ERP technology: The key to lean manufacturing operations

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In the years following the Second World War, Japanese industrialists Kiichiro Toyoda and Taiichi Ohno of Toyota Motors looked on from afar as Henry Ford's once dominant automotive empire wilted beneath the weight of increasingly complex production machinery, according to the Lean Enterprise Institute. The American innovator had invested in more powerful equipment and expansive workflows in an effort to cut costs. He had ultimately succeeded but sacrificed efficiency along the way. Throughput times and inventory were building. Worse yet, the newer shop-floor assets offered little flexibility from a fabrication perspective, which presented a very real problem for Ford, who was now navigating a maturing market populated by consumers looking for variety. The novelty of the barebones automobile had worn off – buyers wanted the bells and whistles.

Toyoda and Ohno saw an immense opportunity. They reasoned that by designing processes that prioritized workflow efficiency and organization over mechanical strength, they could roll out new automobiles at an accelerated pace while maintaining high quality standards and facilitating the operational scalability needed to succeed in the modern marketplace. This strategy, later deemed lean manufacturing, transformed Toyota into the one of the largest, most successful corporations in the world. Today, the organization owns more than 15 percent of the automotive market share, putting it second only to its American rival General Motors, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Other follow suit

According to Manufacturing Global, numerous firms have followed in the footsteps of Toyota, including Nike, John Deere and, the inspiration for Toyoda's and Ohno's efforts, Ford. In 2014, analysts for the Aberdeen Group surveyed more than 170 industrial leaders across multiple sectors and found that 60 percent had discrete or documented lean processes in place.

The lean methodology is well on its way to becoming the industry-standard approach to mass production and replication. Businesses on the outside looking in should start developing adoption plans and implement the backend technology needed to support the scaled-down, versatile workflows that characterize this strategy. Enterprise resource planning technology should be at the top of every implementer's list, as these platforms are key to effective lean manufacturing operations. How?

The lean manufacturing methodology promotes efficiency above all else. The lean manufacturing methodology promotes efficiency above all else. 

ERPs facilitate waste reduction
Waste is the ultimate enemy of lean manufacturing operations. ERP solutions help reduce misspent resources through data-based forecasting, according to the consulting group WIPFLi. Shop floor personnel can use production insights to right-size their resource allocations based on demand, reducing the likelihood of costly waste. Businesses can use the same methodology when it comes to staffing by equipping managers with ERP access and allowing them to assign shifts with pinpoint precision.

ERPs support efficiency
Traditional paper-based processes do not jibe with lean manufacturing strategies, which are designed to emphasize efficiency at all levels of the operation. ERP solutions give organizations the ability to digitize outmoded workflows and embrace more nimble administrative methods, Industry Week reported. With such web-based automated processes in place, production and shipping teams can quickly and easily access customer orders, and ultimately get quality products out the door under deadline.

ERPs promote transparency
Of all the core ideas that define the lean manufacturing methodology, few carry as much weight as the notion of continual improvement. True lean adherents implement expansive workflow refinement programs that run non-stop.

ERP platforms can provide the framework for such initiatives via transparency-enabling data-mining features. Shop floor stakeholders can easily log into ERP portals to view production data and look for areas that require remediation. This capability alone makes the technology a great tool for any manufacturer considering embracing the innovative ideas that Toyoda and Ohno formulated decades ago.

Is your manufacturing firm interested in making the move to lean processes? Connect with Accent Software. As a Microsoft Gold Partner, we offer vendor-vetted Dynamics 365 implementation services. Contact us today to learn more.

How ERP solutions help solve modern inventory challenges

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Inventory management is no easy task nowadays. Changing consumer trends and shrinking delivery windows complicate warehouse operations, stretching traditional fulfillment workflows to their limits and, in some cases, catalyzing complete dysfunction. Businesses can avoid both of these costly outcomes by implementing enterprise resource planning solutions. These platforms facilitate optimal operational visibility and give warehouse staff the power to effectively address key inventory challenges that materialize when legacy processes meet the modern marketplace. Here are some of the common inventory management issues ERP platforms can help solve:

Inventory inaccuracy
Today, enterprises must achieve a delicate stocking balance. They need enough product to meet demand but not so much that items take up space for extended periods of time and drain resources. Sadly, many organizations fail in this regard, according to Industry Week. Some of these firms run out of product when demand nears its peak, while others maintain larger-than-required stocks that decrease cash flow. ERP solutions can easily prevent both of these outcomes, lending operations staff the visibility they need to manage stock and create seasonal forecasts for future use.

