Set a good standard with ERP software

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Limiting the amount of problems that might impact your supply chain and disrupt your entire operation is important to keeping production schedules on track and making sure there aren't any significant gaps in your service response system. ERP software can allow your business to isolate problem areas and fix any communication issues relatively simply.

The role that risks can play in thwarting successful business is not insignificant, if one is to judge by a study that recently emerged from the MIT Forum for Supply and Innovation. This report assesses the problems that such risks can cause by examining several different companies, primarily based in manufacturing.  One of the key qualities it noticed in its look at the way different businesses responded to stress was how quick and resourceful its management was in reacting, and what factors contributed to that. A lot also depends on the "maturity" of your company, according to them.

Examining the resulting changes in different companies' revenue over the course of a year, the study found that well-developed management systems had a reduced chance of losses.

"Only 44 [percent] of the companies with mature processes suffered a 3 [percent] or more decline in their revenue compared to 57 [percent] with immature processes," the authors of the study wrote. "The difference is striking in key areas such as total supply chain cost, order fulfillment lead times and lead time variability."

The types of advantages that ERP business software solutions provide might seem like obvious decisions that you can make on your own, but your company may benefit from the additional perspective that they can grant.   

Streamlining medical supply chains for maximum efficiency

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A crucial part of your business' infrastructure is your supply chain and the means by which it processes different kinds of materials. Though this might be an area that seems relatively contained, anyone can encounter difficulties without an ERP software system in place to help lend some order to procedures.

There are some steps that a company can take to help things move more efficiently, and some of them come courtesy of a recent post at Healthcare Global, which outlines the specific role that good supply management can play in keeping costs low for medical shipments. With cost a major concern, the author of this article delineates the multiple functions that a good system can have for the entire business and, on a larger scale, across the industry as a whole.

One method can be to make goods available to the provider directly, but when that isn't feasible, the different properties of ERP manufacturing software can allow for thorough management of goods that are currently in shipment. Because of their more limited resources, smaller businesses might have more to lose from holes in this area.   

"Most importantly, good supply chain management software can be immensely helpful for small, regional caregiving institutions," the author writes. "They are most affected by inefficiencies, and a good software solution can help create connectivity and linkages that enable supply chain partners to share data with one another."

Indiana-based professionals looking to connect their local medical networks with products in a way that results in more optimization can look at the benefits of an ERP business management system to speed things along.

Management software can be a necessary part of a business strategy

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Manufacturing ERP software can be more than a useful tool for securing the levels of optimization your company is aiming for: it might be all but required by the current business landscape. In fact, the use of software-based initiatives to keep the customer engaged and solve problems may be on the rise, according to a recent study, with Microsoft leading the pack.

ZDNet recently cited a report from Ovum that looked at the top providers of these kinds of software and placed Microsoft high on its list. According to a statement on that company's website, the reason for this stems largely from qualities like versatility that can reportedly be seen in the best examples of its usage. Speed and ease of use can contribute to the success of a management strategy that creates the environment for a Customer Adaptive Enterprise (also known as a CAE) by incorporating these kinds of systems.

Analyst Jeremy Cox explained in the statement that improving customer relationship management (CRM) is all about maintaining a variety of operable systems that work together.

"Any transformational CRM vision, whether focused on the customer experience or CAE, requires a portfolio of applications that work seamlessly together to enable anyone in contact with the customer to deliver context-aware, relevant information," he said.

In an area with as much focus on manufacturing as Indiana, staying on-par with the industry standard can be a point of pride for the choice of software for business solutions that you find most appropriate for your company's particular volume and chosen industry.

How manufacturing ERP software can put your organization ahead

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This blog has previously discussed how technology is playing a more important role in the manufacturing industry, especially when it comes to ERP software, cloud computing and mobile devices. Organizations of all sizes need to have a strong software system in place to keep pace with customer demands and an evolving sector.

According to Manufacturing.net, a successful ERP system requires the right software and for employees at all levels to be properly trained. Without a strong commitment to strategic implementation, it will be much more difficult to have a smooth transition.

For example, the news source discussed the experience of Channel Technologies Group (CTG), which moved to a cloud-based ERP system last year. With a clearly established goal, the proper system for its needs and an investment in human capital, CTG was able to make adjustments in real-time and reduce inventory by 15 percent. Additionally, the company reduced the scrap rates of all production units in just one year.

