Continuous Improvement (CI) seems like a straight-forward concept, but what’s the best way to do that in an ERP environment and why should you consider it?   At its most basic level, CI is a way to prioritize smaller projects and initiatives with incremental steps that improve your business processes and the use of the system. It maintains ongoing progression and forward movement. And with that series of smaller improvements, momentum and an attitude to take on more are generated.  As we’ll…

Cheesecake – Cake or Pie? I was recently at dinner with a client when he asked the people at the table, “Is cheesecake a cake or a pie?” We all had a good laugh while people pondered. He encouraged us to not overthink this lofty question and just “go with (our) gut.” But, it was hard not to give this one some…

It’s late Sunday afternoon and you suddenly remember tomorrow is your anniversary. You have the perfect gift in mind, but you have one opportunity to get it before the store closes. Real Time Inventory is a relatively new concept, offering an increased level of convenience and transparency between customer and retailer. As someone who has…

What is Standard Cost? Is your manufacturing operation using Standard Cost or Actual Cost to value production costs? Are you wondering what the benefits would be if you switched to a Standard Cost valuation of the production of your products? In this blog post, I’ve listed the advantages and disadvantages of using Standard Cost to…

As an ERP and business consultant, I am often asked about the value of and need for inventory traceability. Inventory traceability is the ability to trace products and materials through the supply chain. For manufacturers, this feature is of particular concern. Manufacturers need the ability to trace the components and materials used in their finish…

Inventory Accuracy is the relationship of physical inventory compared to stated inventory.  To put in the simplest terms: “Do I actually have what my systems tell me I have?”  Inventory accuracy can be managed using spreadsheets or in any system with a method of tracking and monitoring inventory levels.    Inventory accuracy is crucial in any industry and affects the day to day operations of the…

In today’s business world, companies are driven by the need to make quick, well-informed decisions.  All levels of the organization rely on high quality, readily available data. A good ERP system can provide the data needed to make those decisions and optimize operations, sales, and supply chain functions and maximize efficiency, growth, and profitability.  The selection of an ERP system is a substantial and…

It’s safe to say that ERP projects don’t always go as planned. Whether it’s scope creep, changing business requirements, or lack of buy-in, specific actions are needed when a project gets off track.  Most issues with ERP projects are not caused by the software’s functionality. So, where do you start?   The Five W’s; Who,…

Today, ERP systems integrate all manufacturing and business processes, from production and inventory management to accounting and finance. When properly implemented, an ERP system can encompass every facet of the organization. This gives management the ability to see what is happening in “real time” across the entire organization.    Management can leverage information from virtually every department to make more informed decisions. The ERP System provides seamless integration across…

A new ERP  solution  can be the inspiration for sustainable improvements and long term success. Many organizations are considering new ERP solutions to transform their inefficient business processes, improve operations, scale for growth, meet customer requirements and save or reallocate funds. Today, your organization may suffer from a lack of access to data. ERP solutions integrate back office processes with…

The manufacturing world is transforming and your business is too! It’s important to stay ahead of the technology curve to meet your company’s needs and goals for the future by aligning your business and ERP strategies. PowerPlex, the annual Plex Manufacturing Cloud User Conference, brings together more than 1000 manufacturing professionals to learn how these…

When you hear the term “ERP systems,” production, inventory and quality may come to mind. Few of us would consider financial records or variances because we don’t tend to make the connection between an ERP system and the benefits offered to the company’s financial management system. While an ERP system helps improve departmental productivity and…