How big data can help optimize the supply chain

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Supply chain optimization means finding solutions to improve the flow and communication of pertinent information as a way to enhance efficiency and productivity. For years, it has served as a top priority across myriad industries, because businesses that increase the speed and effectiveness of their manufacturing, inventory management and distribution will ultimately find themselves as more profitable organizations. 

The key to optimizing supply chain operations is, and always has been, the use of data. Today, companies are generating massive amounts of information as part of a business movement referred to as big data. Organizations are now collecting large amounts of information and strategically using it to enhance virtually all aspects of their business. 

An article in the online publication RIS News has offered a number of ways big data can help optimize the supply chain. One of the key points made by Ramesh Sethuraman and Satya Krishna Kunadharaju, the authors of the article, is that big data can make an organization more agile and proactive.

"Improve agility to respond to business dynamics and ensure a proactive response to business critical issues before they escalate," they wrote. "Use IT performance monitoring tools to identify and eliminate system performance issues before it becomes visible to stakeholders and affects retailers' operational efficiency."

Of course, big data can only truly help the supply chain if companies implement proper business management software solutions or ERP systems like Microsoft Dynamics NAV. Working with a provider of these business software solutions will help organizations obtain the tools needed to ensure their big data strategies offer the greatest possible benefit to their supply chain. 

Identify your business’ problems before investing in ERP

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Businesses decisions have to be spurred by specific needs. No organization can afford to launch an initiative without valid reasoning behind it. This is particularly true when it comes to implementing an ERP system.

Implementing an ERP solution – or any business management software system for that matter – requires a great deal of funding, time and effort. Therefore, organizations that go forward with a project must take their time to understand exactly why they are investing in a solution and what they hope that decision will ultimately accomplish. 

ERP systems are designed to fix business problems. Perhaps there are constant inventory shortages, manufacturing efficiency isn't where it needs to be or projects are constantly falling behind. Whatever the situation is, the key is for everyone to understand what the specific issues are, including the solution provider. This will help ensure that whatever system is ultimately purchased is the right fit.

Recently, a press release from a prominent ERP provider discussed the best ways to solidify the success of an ERP implementation. Identifying problem areas was at at the top of the list. 

"Ensure you understand your pain areas so that your ERP provider can tailor the implementation to suit your unique requirements," the release said. "ERP providers are experts in their field, who can help you to delve into the nuts and bolts of your business. They are also an objective third-party who can shed new light on business challenges you may not have realized even exist."

Working with an ERP consultant will help organizations identify the problems that exist in their business and determine not only what solution is a best fit, but how that solution should be implemented to guarantee the most success. 

Business software helps organizations manage growing data volumes

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Digital information has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years. Businesses are converting physical documents into computerized data and, as technology continues to advance and change the way organizations operate and interact with the public, companies are obtaining more information than ever before. Because of this, businesses must do what they can to ensure information is being processed correctly without compromising its integrity.

Data collection is one component of an organization's information management process, but simply storing it without considering its accessibility is not advised. Users must be able to view, manage and report on information. It must also be done in real-time, to help companies maximize the value of their data. 

Business management software such as an ERP system will go a long way toward assisting with this process. With a fully integrated system, users can import data and automatically send it to other pertinent departments so it can be used to benefit their operation. For example, suppose an inventory manager ran out of a particular product. By entering that information into their screen, it can be seen by relevant parties such as a procurement specialist who can then order more. This is a much quicker process than any  traditional method.

Of course, with such a heavy reliance placed on the accuracy of information, businesses cannot afford to lose that data or for its integrity to be jeopardized. Implementing the right solution will help maintain the efficiency of data processing and reduce the risk of storage capacity issues. Data will not stop growing in the coming years, so finding a proper system will become increasingly important going forward.

Working with a business solutions provider will help companies obtain the best solution for their needs.  

The benefits of ERP in healthcare

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ERP systems can assist virtually any industry because at every company, regardless of its particular line of business, workflow speed, efficiency and overall productivity is essential. Healthcare is no different, which is why ERP is rapidly growing in the sector.

There are many applications in healthcare – on both the clinical and administrative sides – that require data integration, real-time updates and data efficiency. Imagine a patient in desperate need of a particular item. Let's say crutches, for example. The doctor must know if the hospital inventory has that item in stock. If not, an order better be placed to fill the empty void in the warehouse and it must be done quickly in order for the organization to offer the best possible patient care.

An ERP system can serve as an inventory management software solution, among many other applications, that will alleviate the risk of unavailable items and provide all pertinent personnel with the data they need to maximize the level of care they give their patients. 

An article in the online publication Healthcare Global discusses the rise of ERP in healthcare and suggests that implementing a comprehensive system will offer a tremendous number of financial benefits to users.

