Selecting the best ERP for your business

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As the economy continues to improve, more companies will be in the market for a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, and they will find themselves with choices more varied and expansive than ever before. The vendors and systems of the past are gone, replaced with an array of bewildering, modern options.

Unsurprisingly many companies find themselves at a loss as they attempt to sort through the options available to find the software that will best suit their business needs. Here are a few tips to help your organization evaluate solutions for the strongest fit and most benefits:

Don't set too many limits: It can be tempting to decide at the get-go that you will go with industry-specific ERP, or that you won't consider anything but general ERP packages, but this means you might miss out a great solution. Instead of setting limits along industry lines, base your choices on business requirements and budget needs. It is advisable to draw up a list of six to ten providers who can supply both industry-specific and general ERP packages.

Identify deal-breakers: What are the key requirements your chosen solution must have? Use these necessary features to whittle away at your list. Inform vendors on your list of the deal-breakers and find out whether they can meet your organization's demands.

Conduct detailed assessments: Once you have a short list of potential vendors it is time to start analyzing the strengths of the software they offer. Outline detailed business requirements that your organization needs from an ERP solution and ask vendors to create demo scripts to ensure their product is a good fit for your company. 

Accent Software is a leading manufacturing ERP software provider, dedicated to offering our clients the most advanced solutions available. We can help you find a solution that perfectly meets your needs.

The pros and cons of SaaS ERP

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Companies looking to invest in enterprise resource planning (ERP) software will be pleased to find that modern technology has opened the doors for a multitude of new features. There are a scores of ERP packages to choose from, enough to make your head spin if you're not careful.

One of these options is Software-as-Service, or SaaS. Instead of deploying ERP solutions from in-house servers, as is traditional, SaaS allows companies to invest in a software that is housed off-premise — in the cloud, for example. Many popular vendors, like Microsoft with it's Dynamics NAV product, now offer both options. But which one should your business choose? Here are three key variables that will factor in to your decision:

Simplicity: SaaS is usually simpler to deploy than on-premise ERP. Your company will not need to purchase extra servers or install the software. Instead, all that is needed is a reliable, high-speed Internet connection.

The technical ease, however, is a symptom of this option's age, which can be a problem. Younger, more modern software solutions have not had the time to mature, unlike on-premise ERP systems, which means that there may be some key functionalities missing.

One way to avoid this is to opt for the SaaS version of a traditional ERP package — like Microsoft Dynamics NAV — to ensure that years of vendor experience went into putting the SaaS option together.

Flexibility: Traditional ERP software is installed directly on your servers, which means you own the software and can do what you like with it. You can add customizations or integrate it with other software. SaaS, however, comes in one-size-fits-all.

Many solutions are built on multi-tenant architecture, meaning that customers all share the same applications. When new functionalities or upgrades are introduced they are introduced to everyone. You might have to change business processes, regardless of whether it helps your company or not. This can cause issues for companies with highly specialized processes, such as those in the manufacturing industry. 

However, SaaS also reduces technical complexities involved with software deployment. Companies will not need to bring in teams to conduct upgrades, and will be able to stay up to date with the latest developments in SaaS technology without lifting a finger.

Cost: Generally SaaS has much lower initial cost and a lower overall cost of ownership. Small to medium-sized businesses can reap the benefits of an ERP solution, without sacrificing revenue to costly licenses, complex hardware, software infrastructure and technology maintenance. At the same time, SaaS tends to come with an annual payment or monthly fee. Overtime these costs can rack up since your business will be paying for the software as long as it is in use.

There are a number of tradeoffs to be had between SaaS options and traditional on-premise ERP. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of each version, contact Accent Software. We are a Microsoft Business Solutions Partner with years of experience in business management software solutions.

How to ensure successful ERP deployment

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Choosing the right software is the most important part of any enterprise resource planning (ERP) project. Without a package that truly meets all your company's requirements you can't expect the next steps of the project to be successful. 