Ineffective performance measurement
Businesses must emphasize continuous improvement to remain competitive, as consumers are more demanding than ever. Unfortunately, most legacy warehouse management processes do not support the data collection workflows needed to track metrics like customer satisfaction and warehouse efficiency, according to Entrepreneur. Without this information in hand, operational stakeholders cannot see baseline performance measures and develop effective improvement strategies, should they be required. ERP platforms solve this problem, giving organizations the power to collect data of all kinds, from customer feedback to raw order intake and shipping numbers.

ERP platforms can solve key inventory management challenges.ERP platforms can solve key inventory management challenges.

Antiquated backend tools
Established backend systems like Microsoft Excel continue to see widespread use across enterprises in myriad industries – and for good reason. These tools have proven themselves reliable, buttressing critical internal workflows for decades. However, the golden era for these once-reliable legacy assets is coming to a close due to the rise of industrial automation. Spending on cutting-edge automated technology such as robotic production equipment continues to grow, according to the International Data Corporation. At the same time, businesses are streamlining backend processes to match these advanced fixtures, as human-driven administrative and data-entry workflows are no longer viable.

While most companies are not yet in the position to fully embrace automation, they can prepare for the future and bolster efficiency by swapping spreadsheet-generation software for ERP platforms, according to TechTarget. These solutions allow shipping and receiving leaders to automate data collection and entry processes. This makes it easier to transition to fully automated workflows down the line while improving operations in the short term.

Vendor relationship problems
Collaborating effectively with vendors is now more important than ever. Apart from monolithic entities like Amazon, businesses cannot capably run their operations without external assistance. As a result, maintaining good relationships with third-party collaborators is absolutely essential. However, many firms struggle in this area due to the presence of ineffective internal processes or simple incompetence. This creates immense risk, as vendors could simply pull out of existing contracts to focus on more reliable, profitable and sustainable clients. 

ERP solutions can address this issue, providing streamlined communication channels that make it easier to stay in sync with vital business partners, according to IT Toolbox.  

Does your organization need assistance solving some of these common inventory challenges? Connect with Accent Software today. As a Microsoft Business Solutions Partner, we have been providing vendor-vetted Dynamics NAV ERP implementation services for over 15 years. Contact us to schedule a consultation and see what our seasoned implementation specialists can do for your business.

Mobile ERP implementation problems every adopter should understand

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Enterprise resource planning technology continues to evolve with great speed. New innovations seem to materialize regularly, as software companies develop new system features and implementation methods. Mobile ERP technology is a product of this wider push to move such essential solutions forward. In recent years, vendors have released mobile-ready platforms that resemble social media sites and some of the other familiar portals in use today, according to CFO. These systems not only appeal to users but also provide powerful benefits for the enterprise, increasing productivity throughout the entirety of the supply chain.

Of course, mobile ERP systems, like their desktop-based predecessors, present unique implementation challenges. Sometimes, adopters fail to plan for these roadblocks and find themselves overseeing mobile ERP projects that are falling apart at the seams. With this in mind, organizations interested in adopting this technology must develop exhaustive implementation plans that address some of the singular yet common pain points that accompany mobile ERP adoption. Here are some of those complications:

Network connectivity
Users normally engage with traditional ERP platforms via Ethernet-equipped desktop computers, meaning internet connectivity is rarely an issue. For mobile ERP solutions, on the other hand, this is a critical concern, according to ERP Software Blog. In-house devices must be able to connect to the internet via Wi-Fi for mobile ERP software systems to function correctly. Surprisingly, many enterprises navigating the implementation process simply fail to give this variable any consideration or wrongly assume that existing company networks can support an influx of new devices running advanced, data-based applications.

Adopters must take great care in developing strong Wi-Fi strategies and work with external service providers to implement networks that support widespread mobile usage. Additionally, firms should emphasize data security when considering connectivity options, as large amounts of sensitive company and client information will soon be circulating internal networks.

Mobile ERP platforms present unique implementation challenges.Mobile ERP platforms present unique implementation challenges.

Standardization
Apart from network connectivity, standardization is perhaps the most important variable in the mobile ERP implementation equation. What exactly is standardization? In this context, it involves rolling out uniform applications, operating systems and processing equipment, according to TechTarget. This methodology eases mobile management activities and ensures that all workers have access to equally powerful technological assets. This kind of strategy is, of course, essential for firms with multiple locations, as dealing with disparate devices and systems across several sites lays the groundwork for information technology disasters of all sorts, from data breaches to partial supply chain software outages.