"Like other businesses, if hospitals customize and standardize their systems to integrate best practices, it enables better financial control over operations," writes Shukti Sarma, the article's author. "This is vital when it comes to purchases, since in hospitals it is crucial to keep track of medical and medicinal purchases. In healthcare, it is doubly important that there is seamless flow of information and total control over the supply chain. Manual or un-integrated methods of management only leads to waste of time and resources."

Working with a business software solutions provider can help healthcare organizations obtain the best ERP systems to fit their needs.

Is selecting the wrong ERP solution causing projects to fall short of expectations?

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Every organization begins an ERP installation project with a certain set of expectations. Investments are made with the belief that the new solution will drastically improve efficiency and provide the company with tremendous value. Unfortunately, many of these expectations are going unfulfilled.

That's not to say ERP systems can't add great value to an organization by building new levels of efficiency into daily operations. At their core, that's what ERP systems are designed to do. However, due to a number of factors, many companies aren't seeing the results they expected when they initiated their respective projects.

Recent research reported in the online publication Sys-Con Media suggests organizations that implement ERP software are receiving less than 50 percent of the benefits they believed they would receive prior to the implementation of their solutions. From the customer side, these are chalked up to broken promises of impossible benefits. That's not always the case because, when handled correctly, the benefits of ERP are virtually limitless. Instead, there could be a number of factors that cause customers to be disappointed with their purchases.

Tom Caper, the author of the article, suggests many companies simply aren't buying the right solutions and that they don't do enough research before the procurement process begins. However, while Caper says this is a problem, those who make the best decisions throughout the process will be rewarded with a better system.

"Choosing the ideal ERP software solution for your business isn't necessarily the most cerebrally challenging decision on the planet," he writes. "In fact, a little organized research into your business operation and identifying how an ERP solution can possibly rectify any pitfalls in your current system will make the selection process a lot easier."

Working with an ERP and business systems consultant can help companies obtain solutions such as Microsoft Dynamics NAV to ensure a successful implementation and ownership of the software.

Military’s struggles showcase importance of ERP implementation planning

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ERP implementation has been an issue for the public sector ever since the inception of enterprise resource planning. Organizations in the private sector – whether they are small-to-midsize businesses or massive enterprises – take a relatively streamlined approach to installation and deployment. Government agencies and organizations that are funded with public money, however, must consider unique regulatory measures and compliance checks, input from numerous voices (at least more than private companies do) and several other factors exclusive to the sector.

Of all the public organizations struggling with ERP implementation, the problems encountered by the military may be the most disconcerting. Given the current state of global affairs, streamlining processes and building efficiency is a high priority in the Department of Defense. However, most branches have not been able to implement systems successfully without breaking the barriers of an established budget and timetable.

According to a review conducted by the United States Government Accountability Office, many components of the Department of Defense's technology infrastructure have a number of serious problems. Most of them, according to the review, stem from poor system management.

One of the more jarring examples was the Defense Enterprise Accounting and Management System, an ERP solution utilized by the Air Force. According to auditors, the system has not yet exceeded its budget, but a number of issues are weighing heavily on the future viability of the solution.

"The system did not perform as planned and resulted in high user dissatisfaction with the system," auditors said in the report.

The importance of proper strategic planning cannot be stressed enough. Regardless of the sector, if the implementation goes awry, the resulting consequences could be fatal for an organization. Companies installing a business management software solution would be wise to work with a professional team that can share best practices and tips to promote a successful, timely and cost-effective project.

How to manage business software in a BYOD environment

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The bring-your-own-device (BYOD) model has changed the way a number of companies do business. While traditional desktop PCS reigned supreme for a number of years, more organizations are switching to mobile devices as a way to build efficiency by promoting operational flexibility. Instead of deploying smartphones or tablets to employees, however, companies are allowing workers to bring in their own gadgets.

This certainly saves on operational and maintenance costs, but there are a number of factors companies have to consider before embarking on this initiative. In industries such as manufacturing where ERP software will likely run the majority of the business, there are even more considerations to take into account. 

Working with an ERP or manufacturing software solutions provider will help organizations obtain the tools they need to fit their systems into a BYOD environment. Companies are not going to implement software on individual devices – particularly those that double as an employee's personal phone or tablet – but by hosting systems in the cloud, this concern can be alleviated. 

Earlier this month, this blog examined the benefits of ERP in the cloud. While it can help save physical working space and reduce a number of risks pertaining to data loss, it can also give users the ability to process tasks from their devices. 

An article in the online publication Cloud Tweaks addresses this issue and explains the benefits of cloud ERP hosting for companies that implement a BYOD strategy.

