The benefits of business intelligence

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The business intelligence market grew 5.2 percent to encompass more than $16 billion last year, according to research from Gartner. This figure probably comes as little surprise to those monitoring the enterprise information technology arena, as organizations of all sizes continue to incorporate robust backend systems into everyday business processes. Analysts at Gartner expect this activity to pick up over the course of the year as part of a mainstream embrace of BI solutions. Why are so many companies investing capital in these platforms? Their data-mining and asset-tracking features open up new revenue-building opportunities via a number of key operational benefits.

Real-time shop floor transparency
Mangers and executives are responsible for identifying and acting on key internal shifts that might impact the business. Traditionally, this requires an immense amount of work, as these individuals must collect evidence from disparate sources and synthesize this information to make decisions. Even then, the data can be inexact, forcing leaders to base their determinations on instinct. This may have worked in the past but the modern market dictates that enterprises work off of cold hard evidence.

Business intelligence solutions automatically gather such insights, giving stakeholders the real-time facts they need to do what is right for the bottom line, according to Paragon Solutions. These platforms integrate with everything from business accounting systems to manufacturing assets, thereby facilitating the flow of accurate, actionable data.

"BI solutions automatically gather such insights, giving stakeholders the real-time facts they need to do what is right for the bottom line."

Centralized, accessible information
Simply collecting and storing enterprise data is not enough. This information must be easy to access if it is to make an impact on the operation and drive revenue. BI solutions offer this kind of centralized environment, usually through single-sign-on portals, Enterprise Apps Today reported. This unsiloed approach allows for timely decision-making and supports integrated business operations, as employees from every department can view the same data source. Of course, most platforms come with role-based credential configuration features, giving systems administrators the power to control who has access to sensitive internal data.

Enhanced customer connections
Organizations must woo customers to survive – it's the way business works. In the past, many have operated on suppositions when making these connections, using overarching market analysis to target the common denominator. While partially successful, this approach leaves room for improvement, as potential customers who do not fall into generalized groupings slip through the cracks and profits with them.

BI-infused applications allow enterprises to track customer activity and drill down into the behaviors that define these individuals and drive their purchasing habits, according to The Houston Chronicle. This information can prove vital when formulating promotions or meeting prospective buyers face-to-face. It can also improve interactions with invested customers, enabling employees to go into each conversation with useful insights. Some platforms equipped with BI capabilities even include self-service portals that give customers the opportunity manage their own accounts without company assistance. Integrated data-mining tools compile complete customer histories and present this data to external users for consumption. This feature is in high demand among consumers, as most want to avoid drawn-out phone conversations and leverage self-generated insights to find answers.

Open doors
Even the most profitable organizations can find room for improvement. However, traditional operational methods make spotlighting new opportunities more difficult, as stakeholders must search multiple data silos and weed through unstructured information and offhand insights that might point to internal issues. BI platforms facilitate this sort of transparency. Market and production trends are easy to spot, allowing executives and managers to adjust their operations to meet these shifts and ultimately reach new heights.

Business intelligence and commerce are now entwined. Organizations without platforms that provide these insights are bound to lose out to competitors, operating with little transparency while others tap into robust data stockpiles.

Could your business benefit from BI-infused software? Connect with Accent Software. As a Microsoft businesses solutions partner, we offer the Dynamics NAV platform, which comes equipped with cutting-edge business intelligence and reporting tools, making it the perfect solution for firms hoping to achieve operational transparency. Learn more about our offerings today.

Is your business in need of an ERP upgrade?

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Enterprise resource planning software does not last forever. The average system can function effectively for as long as a decade before slowing considerably under the weight of persistent patching, according to IT Toolbox. Of course, this is not some hard-and-fast edict. Companies must decide on their own when ERP replacement is necessary. How? Operational warning signs often materialize when solutions start to slide. Here are some common signals that regularly foreshadow complete system decline:

Vendor support fades
Most ERP makers pair software with robust support packages designed to keep things running smoothly. However, few maintain these programs into perpetuity. Instead, vendors phase out antiquated versions with newer iterations, ending the need for past support offerings. Organizations with overly aged ERP solutions normally discover this the hard way, as scheduled updates disappear and customer service personnel offer little help when kinks crop up. When this situation unfolds, it usually means a complete system upgrade should take place. Why? The answer is simple: Only vendor-backed ERP solutions can operate effectively.