Once you have a software that fits your business it is time to move on to implementation. You can find stories of failed deployment around every corner. Hershey had a famous implementation failure that prevented it from delivering $100 million worth of Kisses for Halloween that year and caused their stock to dip 8 percent. Shane Company, the largest privately-owned jewelry retailer in the United States, filed for bankruptcy and partially blamed its botched ERP implementation for its decline.

These might be extreme cases but they are a good lesson for any company preparing to implement an ERP package — this step of the process should be taken as seriously as software choice. 

Here are some tips to help you ensure successful ERP implementation:

Plan ahead: Your priority should be to make sure an ERP project is done right, not done as fast as possible. Planning takes time but the entire company will benefit when the software is finally up and running. Don't jump into implementation without first ensuring that a vendor understands your business's requirements. Ask how they plan to deploy the solution you have chosen, and fill in any gaps in their plan. Every step should be accounted for. It's better to make sure you avoid problems before starting, than it is to spend time fixing issues later.

Strong project managers: Even if, for some reason, a failed implementation is your vendor's fault, it is your company that will own the failure — just as your company owns the success of a good ERP deployment. For this reason it's important to have capable project managers on your team. Get your top employees from the business to support and participate in the project. Make sure their is company-wide involvement and that each department understands the processes and procedures.

Change management: ERP software is a big change for your company. The system won't work effectively if your organization's employees can't use it. Invest in change management training to ensure a smooth transition into software use and to optimize ERP technology for better business operations. Workers should be trained thoroughly so that they can accomplish their typical responsibilities without too much challenge. It can be easy to get tied up in the technical capabilities of your ERP selection and assume that the best-in-class software will make your company better simply by existing. The truth is successful implementation is more about the people who will use ERP than it is about the software itself.

ERP software cannot be implemented successfully without clear requirements, a fully developed plan, strong project leaders and training. At Accent Software we have years of industry experience in deploying successful business management software. Contact us today for more information.

Achieving ERP project management success

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Effective enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions will meet the specific business needs of your company. They will preferably be written to best suit your company's industry so that you are not required to go through the time-consuming and costly process of designing a custom solution.

Of course, purchasing an ERP application is only half the battle. Without a well-designed implementation plan ERP cannot successfully empower your company. Here are a few tips to help you achieve ERP project management success:

Focus on critical requirements: While every part of business functionality is important, you will be hard-pressed to find a solution that meets every one of your requirements. For this reason it's important to focus on critical functions that drive your business. Which profit drivers are necessary? Which customer requirements are imperative for success? It is easy to get lost in the ERP implementation process when you're focused on too many prerequisites.

Consider the top line: Bottom line improvements are undoubtedly important but that doesn't mean you shouldn't consider the top line when implementing ERP. Successful deployments offer the opportunity to enhance revenues and gross margins, as well as net profits. Look for features and functions that have the potential to streamline processes that affect your top line.

Engage the business: ERP will affect your organization from top to bottom. This means that it is essential that everyone in the business be included in the implementation lifecycle. Volunteers that represent the business — preferably from each department — should be part of everything from vendor selection to scripted demos.

Is your business looking to upgrade or implement an entirely new system? At Accent Software we have the tools and the expertise to help you select the perfect business management software for your company.

Mobile ERP can benefit small and medium-sized businesses

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Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) need enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions just as much as their larger counterparts. Technology that provides visibility and insight into manufacturing operations is invaluable for any organization, regardless of size. In the past, however, traditional ERP options required extensive resources SMBs simply did not have. The up-front and on-going support costs put most ERP solutions out of the reach of smaller companies.

Today mobile ERP is paving the way for more affordable, user-friendly systems to take the reins. Here are three ways SMB manufacturers can ensure they reap benefits from their mobile ERP:

Enlist help: Working closely with ERP vendors and technology partners is imperative when running a smaller business. Enterprises may have in-house expertise and IT departments to help them select and implement solutions but SMBs tend not to have such expertise available. A top vendor will be able to help your company develop mobile ERP strategies and create a roadmap that will work best for your business.