Why do so many organizations fail in this regard? In many cases, it comes down to cost. Some insist on leaving underlying IT infrastructure unchanged or adopting different devices with disparate OSs in an attempt to save money on implementation. However, in the end, companies that go down this path are likely to spend more correcting everyday glitches, mitigating instances of data loss and covering IT-caused production slowdowns than they would on new equipment. 

The solution is simple here: Adopters must standardize their equipment and processes when implementing mobile ERPs.

User Training
One of the advantages of mobile ERP platforms is their usability. Because they often look and feel like conventional consumer applications, users are likely to navigate them with confidence and possibly unlock new levels of productivity. With this in mind, some companies on the verge of go-live simply skip training, assuming their employees can effectively handle the application after a few moments with the user manual or a quick tutorial. This is a mistake, IT Toolbox reported.

While mobile ERP solutions may be designed for optimal usability, adopters must still take the time to design and deploy training sessions for employees. In many cases, these instructional programs might not cover application operation but instead address the transition to mobile workflows. Workers unbound from desktop ERP portals need direction on how to navigate the post-Ethernet workplace – especially those in the warehouse, whose days will be much different with ERP-enabled devices on hand.

Mobile ERP platforms represent the future of the technology, as businesses, no matter their size, move toward more modern processes and let go of legacy hardware and software. However, those looking to embrace this destiny and adopt mobile-ready ERP software must consider all of the variables and prepare themselves for the unique implementation challenges that accompany it.

Learning from failure: 3 ERP disasters every adopter should understand

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Implementing an enterprise resource planning platform is no easy task. In fact, more than half of all ERP implementation projects fail to meet fundamental objectives, according to research from Gartner published by Deloitte. However, this does not mean prospective adopters should discontinue their efforts to modernize internal workflows via new ERP solutions. These cutting-edge systems have the power to catalyze true transformation across the organization, facilitating accurate, data-backed processes with bottom line-building potential.

That said, firms embarking on the ERP implementation journey should keep that admittedly scary statistic in mind and familiarize themselves with some of its most notable data points. Here are five ERP disasters every adopter should know and understand:

Hewlett-Packard
By June 2004, Hewlett-Packard had successfully centralized and updated 34 of the 35 ERP systems bolstering its global operations, according to the International Data Group. The computing giant was on track to transition the final platform when major issues materialized, disrupting business operations in the Americas Region for six weeks – double the planned disruption period. HP experienced immediate repercussions as order fulfillment times lagged and customers complained. On top of that, third-quarter earnings came in below projected levels, creating further turmoil within the organization. Former CEO Carly Fiorina ultimately removed three members of the management team who oversaw the division responsible for the Q3 dip, which amounted to roughly $400 million. The failed ERP transition, while not directly related to the drop, helped color the situation – another internal misstep with serious fiscal implications.

What went wrong? According to former HP Chief Information Officer Gilles Bouchard, the HP ERP implementation team was to blame. Bouchard said three key issues came to the fore. One, stakeholders within the cross-functional group had trouble collaborating across silos. Secondly, established data integration processes broke down due to ineffective manual input practices on the HP side. Finally, increased demand pressurized the situation and led to unintended operational problems.

In the wake of this episode, Bouchard conducted an internal survey to further explore the ERP implementation failure and search workable solutions that might yield success in future enterprise information technology efforts. The CIO found that more collaborative business processes were required when combining disparate systems into one central platform.

"When you consolidate, by definition, there's a lot more interdependencies," Bouchard told IDG. "When everybody's got their own ERP [system], they can all work within their own silos. Now there's a lot more commonality and a lot more sharing, and a lot of learning in terms of program management."

ERP adopters can find success by evaluating historic implementation failures.ERP adopters can find success by evaluating historic implementation failures.

Lumber Liquidators
In August 2010, Lumber Liquidators completed the final stage of a significant ERP overhaul, IDG reported. This late push bookended a seemingly successful implementation project, as stakeholders put the finishing touches on up-to-date point-of-sale, inventory and warehouse management modules made for the modern marketplace. However, these new systems failed to stoke fiscal gains. In fact, the company saw a 45 percent decrease in net income over Q3. Why? Employee productivity plummeted.

Production teams left at least $12 million in unrealized net sales on the table, as they struggled to adapt to the new workflows that accompanied the recently-implemented ERP. System analysts watching the situation unfold immediately recognized the problem: Lumber Liquidators and its solutions partner SAP had not done enough to engage employees about the new platform, according to the ERP advisement firm Panorama Consulting Solutions. Without proper IT training or guidance, personnel on the ground simply side-stepped the system and returned to older methods, ultimately slowing production.

