Pocket Aces Podcast

In this four-part series, Cambia Directors Craig Thompson and Brian Clark talk with Lisa Pope, past Epicor president, about manufacturing industry trends, staying competitive in an evolving business landscape, the evolution of ERP and its value in business growth and sustainability.

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EPISODE 1: The Evolution of ERP    (Length 16:12)

Step inside the front lines of ERP history with Lisa Pope, a software industry leader who witnessed - and influenced - some of the biggest turning points in enterprise tech. In the premiere episode of our new podcast, we take you back to the early 2000s - a pivotal era for ERP shaped by regulatory upheaval, and unprecedented vendor consolidation. Lisa shares her behind-the-scenes perspective from her tenure at Oracle, her role in a federal antitrust deposition and how those events forever changed ERP vendor dynamics. You’ll hear how shifting ownership models, evolving customer expectations, and the rise of SaaS have redefined ERP communities and partner ecosystems. Watch episode one now to hear Lisa's full conversation with Craig Thompson and Brian Clark as they unpack the events that transformed ERP.

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EPISODE 2: Recognizing the Need for Change    (Length 12:53)

Hosts Craig and Brian continue their conversation with Lisa for a candid discussion on one of the toughest decisions manufacturers face: When is the right time to change your ERP system? Lisa unpacks the early warning signs that signal your ERP might be holding your business back. She shares real-world examples of companies that waited too long and the operational and cultural disruption that followed. Lisa also outlines proactive steps manufacturers can take to assess their ERP system annually and stay ahead of change. Whether you're in a growth phase, navigating new ownership, or just feeling the strain of outdated tech, this episode offers strategic insight into how modern manufacturers can avoid ERP regret and plan for scalable success.

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EPISODE 3: Choosing the Right ERP and the Right Community   (Length 33:56)

In this episode, Lisa breaks down what today’s manufacturers should really be evaluating when selecting a new ERP solution - and it's not just the software. Lisa emphasizes that choosing an ERP is no longer just a tech decision; it’s a commitment to a long-term partner and a larger community of customers, partners, and support teams. She explains why industry-specific expertise, proven customer references, and cultural alignment matter just as much as functionality. You’ll hear why generic, one-size-fits-all ERPs often fall short for manufacturers - and how private equity ownership, product maturity, and executive stability within a vendor can offer critical clues about the long-term health of the software and the company behind it. Watch now to learn how to go beyond software - and choose an ERP community built for your future.

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EPISODE 4: The Future of ERP     (Length 19:41)

In the final installment of this 4 - part series, Lisa looks ahead at what’s next for ERP in manufacturing - and why the next major wave of innovation is already here. Lisa outlines the three major industry shifts ERP has experienced - Y2K, the move to cloud, and now, the rise of AI - and explains why AI won’t replace ERP but redefine it. With ERP as the digital backbone of manufacturing operations, Lisa shares why embedding AI directly into ERP systems is critical for manufacturers to succeed. Whether you’re already in the cloud or considering your next ERP move, this is a must-listen discussion for manufacturing leaders thinking long-term.  Watch now and learn why AI isn’t a trend - it’s the next leap forward in ERP.