Focus on business goals: You should have some idea of how mobile ERP can benefit your business and drive your processes. Most SMBs are aware of the weak links in their companies, and these are the operations you should be looking to improve with mobile ERP. Think about how you can empower people to get their jobs done more efficiently and accurately.

Target executives: Display mobile ERP's value directly to executives. Allow them to see the possibilities mobile business intelligence offers. If leaders are on board it is more likely that they will back a broader mobile ERP initiative.

At Accent Software we are committed to providing the most advanced business management software available. For more information about mobile ERP options, such as Microsoft Dynamics NAV, do not hesitate to contact us.

2 ways in which ERP improves customer service

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Most companies understand that enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is meant to make it easier to handle data pertaining to product planning, manufacturing, service delivery, marketing, sales, inventory management, shipping and payment. What most don't realize, however, is that as these business processes are made more efficient, the entire enterprise is empowered and able to provide better service to clients and consumers.

Here are two specific ways in which ERP solutions improve customer service:

Integration of best practices: ERP systems allow companies to handle data in the most efficient way possible. They promote the adoption of industry best practices to reduce tasks like documentation, testing and training. Companies are therefore able to spend more time ensuring that products meet quality standards or services are delivered promptly, and are able to dedicate themselves to handling customer issues immediately. Following best practices also ensures compliance with the business regulations certain industries must follow, which benefits consumers greatly by guaranteeing that they are receiving products or services that meet specific quality standards.

Inventory management: Manufacturers and retailers find that ERP is particularly beneficial as an inventory management system, improving visibility and allowing for greater inventory control and tracking. This allows for better planning and ensures that customers will be less likely to encounter serious problems such as delayed or incorrect shipments and the shipment of defective or broken products. Consumers will also always have the information — such as inventory availability or re-stocking dates — to make long-term commitments.

Accent Software is known for its dedication to product knowledge and customer service. If you are searching for an ERP solution for your manufacturing business, we can help out. We are a Microsoft Business Solutions Partner and have 15 years of experience in ERP systems. 

2 essential ERP capabilities for manufacturers

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There are a number of specialized features that the best enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions must possess to be useful to manufacturers. 

Many manufacturing companies operate in regulatory environments which tend to require comprehensive reporting, tracking and up-to-the-minute data capture. ERP solutions should be able to meet these demands and support manufacturing companies by offering easily-configured features that allow them to handle a variety of processes.

Two of these critical processes include:

Product lifecycle management: ERP solutions must integrate product lifecycle management (PLM) from inception through engineering design and manufacture, to service and disposal of manufactured products. PLM functionality allows companies to enable quick turnaround, complex printed circuit board assembly and design reviews before manufacturing begins. There should always be a real-time feedback loop between the specific manufacturing departments, such as design, production and quality assurance to avoid costly mistakes and problems.

Improved visibility: Real-time visibility across the enterprise is essential for effective and accurate manufacturing processes. ERP must make it easy to track people, materials, machines, processes and suppliers. Data should be captured as it happens to avoid mistakes. For example, a good system will allow workers to track production, signals, alerts and business intelligence automatically and intuitively.

In general, the most advantageous ERP model will be the one that meets your businesses specific demands. It is important to vet all solutions thoroughly before any discussions of implementation to ensure that they will support your company.

Accent Software can help your company find business management software that fits your precise needs. We are a Microsoft Business Solutions Partner with over 15 years of experience in the industry. If you're in the market for a solution contact us today.

3 more critical ERP features for electronics manufacturers

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Historically the strengths of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software has been in finance and accounting. However, manufacturing businesses, particularly high-tech and electronics manufacturers, require solutions that allow them to accurately track all aspects of the manufacturing process to achieve complete process visibility.

In an earlier blog post we covered three characteristics ERP must have to be useful to manufacturers. Here are three more:

Lean management facilitation: High tech and electronics producers should be able to integrate lean tools to optimize their global supply chains. Functions such as Automated Electronic Pull Scheduling and Online Replenishment Systems allow manufacturers to implement lean processes across multi-line, multi-product manufacturing facilities. Features such as the automated document control we mentioned in the last article can also help with lean management by making way for a paperless shop floor. 