Unlike HP, Lumber Liquidators was not willing to accept all of the blame and argued that SAP was partially responsible for their Q3 losses. However, the materials supplier never took its complaint to the court of law, a common tactic for ERP adopters that link flagging sales to vendor shortcomings.

Nike
Back in 2000, Nike oversaw an ERP disaster of truly epic proportions, CIO reported. The athletic clothing company partnered with i2 Technologies, which merged with JDA Software in 2009, to design and implement an industry-leading solution that would help automat its backend ordering processes and forecast market demand for some of its key product lines, including the Jordan Brand shoes. Trouble began soon after the live launch, when a software glitch resulted in skewed factory orders. Nike ended up flooding the market with low-performing Air Garnett sneakers, while leaving sellers short thousands of pairs of in-demand Jordan models. The company took considerable losses as a result, incurring $100 million in lost sales and suffering a stock price drop of 20 percent.

"For the people who follow this sort of thing, we became a poster child [for failed implementations]," Roland Wolfram, former vice president of global operations for Nike, told CIO.

Nike placed the blame squarely on i2 Technologies, contending that the company's flawed software was the root cause of the supply chain breakdown. On top of that, the clothes company claimed the software provider could have easily addressed the issues, which resulted in sluggish integration and failed ordering operations. However, those on the outside looking in believed Nike shared some of the responsibility. The i2 Technologies solution accounted for just 10 percent of a $400 million supply chain overhaul that seemed overly ambitious from the start, according to CNET. The company wanted to consolidate a client relationship management system, an ERP and supply chain tools into a single functioning system, CIO reported. This is a tall order for any technology firm, as an innumerable number of variables must line up for things to go off without a hitch.

"Nike lost $100 million due to a botched ERP implementation."

"Doing those things at a small company is hard, but doing it at a global enterprise like Nike ups the extremely high chances of failure," Joshua Greenbaum, an analyst for Enterprise Applications Consulting, told CNET. "When these systems fail, they fail big."

Nike ultimately recovered from this hit, working with other vendors involved in the massive project to clean up misconfigured internal systems and get the project back on track. However, the implementation timeline did expand, growing from two to seven years. The budget grew as well. As the company completed the final stages of the massive initiative back in 2006, project costs had moved past the $500 million mark – an overrun Nike has successfully accounted for in the years since.

These stories constitute a cautionary tale for companies looking to integrate ERP technology into their operations. ERP adoption comes with considerable roadblocks. Those set on navigating these obstacles must carefully chart out their implementation efforts and work with employees across the organization to successfully meld new technology with existing processes. Vendor selection is, of course, another key concern, as adopters must collaborate with proven partners who have the industry knowledge, technical skill and solutions to meet their unique business needs.

Is your company prepared to bolster its digital infrastructure with an advanced ERP solution from a trusted software provider? Connect with 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.

Searching for an ERP? Mind these key trends

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Organizations on the hunt for new enterprise resource planning software do not conduct this search in a vacuum. As project leaders develop system requirements, source vendors and perform other central tasks, the ERP industry moves forward. Firms currently locked into the adoption process must contend with the many external forces shaping the market and possibly take these developments into account when designing their solutions. Here are some of the most impactful trends affecting the ERP arena:

Choices increase
When on-premises systems dominated during the early 2000s, prospective adopters had limited options. Vendors offered comparable products that more or less included the same base features, with few exceptions. This is no longer the case. The crystallization of cloud-based storage and processing technology has opened myriad new opportunities. Now, software makers boast vast portfolios with many different variations. Companies are responding to this shift by rolling out more complex ERP strategies that mix legacy and cloud components, according to TechTarget. Why?

Many are hesitant to relinquish legacy software and put their complete trust in the cloud. The data certainly supports this conclusion. Panorama Consulting Solutions recently connected with more than 340 adopters and asked them to submit details on their respective implementation journeys. Approximately 72 percent ruled out solely cloud-based solutions due to concerns over data loss, while 12 percent did the same in fear of suffering data breaches. While enterprise technology experts have dispelled the myth that cloud ERPs are more vulnerable than on-premises systems, organizations still balk at the idea of getting rid of their server rooms entirely. Still, many see the benefit of this newer technology and support mixed approaches, maintaining core legacy gear while moving customer relationship management and inventory management solutions into the cloud. Some are even combining the new and the old via specialized integration modules.

