New options help cloud ERP gain market share

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While on-premise enterprise resource planning is still the more commonly used business management software, cloud ERP is taking great strides. Over the last few years we've seen cloud ERP adoption growing and beginning to take a decent amount of the ERP market, according to a report from PricewaterhouseCoopers. The many benefits of cloud ERP include lower implementation costs, improved scalability and more mobile capabilities. 

Two-tier strategies
One of the ways that cloud computing can help enterprises is as part of a two-tier system. An enterprise can keep some ERP functions on-premise, while performing other functions through a cloud ERP vendor. An enterprise running a legacy ERP that would be hard to transfer to a cloud platform would be a good candidate for two-tiered ERP. Similar to the hybrid cloud, tiered ERP allows more control over what data is stored onsite and what is stored in the cloud. 

"Cloud ERP implementation is much easier for small to medium businesses."

Small business tools
Implementing cloud-based business management software solutions can be more challenging for larger enterprises. Bigger companies tend to have more established legacy systems that are engrained in every facet of their business processes. Their complex IT infrastructure makes moving to the cloud a far greater challenge.

Cloud ERP implementation is much easier for small to medium businesses, Eric Kimberling of Panorama Consulting told Enterprise Apps Today. Smaller businesses "are more likely to gravitate toward the cloud because they don't have as mature business processes that are difficult to change to fit the software," he added. Cloud ERP also provides more freedom to scale quickly: small businesses don't need to worry about upgrading their hardware as they grow their customer bases with cloud ERP. 

Manufacturing mobility
For manufacturers, the more complex their supply chain, the more they can benefit from ERP mobility. While on-premise ERP can help boost production scale, cloud ERP's mobile capabilities help manufacturers get products to market faster and provide better service to partners and customers. Louis Columbus of Forbes called cloud ERP "one of the onramps for new business models now and in the future." Manufacturing business software should help growing enterprises take advantage of the mobile workforce trends. 

If your enterprise needs to take the next step, we can help! We help growing companies implement Microsoft Dynamics NAV, a flexible, agile ERP system that helps manufacturers operate efficiently and make quick decisions using real-time data. Accent Software's team has been helping small businesses implement Microsoft Dynamics NAV for over 15 years. Contact us to learn more about this business management software, and the many ways your team will be thankful for it.

Your roadmap for ERP implementation

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Implementing new business management software is going to change your company significantly. The changes will all be for the better, but it's still important to plan accordingly. Without a solid roadmap for implementation, you could have difficulties getting buy-in and ensuring you get all the tools you need. It's a complex process that encompasses every part of the company, so it's important that the implementation is managed well.

Consider your industry-specific needs
ERP software can be customized to meet the unique needs of every market. When you're planning your implementation, remember the modules and tools that you'll need in order to improve efficiency across the company. We recommend Microsoft Dynamics NAV software for manufacturing companies, but other industries have solutions that are tailored to their needs. 

Review your plan with stakeholders
Financial stakeholders are going to have a lot of questions about this new manufacturing business software. First, they're going to want to know what it costs. They're also going to want to know how disruptive it's going to be in the short term, and how long the implementation will take. Most importantly, they're going to want to know the financial and strategic benefits. Highlighting all of these points will help you get executive buy-in. 

"ERP software can be customized to meet the unique needs of every market."

Establish a cross-functional team to oversee implementation
Your new business management software will affect every department, so you're going to need to understand where each group is coming from. A cross-functional team will help keep the implementation on point and ensure a smooth process. Accounting, production, human resources, sales and every other department deserves representation. By getting a point of view from every area in the business, you will have an ERP system that serves everyone's needs. 

One module at a time versus all at once
Modern ERP software is made up of different modules that serve different business processes. Depending on your needs, you may not require every module, and you can continue to add more as you need them. In order to help usher in a smooth transition process, it's best to implement the system one module at a time. Focus on the most important modules for your needs, and add from there. Implementing all at once could overwhelm your staff and create too much uncertainty. 

Always be training
A robust system like ERP is always changing and adapting to changing business environments. As new features emerge and more employees join your team, maintain a training schedule to ensure that users are up-to-date on everything that's available. 