Enhanced traceability: Manufacturers must be able to efficiently and easily track product serialization, and access detailed product data throughout the manufacturing process. ERP solutions should make it easy to view component-level traceability to track things like defects and failures in the field. Operators on the shop floor should also have quick access to the traceability tree. This makes it easy to meet reporting requirements outlined by OEMs, as well.

Machine integration: Generic ERP systems are unable to offer manufacturers the ability to fully integrate specific machines. The purpose of a good ERP solution is to automate business processes throughout the company. A top-of-the-line ERP system should let you link Surface Mount Technology machine data with production and shop floor control. A good solution should also track New Product Introduction data, quality, inventory management and other key production information. 

If you are searching for business management software for your company do not hesitate to reach out to Accent Software. We offer solutions such as Microsoft Dynamics NAV that are sure to appeal to your company. 

3 must-have ERP features for electronics manufacturers

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Electronics and high tech manufacturers are under constant pressure to deliver precise accuracy, increased efficiency and innovative assembly.

In an ever-changing industry with fast-paced product development it is important for manufacturers to stay on top of the competition. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions for electronics and high tech manufacturers must not only help build speed and agility, they also need to help companies manage product lifecycles, supply-chain flexibility, global visibility and regulatory compliance.

The best ERP solution will offer these businesses the ability to track all aspects of the manufacturing process and manage overall operations, while supplying features that help strengthen business processes. Some of these must-have features include:

Automated document control: Document automation reduces the chances of error and ends inefficient manual data handling. Electronic documents allow manufacturers to stay up-to-date with changing information and respond to evolving market needs and competitor actions. Document automation also promotes accelerated product introduction and time to market.

Complex supply chain management: Paperless, real-time communication across the supply chain improves visibility, performance and operational excellence. Suppliers should preferably be able to share data over Web-based portals, reducing the need for manual methods of communication such as emails and phone calls. These systems should also be able to provide data and business insight, to encourage best management practices.

Efficient tracking: Quality solutions will make it possible to track Defects per Million Opportunities (DPMO) during high-speed productions. ERP systems should be able to automatically track failure modes and repeated failures during processes occurring in real time, so that non-conforming parts or defects can be instantly identified, held and disposed of.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV is a global enterprise resource planning solution that can simplify supply chain, tracking and other complex manufacturing processes. If you are interested in learning more about how this business management software can support your electronics or high-tech production company contact Accent Software today.

Questions to ask when you replace your ERP system

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If your manufacturing company has been hosting a legacy system for a long time the chances are that it is time to replace your system with a solution that is more capable and functional. As technology advances and business needs progress, many manufacturers find that their legacy enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems can't handle the strain.

Companies tend to suffer without state-of-the-art software. Legacy systems are often not up to the task, and fail to meet industry demands and requirements. While users may be able to work around issues for some time and executives will undoubtedly tell you that the company's current solution has a good few years to go, the fact of the matter is that the more outdated you allow your software to become, the farther you fall behind. There is always a danger that your competition will secure customers you could not keep because their business is more agile and better equipped to respond to ever-changing markets.

Switching ERP systems does not have to be as stressful and time-consuming as it sounds. When searching for an ERP vendor and a potential new solution, you and your partners should ask yourself these questions:

  • Will you continue to host on-premise or is a cloud platform an option?
  • Does the business logic of the potential ERP system mimic the way your company functions?
  • Does the new system offer scalability?
  • How does the vendor support the system? Will the vendor develop a long-term relationship with the company and support you beyond installation and implementation?
  • How do the costs of the new system compare to its benefits? 
  • What will be the total cost of ownership over the years, and is the investment the same across vendors and platforms?

Selecting a new ERP system can be an overwhelming process. That is why Accent Software is here to help you along the way. If you are in the market for new business management software, such as Microsoft Dynamics NAV, do not hesitate to contact us.