On a related note, companies that struggle to get support for up-to-date software or have been victim to sudden vendor rate hikes in this area may also consider swapping solutions. In both of these scenarios, costs will inevitably continue to build until the ERP is simply too expensive to keep. It's better to get ahead of this spend by making a move before support-related spending gets too out of hand.

"Only vendor-backed ERP solutions can operate effectively."

IT cannot keep pace
Traditionally, information technology teams are responsible for maintaining legacy systems. Even some newer alternatives require ample internal intervention. Many companies are more than happy to handle these demands, especially if it means protecting large upfront investments. However, when technical staff can no longer do the bare minimum required to maintain the databases and other ancillary platforms that enrich the ERP and facilitate return on investment, change must come, ERP Software Blog reported.

New business opportunities arise
Sometimes even well-functioning ERP platforms must be replaced. Why? In most cases, this situation occurs when organizations pursue new business opportunities, according to Panorama Consulting Solutions. For example, enterprises involved in mergers often look for new systems to address integration issues. Other times, new operational goals require the adoption of more robust ERP solutions. Divestitures present similar problems, requiring departing companies to move data from parent company software to their own independent systems.

Complaints and workarounds abound
System users – especially those with some technical skills – tend to develop personal workarounds for overly problematic technology. When users implement these shortcuts in the interest of saving time, there is little to worry about. However, when these alternative methods constitute standard operating procedure, an ERP swap is essential. If left unaddressed, serious workflow flaws simply multiply until the old shortcuts simply do not work any longer. Similarly, users that skip this strategy and instead fill out trouble tickets should be taken seriously, as high complaint volumes normally indicate major system imperfections.

With these signs in mind, organizations can easily identify depleted ERP solutions and take steps to adopt newer technology that bolsters the business instead of weighing on it. Has your enterprise experienced one or more of these issues firsthand? It may be time for a change. Connect with Accent Software today. As a Microsoft businesses solutions partner, we offer the Dynamics platform, which is backed by top-of-the-line support services from Microsoft. Learn more about our offerings today.

How to select and implement the ERP that works for your business

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Implementing an enterprise resource planning solution is neither easy nor inexpensive. In fact, most organizations pay between $2,000 and $4,000 per concurrent user, according to ERP News. This fact alone should incentivize adopters to proceed slow and steady. However, many rush through the process in an effort to catalyze transformative internal changes as quickly as possible. The opposite normally occurs, as fast-moving companies implement solutions that weigh on the business and drain cash coffers.

Such situations are easy to avoid with patience and planning. Prospective adopters who require more guidance can follow these commonly used ERP selection and implementation strategies:

Get executive support
Before information technology teams can begin evaluating solutions and developing implementation plans, business leaders must allocate the required resources and, more importantly, offer their endorsement. Many firms manage to get funding but fail to secure the full support of senior leaders. Why? Lack of communication, according to CIO. Implementation managers should reach out to corner office dwellers and discuss the project in detail. It helps to connect specific components to overarching organizational goals, as this demonstrates to executives that the proposed ERP is more than just some glorified backend system. In reality the solution can drive change across the business, opening up new revenue-building opportunities that make far off sales targets more attainable.

It's important for project stakeholders to continue these relationships as things progress, offering occasional progress reports and project updates. Sometimes, C-level clout is the perfect solution to internal or external resistance.

"Planning is an essential part of the ERP implementation process."

Make a plan
Planning is an essential part of the ERP implementation process. Yet, many businesses simply skip this stage, believing they can select and put into place the perfect system without articulating project goals and system requirements. In reality, this strategy rarely pans out for obvious reasons. Internal ERP teams should instead embark on an extensive two-part planning journey, according to ERP Focus. The first leg involves identifying the specific operational issues the solution is meant to solve. These should be big-picture items that regularly arise during intraoffice gripe sessions or company meetings. Along with these issues, implementation teams will need to dig into the business itself and pinpoint the operational qualities that make it unique. With this cross-section of data, stakeholders can create accurate project goals off of which they can formulate platform requirements.