When implementing new software like ERP, it's best to seek help from the experts. At Accent Software, we've been helping growing businesses streamline processes and boost efficiency with Microsoft Dynamics NAV. We can help your team implement Dynamics NAV and follow up with training and consulting wherever they're needed. 

Requirements for discrete manufacturing business software

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Discrete manufacturing refers to producing finished goods that are easily countable and sortable. There goods are often made from smaller components. Some examples include furniture, electronic equipment, toys and airplanes. As opposed to process-manufactured goods, discrete goods can be identified as individuals, whereas process goods are difficult to break down because they're usually liquids or powders. 

Discrete manufacturing requires separate characteristics in its business manufacturing software. Combining smaller component into a complex finished product can require sophisticated systems to help manage the whole workflow. An ERP software solution that addresses these requirements can help a discrete manufacturer streamline processes and improve the bottom line. 

Customization
While many discrete manufacturers stick with specific plans for their products, some operations offer more customizable goods. These custom goods can be made to order, and to properly track information the ERP software needs to be able to adapt to new custom workflows. 

"An inventory management system is crucial for discrete manufacturing companies."

Quality management
Since discrete products are usually created by combining components, there are additional steps in the process. ERP software must be able to manage quality assurance checks and help track both the components and the finished products. This tracking can include regulatory requirements and safety inspections. 

Inventory management
An inventory management system is crucial for discrete manufacturing companies. Tracking products accurately helps ensure quantity requirements are met and finished products are delivered to clients. This can also include a demand planning extension, which helps ensure the ideal amount of goods are manufactured. 

Identification of basic components 
In a circular economic model, discrete goods can be broken down into their basic components at the end of the product lifecycle. Ideally these components can be used again for new products. An ERP solution for discrete manufacturers should be able to identify basic components in addition to finished products. While not every manufacturer is part of the circular economy, this is a growing trend. 

At Accent Software, we help growing businesses learn and implement Microsoft Dynamics NAV, a flexible and customizable ERP software that supports discrete and process manufacturers. We understand the importance of smart software for manufacturing to streamline workflows, boost productivity and foster innovation. If your legacy system isn't cutting it, contact our team to see the difference a modern business management software solution can make.

How does manufacturing ERP software strengthen company culture?

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Enterprise resource planning can bring many changes to a business, such as increased efficiency, improved inventory management and clearer cross-functional communications. What many people may not realize is that ERP software can also improve company culture.

While culture can be difficult to define, it plays a major role in how well your enterprise runs. A strong company culture can lead to happier, more productive employees. Many of the issues with legacy software, such as poor communication, inefficient processes and general disorganization can hurt company culture, but the improvements that come with the right business management software can reverse these effects. 

New roles and responsibilities
Many employees will be facing new challenges and opportunities when business management software is implemented. Everyone's role will change in some way or another, but there will be some users who feel like they have totally different jobs. It's important to make sure that everyone understands the changes going forward. Not only how it's going to change their jobs day in and day out, but how it's going to improve functions throughout the company. 

"It's important that everyone understands the changes going forward."

Training and education
Rick Cook of Inside ERP said, "Train for the changes, not just the software." It's gong to take more than just a few training sessions to get everyone on board with the changes. Ongoing training programs will keep your team up-to-date with all of the changes, as ERP software like Microsoft Dynamics NAV is always evolving. Use real-life scenarios so the team can see how these new standards and tools will apply to their everyday roles. Properly trained employees will embrace these changes, because they'll see the value this new software brings. 

Automation
ERP software helps to automate the redundant, time-consuming tasks that can frustrate many workers. By completing these tasks automatically, the ERP system frees your team up for more valuable and rewarding work. Your team will feel more fulfilled from spending more time helping customers and performing other high-value tasks. 

Change management
Seeing leaders getting on board with the new business management software solutions will help establish the importance of the new ERP system. Nominating change agents throughout the company as "super users" can help demonstrate the many benefits this software will bring. 

When everyone in your organization buys into this new and improved manufacturing business software, your company culture will be thriving with team members who are excited to be part of a cutting edge operation. 