A contribution piece in Manufacturing Business Technology agreed, saying that ERP offers businesses a flexibility for finding success that organizations cannot overlook.

"From an efficiency standpoint, there really are no limits or boundaries to contend with," the article explained. "Financial resources are not tied up in an expensive system, nor is access to information confined by time and location. Productivity is enhanced like never before because work can be done from virtually anywhere, anytime and from almost any mobile device, PC or browser."

The right business management software, paired with cloud computing options, can give manufacturing firms the tools they need to push forward and keep themselves competitive.

Why manufacturing must continue evolving to stay profitable

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There is no question that technology is evolving, and continuing to have an impact at businesses across numerous industries. The manufacturing sector is no different, and more organizations are adopting cloud computing options and ERP software to keep themselves ahead of the competition. Not only will these innovations give employees the necessary tools to stay productive, they can also encourage greater communication between firms.

According to a contribution piece on Manufacturing.net, it is also necessary for manufacturing businesses to take it one step further by adopting enterprise social tools. The article cited information from a Microsoft survey, which found that 40 percent of respondents believed social tools improved teamwork.

Furthermore, 79 percent of the respondents in the manufacturing industry said that they would like to use new technologies that make them more productive at work.

For example, Textron, which is a family of manufacturing companies, has launched multiple social tools over the last few years to encourage employee collaboration and engagement.

"We've built a chain of collaboration where people no longer think it's weird for a helicopter guy from Bell to share an idea with a power tools guy from Greenlee," explained Adele Suddes, vice president of Communications at Textron.

Having the right software business solutions in place can help manufacturing companies of all sizes work toward better communication with their employees and clients. It is crucial that organizations remain flexible and can adapt to various market changes.

Social enterprises might not be the answer for all companies, but comprehensive manufacturing business software is an important first step that will keep further transitions into technology smooth.

Using manufacturing software to keep your company efficient

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Investing in business management software for the first time can be intimidating, however tools like ERP can be an immense resource to manufacturing firms. As more companies are integrating digital options into daily operations, it will be easier to keep pace with the competition and continue to offer customers complete solutions with a strong software system in place.

Along with ERP and cloud technology, mobile devices are becoming more prevalent in architecture, engineering and manufacturing companies. A Bloomberg Businessweek article further explored this trend, and explained that implementing iPads and cutting down on paper usage has pushed many organizations forward.

For example, according to a Delft University of Technology study, the U.S. unit of Stockholm-based Skanska, Sweden's largest builder, saved 9.1 hours per week on average using field data tools.

Furthermore, Jennifer Macks, a Skansa AB supervisor, said that using iPads and modeling software helped them reduce paper while still ensuring that architects and suppliers were able to request information.

Christopher Heger, a project manager for New York-based Turner, explained to the news source that daily operations for his company have been streamlined and even subcontractor and vendor requests for information were one-quarter to one-third of what they could have been.

"We're able to do things faster and have less down time," Heger said. "When you have to walk back to the trailer you lose time so we were able to transmit this information real time."

A business management software solutions provider can help manufacturing companies make a similar transition into ERP technology. That way, employees are kept in the loop, customers remain satisfied and the process is smooth.

Avoid pitfalls when investing in your first ERP system

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A company's first investment into a business management software system like ERP can be exciting, but it can also be intimidating. If proper precautions are not taken, the procurement could be problematic. 

A recent press release from a major international business systems provider examined the risks associated with first-time ERP purchases. The most common mistake made by decision makers who lack experience with this type of project is a failure to understand its magnitude. ERP investments require a number of complicated steps starting with evaluation and continuing through the implementation phase, and the work doesn't stop there. Training and maintenance scheduling are crucial factors to take into consideration. Those who lack a comprehension of all vital components of this project are typically those who fail, or at least are unable to see their systems attain their potential. 

Given all of this, it's understandable if buyers become intimidated during the process, but that shouldn't stop anyone from making what is ultimately a smart investment. The sentiment is shared in the press release.

"Moving to an ERP solution is certainly not a decision easily made, nor should it be easy to make," it reads. "However, for the growing business, upgrading systems to improve control becomes an inevitability at a certain point; make the right choice, and your company can be set for the future."