When it comes to listing essential software features, it is important that implementation teams not only formulate these needs internally but also reach out to end users – the senior managers and ground-level employees who will ultimately use the ERP. In the end, systems like these are only effective when users embrace them and, in order for this to happen, they must have a say in the selection process, Manufacturing Business Technology reported.

After receiving and processing platform input, implementers must move onto compiling an exhaustive feature list. When vendor evaluations begin, this document will serve as guiding light, revealing the way through gimmicky demos and marketing speak.

Be discerning
Some ERP providers deploy highly orchestrated presentations designed to sell viewers on an idea, rather than an actual product. Even the most seasoned IT personnel can become ensnared in sales traps when viewing these spectacles. With this in mind, implementation teams should carefully consider the offerings they see and take extra steps to ensure vendors can deliver on their promises. How? Asking for client references is always a smart move, as these companies can attest to live system usability, according to CIO. Additionally, it is always wise to go with a software maker that has industry-specific experience. Too often, implementation teams collaborate with green vendors whose offerings do not work well in specialized operational workflows.

With these strategies, prospective ERP adopters can implement systems that have the potential to transform the business, bolstering productivity and efficiency and revealing new revenue streams. Is your organization prepared to embark on the ERP adoption journey? Connect with Accent Software today. As a Microsoft Business Solutions Partner, we offer Dynamics NAV/ERP-based products fit for use in a variety of industries. With our help, you can adopt a transformative product that can streamline key backend processes such as inventory management, job costing and scheduling. Plus, our seasoned implementation personnel can help you adopt a game-changing solution that fits your operational needs. Reach out today to learn more about our ERP offerings or schedule a demo. 

Strategies for building a successful ERP implementation team

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Successfully implementing an enterprise resource planning platform takes teamwork. Stakeholders across multiple departments must come together to design and implement an end-user-friendly solution that streamlines internal processes, bolsters efficiency and boosts profits. However, assembling such a team is no easy task, as many would-be adopters discover. Last year, analysts from Deloitte asked information technology leaders from around the world to identify the top barriers to ERP implementation. Approximately 44 percent of respondents cited poor team performance as a central roadblock.

With this in mind, organizations intending to put into place functioning, bottom line-building ERP solutions should carefully construct implementation teams, choosing complementary contributors who can help catalyze success. How? Here are some essential strategies for building an effective ERP project group:

Think top down
Team leaders must look to the C-suite for assistance before harnessing IT assets and recruiting talent from other parts of the business, according to Manufacturing Business Technology. Gaining executive sponsorship is absolutely essential, as corner office dwellers not only offer access to company resources but also use their influence to smooth over any internal resistance to change, a variable that more than 80 percent of the participants in the Deloitte survey said derailed implementation. That said, truly getting these individuals on board requires work. 

ERP team originators should develop an extensive proposal that accurately captures the size and scope of the project. Additionally, this document should include technical aspects that tie directly into overarching business goals. Although most business leaders would rather not wade through detailed system specifications, they will certainly appreciate an explanation on how proposed features further sales targets and other growth metrics. On top of that, it is always wise to take into account office politics when developing such proposals, as these seemingly inconsequential factors can slow the system design and roll out process, or result in the the adoption of an ineffective ERP solution, according to Deloitte.

Implementation teams can make or break the ERP adoption process.Implementation teams can make or break the ERP adoption process.

Gain cross-functional allies
In addition to obtaining support from the top, ERP project leaders should survey the lower ranks for engaged operational personnel who can help create functioning system workflows, CIO reported. The individuals tasked with facilitating everyday business processes often provide valuable insight into how features might work in real-time operational scenarios. They can also speak to the user experience, offering up experienced-backed advice on system usability.

