Is ERP failing Manufacturers?

Is ERP failing Manufacturers? - Is there a better way to forecast demand? - Is there a better approach? Forecasting is an important component of an ERP solution, but so is finding the right solution.  There are many software solutions.  Finding an integrated solution with proper support is critical if the implementation is to be successful and return on investment (ROI) is actually returned. Too many times software alone is seen as the solution and not enough buy in from management to budget enough resources to properly train and implement the solution.  Technology departments install and integrate the application, then pilot the use.  Everything looks promising, then when the Technology department moves on to the next project the last one slowly fades away.  Overburdened workers are not motivated enough to use the tools they already have.  What just happened to the efficiency you thought you were purchasing? Can you really purchase efficiency? How many times have you been frustrated by receiving a spread sheet report and the data is out of sync or miscalculated?  How many decisions did you make based on out-of-date-data?  How many decisions were not able to made, because you did not have any information? Forecasting is…

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Business Intelligence

Business Intelligence (BI) - Does your Enterprise Software (ERP) solution fail to provide any useful information?  Is the information there, but it takes too long to be delivered so that it is not news?  How many different versions have you tried to implement?  Was there something missing, not quite right?  There is value in picking an ERP solution that has a fully integrate and comprehensive BI solution. Analytics is a comprehensive Business Intelligence (BI) tool that can help you improve service levels, gain visibility into revenue and profitability performance, control costs and better manage extended and complex supply chains. This powerful tool connects your staff with enterprise information in a way that is easy-to-use so they can make better decisions. Set targets, see results and understand what drives the numbers Identify trends that may be benefits or threats Take action with a common context for decision-making across every department Identify and analyze opportunities and trends Having pre-configured dashboards help you gain immediate visibility into sales, monitor revenue and make sure targets are hit.  Analytics helps you see the big picture and monitor the performance at a company or location level. Detailed dashboards let you analyze volumes and profitability by sales rep,…

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Just In Time Inventory Control Systems

Just In Time Inventory Control Systems (JIT) are about eliminating waste and gaining the most value out of your operation. Just In Time Inventory Control Systems provide the platform for Lean Manufacturing, enabling you to have the exact amount of materials and inventory you need, when you need it- no more and no less. Inventory remaining in your warehouse collects dust and cost instead of revenue. In addition to lost profit from administration, financing and storage costs, inventory in your warehouse has to be insured or is exposed to risk such as fires, floods, obsolescence, and market depreciation. And raw material inventory remaining in the warehouse for a sluggish product can be a significant drag in markets that demand fast product changes. Competitive markets reward fluid operations, responsive to costs and opportunities, requiring assets that produce revenue. A fluid, responsive operation enables you to move product quickly, based on demand with purchase orders in step with inventory movement. The end result? Faster movement of accurate quantities of inventory, responsive to your markets, with faster time to revenue. Just In Time Inventory Control Systems are delivered through a combination of software and services, supported by experts with wide experience in the…

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Customer Service and the need for an integrated system

Customer Service and the need for an integrated system Most companies have some struggles with Accounts Receivable and Customer service.  These are two very important business functions of every business. I received an email recently from a noted expert that indicated that "Worldwide, up to two-thirds of all customers leave due to poor customer service.  On average, most US corporations lose half their customers every five years.  Customer relationship activities have the most impact on customer retention.  Every customer service encounter has the potential to gain repeat business or drive it away." Read more at Dolvin's Web site to explore how and why an integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system can help you streamline your computer operations so your customer service team has the information they need to service your customer base more efficiently.

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Challenges to the Manufacturing, Distribution and Retailing Industries

Challenges to the Manufacturing, Distribution and Retailing Industries Is your company facing any of these challenges to your operations? Manufacturing Outsourcing production overseas to lower operating cost. Starting to bypass the distributors selling directly to the Retail industry. Opening outlet stores to they sell excess inventory. Distribution Bring components from overseas becoming semi-manufacturers selling to the Retail industry. Selling on the web B2B and B2C serving their clients and the Retail industry. Opening outlet stores where they sell excess inventory. Retail Buying directly from the manufacturer in the USA bypassing the distributor to lower cost of goods. Buying directly from overseas vendors bypassing both the manufacturer and the distributor. Selling on the web B2B and B2C serving their clients and the Retail industry. Warehouse Wrong shipment carried duplicate freight, can become excess inventory, and affect customer satisfaction. Misplaced inventory might not be sold and can become excess inventory. Excess inventory carried additional cost and can affect the line of credit. E commerce The web can be a double edged sword: it can increase sales or result in business disruptions. Not having automated warehouse will result in incorrect shipments and excess inventory. Not having modern back office system can result in buying the…

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10 Common Issues with the Supply Chain.

10 Common Issues with the Supply Chain. Borrowing money: Sale and inventory information are a major factor when getting financed. Not having the proper information will result in the main lender declining the loan or line of credit. Borrowing the money in secondary financial markets will result in high interest and increase operating costs. Cash flow issues: Not having the right collection tools, the Account Receivable invoices become overdue, resulting in cash flow problems and financing at high interest rates. Buying based on "guesswork": Not having accurate computer information will result in purchasing the wrong products or quantities and the unsold inventory will "collect dust" on the shelves in the warehouse. Purchase order verifications: When inventory is received at the warehouse, not being able to scan and verify it against the purchase order will result in excessive paper work, higher labor cost, and possibly missing the early payment discount date offered by the vendor. Misplaced inventory: When consolidating items on shelves, inventory often gets misplaced resulting in unnecessary replenishments. At physical inventory time, when found, this "lost" inventory often becomes excess inventory that might not be sold. Wrong shipments: When incorrect products or quantities are shipped it creates the "domino effect"…

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Read more about the article ERP Software Concerns

ERP Software Concerns

Are you now thinking to yourself any of the following ideas related to your Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software: My computing infrastructure is not "nimble" enough. My "Enterprise" is not connected and maybe is not a real enterprise. Information is just too hard or takes too long to extract and analyze. My processes are not streamlined. My users could be more productive. Too many roadblocks to quality and performance. Click here to learn more about how we help organizations with ERP solutions  

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Read more about the article March 2021 – This Month’s Video Picks

March 2021 – This Month’s Video Picks

And ... Virtual Tour Picks from our Staff Baker Bot The Baker-Bot is a collaborative robot (cobot) that can integrate into most production lines View It Now Next Level Experience Start up designs a mixed reality headset (capable of both AR and VR). View It Now Rollover Spot Spot is getting a little smarter each day, thanks to an inaugural group of student programmers. View It Now

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