At Accent Software, we can help you create a training plan to develop your users into experts, so you can be well on your way to enjoying the many ERP benefits. We're proud Microsoft business software partners, and we help growing businesses use Microsoft Dynamics NAV for their business management software solutions. Contact us to learn more about the many ways we can help.

Growing ERP market allows enterprises more options

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While enterprise resource planning has been helping businesses streamline their processes and boost efficiency for a while, the market continues to grow and adapt to new technologies. This growth has presented more options to choose from for companies seeking business management software, particularly for businesses in the growth stage. 

Eval-Source, a software evaluation service, recently released its ERP Cloud Buyer's Guide, highlighting the many options that buyers have when considering ERP solutions. The guide highlighted many new trends in the cloud ERP market, including increased functionality, mobility and services for small businesses. 

Improving functionality
Consumers in general want software that's easier to use. ERP buyers are no different. As ERP solutions affect many different parts of an organization, not everyone who uses ERP is as tech-savvy as the IT department. For this reason, ERP systems are including simpler controls and increased functionality to better serve a wide range of users in many different departments. Additionally, users now have more freedom to make their own changes. While SaaS developers are often slow to implement changes, it's exciting to see ERP software continue to grow and adapt to user needs. 

"ERP systems are including simpler controls and increased functionality."

Going mobile
A major trend that the guide highlights is increased mobile functionality. ERP developers understand that enterprise mobility allows workers to be more productive and adaptable to changing business climates, so they're building tools and solutions that can work on many different devices. Cloud ERP makes mobility easier: because the system is housed on a cloud instead of on-site, users are not limited to accessing information at the site. Now they have the power to access their ERP solutions wherever they are. ERP programs also offer increased social engagement for their users and clients. 

Slimming down
As the ERP market grows, more options are emerging for small to medium sized businesses. Cloud computing in general favors smaller operations because it lets them become agile and provides improved scalability as they grow. ERP software is no different, as many ERP systems such as Microsoft Dynamics NAV are offering slimmed down or modular services which cater to growing businesses. 

At Accent Software, we understand the importance of managing and analyzing data in the manufacturing industry. We also understand the need for growing businesses to run an efficient operation. That's why we work with Microsoft Dynamics NAV, a robust ERP program for growing manufacturers. We help you through the whole process, from training to implementation to consultation. Contact us to learn more about how we can help implement powerful business management software solutions for your enterprise.

How ERP software fosters innovation

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If you're looking for a competitive edge, innovation is the name of the game. You hear about it a lot, but how does a company become innovative? Whether it's by developing a new product or improving on an existing process, innovation can take many forms. As a manufacturer, an enterprise resource planning system can help get your team to the next level as innovators. 

Automation
One of the most important ways that ERP business management software helps businesses innovate is by taking repetitive tasks out of their hands so they can focus on more important work. If you're still using a legacy system, or a series of spreadsheets, your team is spending a significant chunk of its time filling out the same fields and forms, again and again. By automating simple tasks like this, ERP gives your team more time to develop new products and implement new processes. Stop filling out spreadsheets and start innovating. 

Customization
ERP software is a mature technology, but don't let that make you think it's old. ERP has evolved over the years and adapted to help businesses in new ways, taking advantage of exciting new technologies such as cloud computing and mobile devices. A modular ERP program such as Microsoft Dynamics NAV can grow with your business, and you can add more features when you need them. ERP also integrates very well with other technologies such as CRM software, so there's no need to throw out all of your old systems and start from scratch. 

Harnessing data
Two major trends are changing the ways businesses run: Big Data and the Internet of Things. With Big Data, enterprises have access to more information than ever before, allowing them unprecedented business intelligence. With the Internet of Things, manufacturers are able to attach connected sensors to their equipment, giving them a full view of the workflow with real-time information.

"ERP allows your team more time to develop new products and implement new processes."

ERP software allows enterprises to take advantage of both of these trends, through gathering and delivering superior data. With a modern ERP solution, businesses can harness important data to improve processes and make smart decisions. Whether it's through improved forecasting and demand planning, or providing real-time information for decision making, the right business management software solutions can help your team capture important data and use it more effectively. 