How do ERP implementation leaders go about finding people within the operation who can yield actionable information? Most are found executing tactical duties, deploying specialized skills and institutional knowledge to oversee or participate in detailed processes. These professionals know the inner-workings of the business and can share valuable data. Some teams automatically gravitate toward midlevel managers whose internal experiences might seem relevant to platform configuration and deployment. In reality, these individuals often supervise those with more granular understanding of internal tasks.

Recruit core talent
While executives and cross-departmental representatives are certainly important to the implementation process, these staff take a backseat to core ERP executors. The staff members that constitute this group take on most of the actual work, drawing up system specifications, collaborating with vendors and working with fellow employees to ensure adoption goes as planned, according to Panorama Consulting Solutions. Although these individuals are intimately involved in implementing software, it's best that not all of them hail from the IT department. Why? Installing an ERP requires a complete internal transformation, meaning the core team should include invested stakeholders from all parts of the business. 

Because the members within this inner circle can make or break the implementation process, ERP project leaders must work to pinpoint individuals with the appropriate skills and knowledge. What competencies should be on the must-have list? Communication skills are essential, as core team members must effectively collaborate amongst themselves and with external parties throughout the process. Decision-making abilities are also important, especially for those who take official or unofficial leadership roles within the team, according to ERP Focus.

Organizations that can field ERP implementation teams with professionals who embody the archetypes above are well on their way to success. 

Are you putting together a top-level ERP project team looking to transform your business? Contact Accent Software. As a Microsoft businesses solutions partner, we offer the Dynamics NAV platform, the perfect ERP solution for enterprises of all sizes. Learn more about our offerings today.

Why ERP security matters

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Hackers executed 980 successful large-scale cyberattacks last year, stealing more than 35 million sensitive files, according to research from the Identity Theft Resource Center. This data typifies the current enterprise data security climate. New threats seem to materialize daily, as dangerous external actors get their hands on powerful vectors designed to siphon information from internal servers or simply disrupt systems. Consequently, many organizations are optimizing their digital defenses, installing new backend solutions to protect mission-critical applications, including enterprise resource planning platforms.

One event recently highlighted the importance of shoring up these essential fixtures. In March, a prominent ERP provider was forced to patch its products after data security specialists uncovered a serious vulnerability that could have easily been exploited by cybercriminals, Dark Reading reported.

The external experts who spotted the weakness said it was one of the most severe faults they had seen, casting doubt on the system as a whole. Of course, skilled hackers can break into software without accidental backdoors. How? Frontend user error, for one.

​"IT teams bear the responsibility of protecting essential applications such as ERP systems."

Correcting bad behaviors
Most ERP users are not well-versed in data security best practices and often unknowingly indulge in risky behaviors out of convenience. For example, passwords are normally a key problem as employees are known to reuse easy-to-recall phrases across multiple platforms. Additionally, many employ overly simplistic passwords that take seconds to crack with most mediocre decoding software.

Security applications provider SplashData recently culled through five million stolen enterprise passwords and discovered that "123456" and "password" were most commonly used, according to Dark Reading. This suggests that many user still don't have a strong grasp on security basics and need further training on the subject.

Obtaining strong infrastructure
​IT teams must also bear the responsibility of protecting essential applications such as ERP systems. Spreading out administrative duties among multiple backend users is wise, as hackers who manage to steal IT credentials have only limited power within the system, according to IT Toolbox. In addition to using data security best practices, internal IT personnel should work with executive leaders and operational stakeholders to select systems equipped with optimal security features. While knowledge sharing can go a long way toward protecting ERPs, it cannot address the many sophisticated threats that can compromise the company locked within these solutions.

Does your organization need a reliable, secure ERP platform? Contact Accent Software. As a Microsoft businesses solutions partner, we offer the Dynamics platform, which is backed by top-of-the-line security from Microsoft. Learn more about our offerings today.

How Microsoft Dynamics can benefit small businesses

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Small businesses are often reluctant to fully embrace enterprise technology solutions. Why? Most simply do not have the resources to accommodate extensive solution design and implementation processes, according to survey data from the research firm Techaisle. Additionally, many systems engineered for use within small-to-medium-sized organizations lack scalable features that take into account future growth. Many even fail to deliver on core platform competencies. With these variables in mind, SMB executives dodge demo requests and maintain tried-and-true processes in fear of allocating funds to problematic budgetary black holes.

