollouts? Get the FREE guide: https://theconfluencial.com/agile-whitepaper-form 

Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ 

The market is crowded, the language is confusing, and the pressure to adopt AI is louder than ever. In this episode, we break down how to approach ERP and AI decisions with clarity and purpose. You will learn how to start with your strategic objectives, evaluate what your business actually needs, and avoid common traps like chasing brand names or falling for cheap AI vendors. We also introduce River AI, our free shortlist tool that helps you match real requirements to the right systems. Whether ERP is your answer or not, this conversation will help you focus on value, not buzzwords.

Struggling with agile rollouts? Get the FREE guide: https://theconfluencial.com/agile-whitepaper-form 

Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ 

Too often, ERP decisions start with brand recognition instead of business needs. In this episode, we walk through how our free shortlist tool helps small and midsize organizations compare systems like Sage Intacct and NetSuite based on real requirements, not just name recognition. Whether you're moving off QuickBooks or reevaluating your current ERP, this tool surfaces options that fit your goals and budget. We also explore why lesser-known platforms often win and how curiosity can lead to better outcomes without costly consultant fees.

Struggling with agile rollouts? Get the FREE guide: https://theconfluencial.com/agile-whitepaper-form 

Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ 

Not every product demo tells the full story. This episode unpacks how to tell the difference between a genuine walkthrough and a polished sales performance. We explore why using your own data, customizing demo scripts, and asking tough questions matters more than the latest features. Readiness is not just preparation. It is your safeguard against costly missteps and missed expectations. If you're evaluating enterprise tech or gearing up for implementation, this conversation will help you stay grounded, informed, and in control.

Struggling with agile rollouts? Get the FREE guide: https://theconfluencial.com/agile-whitepaper-form 

Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ 

This episode pulls back the curtain on the shifting power dynamics of enterprise AI. As decentralized intelligence reshapes traditional IT boundaries, the question isn’t just who builds the tech, it’s who owns the outcomes. We explore why the CIO, CTO, and CFO must stop operating in silos and start co-owning AI strategy. From vendor lock-in risks to competitive differentiation, this is a candid look at how leadership alignment determines whether AI becomes a strategic asset or an expensive distraction.

Struggling with agile rollouts? Get the FREE guide: https://theconfluencial.com/agile-whitepaper-form 

Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ 

Is AI ready for your ERP implementation or are you setting yourself up for chaos? In this episode, we talk about how and when to bring AI into the mix, starting with your plan. From automated quality assurance testing to GenAI-powered change management, AI can absolutely play a role in implementation. But only if you’re ready. We break down the risks of treating AI like a plug and play tool, why Phase 0 planning matters, and how to build trust with your AI through rigorous validation. You’ll learn where human oversight is nonnegotiable, when to wait until Phase 2, and how to test AI in the real world before it touches your users.

Struggling with agile rollouts? Get the FREE guide: https://theconfluencial.com/agile-whitepaper-form 

Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ 

What’s the real difference between business intelligence and decision-making AI? In this episode, we dig into how today’s AI goes far beyond data analysis. You’ll hear how decentralized AI systems are transforming how organizations scale, specialize, and adapt without waiting on a monolithic ERP to catch up. We unpack why decision-making capability is the defining edge of modern AI, how specialization mirrors human expertise, and why cost-effective growth starts with targeted, agile deployment. 

Struggling with agile rollouts? Get the FREE guide: https://theconfluencial.com/agile-whitepaper-form 

Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/