SaaS moves to the fore
The Software-as-a-Service model is quickly becoming the go-to arrangement for enterprises juggling multiple backend systems. This methodology offers several key advantages. Most importantly, vendors are in charge of maintaining SaaS setups, meaning adopters no longer have to worry about performing maintenance tasks or implementing updates. Additionally, the monthly billing structure that most often accompanies SaaS platforms facilitates vendor accountability and therefore improves user experience, as software makers must maintain high service quality to retain clients, Enterprise Apps Today reported. Consequently, 26 percent of respondents in the Panorama survey chose to implement such systems, making SaaS ERPs the second most popular choice behind on-premises solutions.

ERP technology continues to change with the shop floor.ERP technology continues to change with the shop floor.

IoT technology matures
The Internet of Things is expected to encompass more than 8.3 billion devices by the end of the year, according to research from Gartner. This represents an increase of 31 percent over figures recorded in 2016. Businesses alone will maintain over 4 billion IoT fixtures before the year is out, indicating the sustained growth of the enterprise IoT technology market. Manufacturers are, of course, leading the way when it comes to adopting these devices, integrating advanced sensors, mobile applications and other innovations into automated workflows meant to facilitate organizational scalability and longevity.

This sea change has had an immense impact on companies using manufacturing ERP software, as most have had to evaluate their existing solutions against new IoT requirements, according to Manufacturing Automation magazine. Vendors are certainly meeting the demand here, quickly rolling out IoT modules to support clients embracing the trend. However, some believe the emergence of IoT technology could change the ERP market entirely, Industry Week reported. How?

For one, the real-time data collection abilities that come with these fixtures could negate the need for forecasting, allowing companies to establish direct data flows between the point-of-sale and the factory. Analysts also expect IoT technology to establish lines of communication between the customers and ERP solutions, as individuals interact with backend systems via web-enabled products. This would give organizations the power to cultivate deeper customer relationships and forgo the manual data entry processes usually require to maintain accurate data. Lastly, the prevalence of IoT devices in the workplace will force prospective adopters to take a look at their data security measures to ensure that employees and consumers are protected against cyberthreats.

Firms looking to integrate advanced ERP technology into their existing operations must take these trends into consideration when forging their path toward adoption. Those that fail to do so may be setting themselves up for future failure, as competitors with forward-looking solutions leave them in the dust.

Is your organization on the hunt for a new ERP system? Connect with 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.

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.

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.

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.

Why integrated systems can benefit manufacturers

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Software solutions were created to augment capabilities for specific tasks. For example, manufacturers might use one program for inventory management, and another one for job costing and scheduling. However, all of these assets can be complex and expensive to maintain, not to mention each service offers limited views. Investing in integrated systems can be a significant benefit to manufacturers as they come under increased pressure to closely manage projects and deliver quality products.

1. Heightened visibility

One of the biggest issues with siloed programs is that they don't provide a single overview of the organization, only bits and pieces. Users must navigate between each program, opening and closing a variety of windows just to get the information they need. This type of setup can quickly become very confusing and lead to human error.

With a system that's proven to integrate well, users can complete tasks seamlessly from a single platform and monitor activities across the shop. Oracle noted that employees can tie data from different sources together and view it instantly from anywhere. This can improve visibility into progress across projects and help determine how much inventory is left.

Integrated systems provide better visibility for inventory management.Integrated systems provide better visibility for inventory management.

2. Real-time actionable intelligence

With the pace of technology today, it's critical to have a system that delivers real-time information. If you're dealing with older data, you could be missing out on a critical trend or client preference. Inaccurate data can also significantly impact your inventory management and job scheduling capabilities. It's critical to have a way to drive insight and actions.

Integrated systems can deliver real-time actionable intelligence thanks to the visibility they gain from a unified data repository. Manufacturing Global noted that ERP platforms integrated with Internet of Things technologies can help provide data about the current state of the shop, no matter what size it is. It can also help improve collaboration and clarity throughout the supply chain.

3. Better product success rates

"Organizations often look to build customer relationships by exceeding their expectations."

Organizations often look to build customer relationships by exceeding their expectations with faster time to market, quality materials and new products. However, any new product has a certain amount of risk attached to it. If it flops, that's time, money and energy wasted. With siloed systems, it can be difficult to really understand what clients are looking for and what a project may cost to carry out.

By integrating ERP, CRM, pricing and product catalog services, manufacturers can create new product lines that align with their business models and customer requirements. Enterprise Irregulars contributor Louis Columbus noted that these systems can help capture feedback and put it into context for product innovation. This will help manufacturers not only build new products, but ones that also have a higher likelihood of success.

Relying on a setup full of different software solutions can create complexity, bottlenecks and errors within your operations. With integrated software systems, organizations can take advantage of better visibility, real-time information and product success. Ensuring that ERP and other mission-critical platforms work seamlessly together will make a large impact on manufacturing processes.