Of course, avoiding technology altogether creates other issues. Data-based decision-making is essential in the modern marketplace, predicated on changing customer expectations. How can modest organizations integrate evidence-backed workflows into their operations without risking the bottom line? By choosing the right system. Luckily, one particular solution stands as the ideal platform for small businesses looking to harness the power of big data via easy-to-manage backend and frontend features: Microsoft Dynamics NAV.

According to ERP Software Blog, more than 110,000 companies across the globe use this innovative solution – and for good reason. Microsoft Dynamics NAV includes transformative features that can push adopters to new heights. Here are some the key benefits come along with the software:

Easy implementation and management
Installing new enterprise software can be nightmarish. Problems often materialize in even the most ideal conditions, derailing timelines and increasing costs. In most cases, these situations unfold during the installation of on-premises systems that require considerable upfront investments, including expensive servers that require considerable resources to maintain. With Microsoft Dynamics NAV, physical processing units are a non-issue. Why? The platform runs in the cloud. This eases the maintenance burden and negates the need for large front-end expenditures, according to ERP Software Blog.

Of course, this brings to the fore security concerns many associate with cloud-based solutions. In reality, these platforms and the offsite servers that host them are more secure than on-premises legacy systems, as security specialists continually monitor these digital stores and develop new system patches to address the latest threats.

Additionally, since Microsoft engineers are responsible for managing backend components, information technology staff are free to work on more pressing projects that may further technological growth.

Dynamics NAV allows business to harness the power of big data and the cloud without significant upfront spending.Dynamics NAV allows business to harness the power of big data and the cloud without significant upfront spending.

Increased flexibility
The marketplace dictates that businesses maintain flexible processes that can adjust to the latest trends. Of course, this requires the occasional rejiggering of essential support systems, an admittedly tough and costly task for those with unwieldy platforms based in on-premises servers. These legacy systems often require custom updates, the installation of which can drive up costs and even require extensive scheduled downtime, which is never ideal for any organization.

With Microsoft Dynamics NAV, integrating new features to meet novel business needs is as simple as contacting an account manager and asking them to activate a new component. This makes it easy to host solutions that comport with current business strategy, facilitating real scalability within a turbulent market.

All-in-one services
Many businesses maintain multiple systems, each carrying specific data-based duties. This approach is problematic on several fronts. For one, managing several disparate solutions takes a toll on IT personnel, many of whom are already overburdened by day-to-day technical issues. It also increases costs, as these companies must add separate line items for each platform. On top of this, simply gathering insights from each solution devolves into a time-consuming juggling act, making it more difficult to actually review the resulting data and make evidenced-backed operational decisions.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV gives users the tools they need to perform myriad tasks via a single-sign-on portal, according to Microsoft. Accounting personnel can track expenses and review the books with ease, while operations teams evaluate supply chain performance, business development specialists can create multiple projects and salespeople cultivate leads. This one-solution approach breaks down internal silos, eases data access and facilitates low-impact system management processes.

Overall, the solution allows enterprises of every shape and size to embrace big data without worrying over roadblocks inherent in more traditional technology implementation workflows. With Microsoft Dynamics NAV, SMBs can adopt revolutionary tools that could someday put them on level playing field with larger competitors.

Is your small-to-medium-sized enterprise prepared to adopt Microsoft Dynamics NAV and unlock its many benefits? Connect with Accent Software today. As a certified Microsoft business solutions partner, we offer expert-level services and can tailor the platform to meet your specific needs. Contact us today to learn more about our offerings or schedule a demo.     

3 ERP vendor red flags to watch for

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Organizations in the midst of adopting enterprise resource planning software often look for ways to accelerate the search and implementations processes. This compulsion makes perfect sense from a business perspective. ERP solutions offer transformative benefits once installed, lending budget-slashing accuracy to key operational activities such as job costing and scheduling. Why not look for shortcuts that move things forward, faster? 