"If each employee brings his or her device, you need to make sure your ERP system works with it," the article says. "Cloud ERP systems are web-based, so there is no compatibility problem – you can use a smartphone or tablet the same way you would use a desktop or laptop computer."

By finding the right software and cloud solutions, companies can enjoy the benefits of BYOD without damaging the integrity of their operations.

The risks of implementing old ERP systems

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More often than not, technological advancements are justified. For example, if a specific type of software is upgraded to improve performance and increase functionality, the changes should be considered positive additions to an existing system. However, given today's economic uncertainty, some organizations may wish to procure legacy systems at a discounted rate, all in an effort to reduce overall spending. That could be a fatal mistake.

There are obvious risks that stem from buying an older system, just as there are rewards for going with a new solution. Staying in front of technological innovation can help a company experience operational benefits that can set them apart from their competition. Moreover, organizations could run into a major problem if their provider moves on from a specific solution.

For example, by foregoing a number of generational upgrades and purchasing an aging system, companies run the risk of their respective vendors stopping all forms of support and service. That means maintenance, customer service and any other pertinent actions from the provider may cease altogether. 

Typically, these decisions are made fairly well in advance so customers and resellers will be warned ahead of time, but a business that just invested huge sums of money into a soon-to-be retired system may not have the financial capability to simply buy another system. If a business continues to use an unsupported system, they could suffer serious consequences if they should run into any problems with their software.

It should be noted, however, that it's still important for organizations to maintain their cognizance of system costs and try to strengthen the return on their investment. Working with a business systems and ERP provider will help organizations properly evaluate potential systems and find the most cost-effective solution without compromising innovative ambition.

Study: Most companies satisfied with their ERP solutions, but projects still need help

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With proper planning and help from qualified business solutions consultants, companies can enjoy a tremendous amount of success from their ERP installations. More organizations are realizing this now than ever before.

According to a study conducted by Panorama Consulting, the majority of businesses feel positively about their current ERP solutions. Of 172 survey respondents, 86 percent said they were satisfied with their ERP solutions and 60 percent said they were pleased.

However, that doesn't mean projects don't come with their own set of problems. Of those who said they weren't pleased, some went as far as to say their projects were a failure, but most simply didn't know the status of their system. This can be concerning for business owners. If ERP users don't know if their software is working for them, how will they ever enhance the value of their solution?

Eric Kimberling, Panorama Consulting managing partner, gave a statement on the findings and indicated that poor or unknown statuses likely stem from issues related to installation. He also suggested that project overruns are unsurprising.

"ERP project fatigue can affect even the strongest teams," Kimberling said. "When durations stretch and scope increases, it can be tempting to stop working towards goals established in the beginning of the initiative or to change the definition of success as 'getting the system up and running. Independent third-party consultants can provide invaluable assistance by properly planning the initiative, conducting audits and measuring results back to the business case to ensure that the ERP system provides maximized returns."

They key is to get everyone on the same page and to ensure projects stay on point as much as they possibly can. That's where consultants come into play. Working with ERP consulting firms to ensure their projects are on point and that everyone has a similar set of expectations, companies can go a long way toward ensuring the success of their systems.

Understanding the advantages and risks of ERP in the cloud

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Changes in IT infrastructure have spurred a shift in business software implementation strategy. Many ERP systems are no longer installed into traditional environments and companies that properly adapt to these developments are experiencing more successful ERP projects. 

In the past, ERP systems existed on local machines. They were installed into desktops and data was stored in physical on-site servers. Today, cloud computing is changing the way organizations operate, as it allows data and applications to be stored remotely, thus increasing efficiency and alleviating the strain on local systems.

ERP solutions can be implemented into the cloud, which allows end users even greater access than what they had with local systems. One of the primary advantages of a cloud system is that applications and data can be accessed from a number of different devices and platforms. An article in the online publication Cloud Tweaks addresses the benefits of ERP in the cloud, but warns organizations to take caution during the implementation process.

"Offering a host of benefits in terms of cost and convenience, cloud ERP is growing in popularity – more and more vendors are offering cloud solutions, which can be customized, for a variety of industries, and needs," the article says. "However, many companies have made mistakes in implementing cloud ERP systems, and these mistakes can be costly in terms of budget and staff time."

Installing ERP in the cloud requires a substantial amount of careful planning. As is the case with traditional installation, preparation can help alleviate the risk of going over time and budget constraints. Moreover, understanding the advantages and limitations of a cloud environment will help organizations deal with any potential issues they might encounter along the way.

Ultimately, working with an ERP solutions provider can help companies obtain the skills, knowledge and tools needed to ensure a successful ERP installation.