In the business world, customers are faced with an overabundance of enterprise software choices. The selection of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution is a critical decision that could provide numerous benefits or be less than an optimal selection. As ERP sales professionals, it is our job to offer potential customers the expert guidance needed to ensure that the right ERP solution is determined and selected based on the client’s needs.
In response to the many highly publicized large scale food recalls that have occurred over the last few years and diminishing consumer confidence, both regulators and the industry are responding with stricter guidelines and policies to ensure the safety of the U.S. food supply. As a result of this increasing scrutiny, along with the growing complexity of the food supply chain, many food company executives are re-examining their ability to ensure the safety and quality of their products.
In the years leading to 2000, many manufacturers realized it was necessary to prepare for a potentially disruptive transition in the IT functions when the turn of the century arrived. With thoughts of internal systems not functioning properly – or even stopping the manufacturing processes altogether – action was required.
Service-oriented architecture (SOA) continues to emerge as the dominant technical platform for building next generation business applications. The potential of SOA to transform enterprise software applications has been well documented within leading industry trade publications. This white paper will attempt to cut through the hype surrounding the technology by (1) examining the manufacturing pains that are driving the conversion to service-oriented business applications, (2) breaking down the essence of SOA, (3) focusing on the relevance of SOA as a tool for continuous business process improvement, and (4) comparing and contrasting the Made2Manage SOA product development strategy with that of other ERP vendors.
ERP solutions are data-driven. This is arguably the most beneficial technology feature because it alerts users to the specific inventory needs right down to quantities and timing. The right ERP tool can analyze historic and current data such as customer orders, inventory balances, usage/shipment of each product, seasonal trends, etc. and apply these insights to future inventory predictions. Armed with this knowledge, manufacturers can make more intelligent decisions regarding how much inventory to keep in stock and how best to respond to customer demand, regardless of seemingly unpredictable fluctuations. This help ensure investments are being made in the right place and that operations remain efficient.
By implementing VAI’s S2K for Distribution, Smith Drug Company enhanced existing, and acquired new and valuable technological capabilities. Due to S2K’s user-friendly interface, employees can quickly create reports and retrieve customer and order information. As a result, calls to Smith Drug Company’s IT department dropped 75 to 80 percent, noted Isaac Rogers, Vice President of Operations. This allows personnel to make better use of time, focusing on exceptional customer service and accurate inventory management.
Like many manufacturers, you rely on your manufacturing software to boost efficiency, quality, and profitability. Read on for some great tips to help your organization maximize the value of its manufacturing software implementation.
Databases are significantly more powerful than spreadsheets in the way they are able to process or ‘manipulate’ data. Actions that would be extremely difficult or impossible in a spreadsheet are easily achievable in a database.
ERP vendors expect their customers to negotiate for the best ERP deal. Keeping that in mind, chances are the price that the sales rep quotes you will probably be the straight from their price book and be marked up considerably.
Manufacturing ERP systems deliver a broad range of features and functionality to improve all facets of production. This article provides an overview of the key capabilities of today’s most popular manufacturing ERP solutions.