Working with a provider of manufacturing and other business management software solutions can help first-time buyers ensure they are making smart decisions during the buying process while obtaining all the knowledge they need regarding their system, ultimately putting them in the best position to oversee a successful project. 

How cloud computing and ERP systems can work together

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Business management software is an important aspect to many industries, and the manufacturing sector is no different. As technology becomes more of a necessity to many firms, they want to be assured that as they start to use data on a regular basis, the information remains secure and only authorized users have access to it. 

A more recent option with ERP technology is to integrate it with cloud computing. A contribution blog piece for CloudTweaks explained that manufacturers often have concerns about moving to the cloud, but when a secure and reliable system can be found, businesses can stay organized and current with evolving technologies.

The news source cited research that by 2010, just 5 percent of manufacturing companies were using cloud ERP. Even so, CloudTweaks explained that other industries—such as retail and wholesale—have adopted the cloud.  

Additionally, as IDC Insights found that 25 percent of small businesses are implementing cloud ERP and another 20 percent are considering a move to the cloud, manufacturing could also reap benefits from the option.

"Cloud ERP also offers the flexibility that many manufacturers need, allowing sales reps to access real-time information globally and employees on the manufacturing floor to keep track of data with tablets," explained a contribution blog piece for CloudTweaks. "It offers the potential to coordinate just about every aspect of a manufacturing environment so that different departments can work together more seamlessly and effortlessly."

Partnering with an Indiana business management software systems provider can help companies find the best business management software to meet their needs. The right software solutions could vary from one company to the next, but finding the ideal solution can help any business keep ahead of the competition.

Can U.S. Steel’s upgrade initiatives impact Indiana business?

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U.S. Steel is in the middle of a massive initiative to upgrade many of its plants, establish a stronger connection between its facilities and develop solutions intended to streamline processes across the organization, according to a report from The Republic. 

The bulk of these projects began in 2007 and likely won't be completed until 2016, according to U.S. Steel CEO John Surma. While upgrades are ocurring across the country, one of the major projects is happening locally, at the Gary, Indiana, plant. Home of the organization's largest domestic facility, U.S. Steel has invested millions of dollars in improving operations in Gary, but one such investment is still shrouded in mystery.

U.S. Steel is in the proecess of obtaining and implementing a new business management software solution to help improve a number of processes across the organization. An ERP system designed to manage an operation as large as U.S. Steel must be massive and will likely require a significant amount of management in order to be properly deployed.

If the new system has a drastic impact on the Gary plant, it could also have an effect on local organizations that rely on their partnership with U.S. Steel. Something like Microsoft Dynamics NAV may not be robust enough to manage what essentially amounts to the vast majority of the domestic steel industry, but it could certainly benefit local organizations that may need to make their own upgrades in order to maintain their relationship with U.S. Steel.

Working with an Indiana business management software systems provider will help companies acquire the right solutions for their needs.

When should you buy a new ERP system?

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The question of when to replace an ERP system is never an easy one to answer. There are always many things to consider: How long has the current system been in place? How well is it running? What issues are users experiencing? How much will it cost to replace the system?

These questions must be asked before an organization even considers investing in a replacement system. While it's true that ultimately any system can probably be improved in at least some areas, the best thing to do is determine what factors are important for the organization and what needs must be fulfilled. 

Unfortunately, it's here when some companies start to compromise various features or performance factors for the sake of mitigating the need to buy a new system. Organizations will talk themselves into keeping an aging system past its prime because they don't want to deal with the high initial costs of buying a new solution. That isn't necessarily the best practice either.

Decisions should be made from a financial perspective, but there are many things to think about prior to deciding whether or not to go forward with a purchase. An article in the Manufacturing Business Technology Magazine suggests that there are several factors that go into determining the cost effectiveness of a new system.

"Cost savings may even be more than sufficient to justify the entire investment. In most cases, however, the greater return is on the top line," the article says. "Improved performance from using the new system's capabilities can result in improved customer service and lead to increased sales. Additional positive effects are improved employee satisfaction and retention, increased agility, better supplier relationships and performance and more."

After taking all of this into consideration, it may be determined that buying a new system is what's best for the organization. If that is the case, working with a business management software provider will help companies obtain the highest possible return on investment.