Unfortunately, companies that favor speed over scrupulousness during the ERP adoption journey often run into major problems, especially those that rush through vendor selection. In many cases, prospective adopters simply assume that, because of the nature of the market, software providers offer comparable solutions and service plans. In reality, this is not the case. Simply installing any ERP will not result in bottom-line bolstering improvements. It is, in fact, possible to implement the wrong software with the wrong partner. This mistake can cost millions, finance expert Jessica Bosari explained in an article for Forbes.

Even large companies aren't immune to this common misstep. For instance, Hershey and Nike have both made the mistake of implementing ERP systems that simply didn't meld with the business and both suffered multimillion-dollar losses as a result.

This is an avoidable problem. Companies only have to take their time and carefully consider potential ERP vendors to dodge catastrophe. It all starts with learning how to spot software makers that will not work out of the gate. Luckily, most exhibit similarly bad behaviors that are easy to spot. As you peruse product demos and speak with sales and technical representatives, be sure to look for these vendor red flags:

Mixing fact with fiction
Organizations across virtually every industry use marketing to generate leads. There is absolutely no shame in promoting your products. However, some enterprises take things too far, offering materials that do not accurately reflect their capabilities. This is common in the software arena, where thousands of companies jockey for lucrative clients. Businesses on the other side of the equation must take this into account when searching for operational partners, including those looking to adopt ERP solutions. Sadly, many fail in this regard and get tricked into investing millions in products that only exist within the pages of meticulously crafted brochures, according to CIO.

The dupe usually begins during the demo stage and continues through the sales process. Once implementation begins, the cat usually claws its way out the bag and the cutting-edge new ERP you thought would transform your business turns out to be an information technology nightmare. To avoid this issue, it's best to request references. If a prospective vendor refuses, it's probably time to walk away. Should you get on the phone with a current customer, be sure to ask not only about system capabilities but also the maintenance and system service offerings. You're not simply purchasing something off the shelf – your organization is entering a long-term business relationship, one that only works if the vendor can offer proper support.

Manufacturers deploy ERP solutions differently then service companies - vendors should know this.Manufacturers deploy ERP solutions differently them service companies – vendors should know this.

Too much customization
There are few out-of-the-box ERP solutions that can effectively address every business solution. However, this doesn't mean adopters are asking software firms to build entirely custom solutions from the ground up. Savvy ERP searchers skew in the opposite direction, as modifications can become difficult and costly over time, Manufacturing Business Technology reported. This is not to mention the upfront expense of coding them in the first place. Luckily, most ERP vendors are on board with the less-is-more customization philosophy, TechTarget reported. These companies simply don't want to commit resources to creating patches and new features to keep customized software up to date.

With this in mind, stay away from vendors that want to weigh your software down with tailor-made components. Should your solution require some sort of modification, be sure to emphasize scalability. Overloading your servers with extensive system patches will slow down ERP-dependent processes and drain cash coffers.

Lack of industry-specific knowledge
While most ERP solutions execute common data-driven tasks, they are often employed in different ways. For example, a construction business might use any given system differently then an office-based enterprise that deals with services, not physical products. Reliable vendors recognize these sector-specific distinctions and offer resources to accommodate companies in varying sectors. This includes salespeople and technical personnel with the industry knowledge needed to effectively oversee the product design and implementation phases. 

Should you come across a software provider without experience in your space, it's best to walk away, according to ERP Focus. You want a partner that understands how you intend to use your system and can offer advice on how best to build and deploy it.

Navigating the ERP software implementation process is a challenge. As a result, your organization needs to search for an seasoned vendor with the experience, products and services needed to make your investment worthwhile. Firms that fail to deliver in these areas are best left alone.

Interested in working with a trusted ERP vendor? Connect with Accent Software, a Microsoft Business Solutions Partner. Our Dynamics NAV/ERP products ease essential backend processes such as inventory management, job costing and scheduling. Our seasoned implementation personnel can help you adopt a game-changing solution that fits your operational needs. Reach out today to learn more about our ERP offerings or schedule a demo.