What you need from your ERP software
In order to take full advantage of ERP's capabilities to foster innovation, you need the right ERP. Here are some characteristics to look for when considering an ERP system: 

  • Cost effective: In a CIO Review interview, William Dyer noted in regards to cost effectiveness, "it is important to stay correctly positioned within the technological curve. You can't be so far in front that everything is bleeding edge, and yet you also can't be so far behind that comfort or stability is the only consideration." 
  • Agile: An ERP solution that fosters innovation is one that is modular, like Microsoft Dynamics NAV. You can use the systems you need, and add more functionality as your enterprise grows or shifts. 
  • Responsive: No one should be implementing ERP just for the sake of it. The software needs to provide value by streamlining operations and boosting productivity. Your ERP system should connect with every facet of your business instead of acting as a standalone tool. That way, it can provide the most services for the best value.

At Accent Software, we understand the importance of smart software software for manufacturing. That's why we help businesses implement Microsoft Dynamics NAV to boost productivity and foster innovation. If your legacy system isn't cutting it, contact us to see the difference a modern business management software solution can make. 

How ERP can improve customer relationships

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One of the many benefits of enterprise resource planning software is its ability to integrate with other systems to offer streamlined management solutions and logistics. This business management software can promote efficiencies throughout the enterprise. In addition to helping your accounting team stay compliant and your production department manage inventory, ERP software can also help your sales and customer service workers foster client relationships.

ERP software integrates with CRM, or customer relationship management software. This integration can yield a number of benefits, including increased sales, improved efficiency and product integration. By integrating ERP and CRM, your team can enjoy enhanced sales operations. Customers will love the seamless and efficient service they receive. You finance team will love the improved demand forecasting data, and your warehouse will enjoy the improved inventory management tools. 

Real-time information
By integrating enterprise data with customer engagement platforms, your team has access to up-to-date customer information. This enhanced business intelligence will help your team better serve and retain existing customers, while connecting with new ones. ERP gives users real-time information so they can adapt to any curveballs that come their way, and integration with CRM platforms helps them to streamline these changes for customer engagement. 

When a customer calls the service number for help with a product or an order, your call center will be able to seamlessly access this information without having to log into a whole new system or forward the customer to another department. After all, nobody likes being put on hold. Your team will also be able to instantly check on outstanding orders, connect with the inventory management system and quickly process any changes or corrections, so that none of your team has to return incorrect orders. 

A better snapshot of your customers
One of the best ways to serve and retain customers is to know them better. Integrating your ERP and CRM software systems gives your team a more complete view by drawing information from sales, to accounts receivable, to inventory, to buying habits. Your employees can better understand customer needs, and even anticipate their orders before they come in. 

Accent Software has been helping Indiana businesses implement and roll out ERP systems for over 15 years. We've helped over 130 local enterprises take advantage of this robust business management software through consulting, training and ongoing support every step of the way. If you're legacy system can't handle your growth and you're ready to take the next step to becoming a more efficient operation, contact Accent Software today. 

The many benefits of manufacturing ERP software

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Manufacturers are adopting new technologies such as business management software to run safer, more efficient and productive enterprises. Enterprise resource planning systems can help every department, from sales, to accounting, to production and executive leadership. 

Inventory
Managing inventory and demand planning is an essential part of manufacturing. A robust ERP system includes inventory management software, giving you powerful tools that let you accurately forecast for customer demand. With accurate demand planning, your team isn't stuck wasting resources on extra inventory, and they don't fall behind on customer orders. ERP demand planning tools help your team know exactly how many units to produce. 

Financials
The ERP business accounting systems help keep financials in line with any industry regulations. The accounting team has easy access to accurate data for financial reports, giving them a clear snapshot of the financial situation. 

Agility
Modern ERP software is modular, allowing enterprises to pick and choose the features that meet their needs. The system lets users access real-time data, equipping them to make better decisions as soon as new challenges arise. Whether it's new customer demand or a change in the industry, ERP software helps businesses deal with the curveballs and come out on top. 

