Prior to focusing on business intelligence, Kaplan was a group controller for Hilite Industries Inc., an automotive manufacturer with facilities located in the U.S., France, and Germany. Before joining Hilite, he was the vice president of finance and information technology for Northern Stamping Inc., an automotive manufacturer acquired by Hilite Industries. Kaplan has also worked as a manager in the management consulting practice of Ernst & Young LLP and has held a variety of financial positions with Lincoln Electric, GenCorp, and Motorola. Kaplan has co-authored articles and cases appearing in the Journal of Cost Management, The Journal of Accounting Case Research, and Accounting Perspectives.