Overcoming common inventory management challenges

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Inventory management and cash flow go hand in hand. An efficient inventory system ensures that your business is responsive to fluctuations in demand as well as capable of diverting money to separate projects as needed. In other words, it needs to hit a sweet spot between costly oversupply and equally detrimental lack of goods to ship:

  • Excess inventory has long been recognized as a major drain on the bottom line. According to Industrial Supply Magazine, "excess and obsolete inventory" can cost its carrier 25 percent of the original value each year. (So $100,000 worth of items would yield a $25,000 charge from deterioration, storage, etc.) For this reason, many manufacturers have shifted to lean supply chains in which they keep as little inventory as possible (without compromising their abilities to deliver) on hand.
  • At the same time, not having enough inventory is obviously bad for business. A firm that cannot meet customer demand in a timely fashion is destined to lose sales to competitors and to struggle with its public image and reputation. Accurate demand forecasting is essential for building up sufficient inventory, yet even this task is a challenge due to the increasingly abbreviated life cycles of products in sectors such as discrete manufacturing.

So what is the solution to this delicate balancing act in inventory management? Software such as Microsoft Dynamics NAV is a good place to start. To see how inventory management systems can strike the right balance, let's review a few of the most common inventory management challenges they help overcome:

1. Inaccurate inventory records

What if your inventory numbers do not paint an accurate picture of what is actually in your warehouses? This situation is common, with a variety of possible causes, including lack of real-time visibility into what is being bought and sold throughout the day, as well as over-reliance on spreadsheets and other legacy accounting mechanisms.

A platform such as Microsoft Dynamics NAV gives you the ability to track assets by warehouse bins, inventory serial numbers and lot numbers. With the ability to see granular information about your inventory, it is easier to avoid major variances.

Inventory management is challenging without the right tools.Inventory management is challenging without the right tools.

2. Inventory surplus

As we noted earlier, excess inventory requires you to overpay for assets that you are not even using at the moment. It drives up holding costs, eats into profits and puts your entire cash flow at risk. 

The good news is that you can likely recalibrate your inventory levels if you have a solution that offers advanced features such as safety stock levels with alerts, full purchase and sales histories and simultaneous tracking of all costing methods.

3. Reliance on Microsoft Excel

Excel is a staple of the workplace, but it is widely overused for tasks that are far beyond its intended capabilities. Inventory management is one such activity. You do not want to wind up managing a vast set of inventory via manual manipulation of spreadsheet cells. A formula error alone could erase hundreds of hours of work.

For this reason, it is imperative to have modern software that is highly automated and easy to integrate with other systems of records. Microsoft Dynamics NAV is a prime candidate in this regard. Moreover, with the help of a Microsoft Partner Network member such as Accent Software, you can ensure that you have the right tools in place to align inventory management with cash flow. Learn more on our Dynamics NAV page to get started.

3 big requirements for an SMB ERP solution

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An enterprise resource planning system is like the "brain" of a small- or medium-sized organization: It serves as the central clearinghouse for accounting, budgeting, planning and many other custom operations. From the assembly line to the back office, an ERP solution helps shape what a manufacturer knows about itself (e.g., business intelligence, reporting, etc.) as well as how its different departments collaborate and communicate with each other.

However, SMBs face unique challenges in finding and sustaining ERP platforms that fit within their relatively limited budgets while still offering superior functionality to manual processes. Many outfits still rely on QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel to handle essential tasks, but at some point, their operational complexity and/or growth necessitate a search for a more efficient alternative – i.e., actual ERP software. But what should an ideal ERP system include?

It should, at a minimum, address these common stumbling blocks in SMB ERP implementation:

1. Visibility into processes

A Software Advice survey once revealed that 59 percent of SMBs pursue ERP systems because they need to integrate data from multiple business processes. This goal far outpaced even "company growth" (27 percent) as a primary rationale for upgrading from predominantly manual processes.