Productivity
ERP software helps manufacturers make the best use of their time and resources. The system helps to implement industry best practices, streamlining the workflow and dramatically slashing waste. That means products are developed more efficiently, with minimal recalls. Bruce Harpham of CIO wrote that ERP systems are now improving to integrate with mobile devices. Mobile ERP tools let users connect wherever they are, boosting productivity. 

Communication
As companies grow, departments tend to develop their own databases and standards. This can lead to silos that form between groups and make communication more challenging. When this happens, data integrity suffers, and that can lead to problems at every level. 

ERP software maintains all important data in a central hub, where everyone can access and update it. This helps a growing company maintain strong communication between departments, and it ensures that data is accurate and up-to-date. 

If your manufacturing enterprise needs to take the next step, we can help! We help Indiana manufacturers implement Microsoft Dynamics NAV, a flexible, agile ERP system that helps manufacturers operate efficiently and make quick decisions using real-time data. Accent Software's team has been helping small businesses implement Microsoft Dynamics NAV for over 15 years. Contact us to learn more about this business management software, and the many ways your team will be thankful for it.

How the Internet of Things is changing ERP

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The Internet of Things is changing the way enterprises use technology. By allowing devices and tools to gather and report data to workers, business management software, like enterprise resource planning systems, is smarter, faster and more flexible. 

Universal communication
The simplest way of describing the Internet of Things is to say that devices talk to each other, and the information goes both ways. Connecting tools with active sensors can more effectively connect functions like sales, marketing and finance, wrote Rick Carlton of ERP Focus. 

New opportunities
Rian van Heur of Computer Weekly said that thanks to the IoT, modern ERP software makes IT part of a product's unique selling point. He added, "by collecting, analyzing and processing all the data from sensors, companies can offer their customers new services." When a product is sold to the customer, it doesn't disappear. Smart sensors on the product can help the manufacturer continue providing service, suggesting improvements and providing upgrades with a faster turnaround time. 

Real-time intelligence
The IoT lets businesses harness crucial information to provide better services to their clients. By helping ERP systems acquire this information in real-time, the IoT is making modern ERP more flexible. Real-time data allows businesses to act faster, whether they're entering new markets, upgrading an existing product or rolling out a new product to meet a shifting customer demand. Businesses can also gain quick information on their processes, allowing them to improve and streamline workflows as they see bottlenecks appearing. 

At Accent Software, we work with growing manufacturers to implement Microsoft business software, helping them reduce costs to achieve a competitive advantage. If your legacy system isn't cutting it, contact us to see how a modern ERP program can give your enterprise a competitive advantage. 

How to prepare for your go live date

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If your team isn't adequately prepared to implement your new enterprise resource planning software, it's going to be a difficult transition. Curt Barry of Multi Channel Merchant shared advice  on how you can ensure a smooth deployment for your new business management software system.

Documentation, documentation, documentation
You're going to need to develop a system of standardized procedures for implementing, training and using the new ERP system so it lives up to its fullest potential.To make sure that your teams follow these procedures correctly, it's important to document every step. That means creating documents for users to refer back to whenever they have questions.

Without proper documentation, tickets about the new system could flood the helpdesk. Even worse, users might just go their own way and use the system incorrectly. As Barry wrote, "your company's policies and procedures are not embedded in the system process, nor are they interpreted for the departmental users. To make matters worse, business with heavy peak sales that hire lots of seasonal employees can run the risk of mistakes and errors."

Developing procedures
For the ERP rollout to be a rousing success, create and document training and standard operating procedures. Standard operating procedures should align with your best practices to maintain data integrity and workflow efficiency. These procedures must reflect tasks and requirements for every department. Training procedures should include hands-on learning, so each team can see how to carry out what they've learned in this new system. Since ERP software will allow your team to automate many processes, identify what can be automated and what will need to be performed manually. 

How Accent Software can help
Accent Software has been helping Indiana businesses implement and roll out ERP systems for over 15 years. We've helped over 130 local enterprises take advantage of this business management software through consulting, training and ongoing support every step of the way. If you're ready to take the next step to becoming a more efficient operation, contact us today.