There are several keys for adequate visibility:

  • Real-time insight: Decision-makers should be able to drill down to information from all relevant processes as it comes in, allowing them to spot and address any inefficiencies right away.
  • Support for planning and forecasting: This real-time data is particularly useful for assessing past failures and successes, which can be analyzed to improve key procedures and make better forecasts about cash flow and margins.
  • Integration and customizability: The unique requirements of manufacturing require an ERP solution that can easily interface with other applications and be adjusted to incorporate custom processes.
What do SMBs need from ERP systems?What do SMBs need from ERP systems?

2. Affordability and ease of use

ERP systems have a reputation for being expensive and unwieldy to implement. A 2016 Panorama Consulting survey, with 26 percent of responses from companies with less than $25 million in annual revenue, found that 35 percent of respondents spent up to 3 percent of revenue on ERP implementations, while another 20 percent spent between 3 percent and 5 percent.

SMBs can reduce their exposure to these costs by avoiding custom in-house ERP systems and instead pursuing more accessible and broadly supported alternatives such as Microsoft Dynamics NAV. Options for on-premises or cloud setups give SMBs options for finding something that aligns with their respective budgets and priorities.

3. User training

Sometimes, the biggest challenge to ERP success is getting buy-in from end users who may initially balk at the design of the new system. After all, reliance on QuickBooks and Excel is often as much about familiarity as it is about cost.

Having a trusted partner that can provide ongoing training and support is therefore essential. Accent Software is a member of the Microsoft Partner Network, with more than 15 years of industry-specific experience. Learn more today about how we can help you get started on your ERP journey.

How ERP solves manufacturers’ biggest logistics challenges

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Businesses are made up of a number of moving parts, but for manufacturers, if anything goes wrong, it can throw a big wrench in operations. Coordinating people, facilities and supplies across a complex chain poses significant complications that organizations must be prepared to handle. Fortunately, manufacturers can take advantage of technology solutions to effectively navigate these difficulties. ERP can solve manufacturer's' biggest logistical challenges, making it a critical asset for a shop of any size.

1. Better planning

Communication between suppliers, customers and the manufacturing floor can be overwhelming. There are a number of departments involved, which makes it difficult to know what progress is being made or what tasks should be prioritized if there's no dedicated system. Newswire noted that ERP solutions provide centralized data collection, meaning that it can be accessed and edited with changes shown in real time. This ensures fast and flexible collaboration across the board.

With one established picture of operations, ERP helps to improve planning capabilities. Better visibility also empowers manufacturers to manage the supply chain more effectively and automate logistics workflows. This will help meet delivery orders on time and ease inventory management.

ERP can help plan and track logistics across sites. ERP can help plan and track logistics across sites.

2. Improved tracking

It's important to have full visibility into available materials and where everything is within a shop. As Supply Chain 24/7 noted, more customers are asking for full transparency into their orders and inventory throughout the entire life cycle. This type of flexibility is difficult to facilitate with the number of active orders and the fact that many manufacturers serve customers with global operations.

Tracking and visibility can be achieved with a capable ERP software solution. This system can help manage warehouses, track products based on their SKU numbers, support around-the-clock delivery and give analytics reports based on floor status. Food Logistics noted that ERP helps control the shelf life of products and maintains full visibility into projects and inventory even if production must be shifted around.

3. Consolidated software systems

"With one central system, manufacturers can make more informed decisions and better anticipate emerging trends."

The biggest logistics issues can come from the fact that manufacturers are using disparate, stand-alone software systems to augment certain capabilities. However, this type of setup doesn't provide the whole picture of company performance, impedes planning efforts, makes reporting difficult and can drain employee productivity.

Manufacturers can consolidate these systems into one ERP solution that can be leveraged across departments and business sites. This will provide real-time visibility into the entire organization's performance and improve employee efficiency. With one central system, manufacturers can make more informed decisions and better anticipate emerging trends.

There are a number of logistics challenges that manufacturers face, but ERP software solutions can help mitigate a number of them. ERP offers features that help consolidate assets into a centralized data platform that enables better visibility, accurate information and improved inventory tracking. Manufacturers can take advantage of these capabilities to enhance their operations and effectively serve their customers.