Business Automation and Software Blog

Linda Baran

Linda Baran is in charge of the people side of PositiveVision. Linda’s background includes working in a variety of industries including investment, manufacturing, and information technology.

Recent Posts

Syspro ERP's Rebrand: A Sign of Where ERP Is Headed

Posted by Linda Baran on Thu, Mar 05, 2026 @ 08:00 AM

When Syspro ERP announced its rebrand on a digital board in Times Square, it wasn't just about a fresh logo. For a company that's historically kept a lower profile compared to giants like SAP and Oracle, going big in Times Square signals something more interesting: the ERP market is changing, and Syspro is betting on where it's going.

The rebrand highlights three major shifts in the ERP landscape: vertical specialization, cloud modernization, and closer alignment with how manufacturers actually work. Let's unpack what's really going on here.

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Topics: SYSPRO ERP

Why Manufacturers Need Syspro ERP to Remain Competitive

Posted by Linda Baran on Wed, Jan 21, 2026 @ 08:00 AM

Manufacturers today are navigating an incredibly challenging landscape. Supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, rising regulatory demands, and customer expectations for faster, more customized products have converged into a complex business environment. Systems that once kept operations running smoothly are starting to show cracks, and problems are popping up where they’re least expected. Generic ERP platforms, built to serve every industry, are increasingly becoming obstacles rather than enablers of growth. 

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Topics: SYSPRO ERP, Syspro consultants

Five Simple Warehouse Training Tips to Transform Your Team

Posted by Linda Baran on Tue, Nov 11, 2025 @ 07:45 AM

Want to transform your workforce? Use these warehouse training tips to add both fun and teambuilding to your workplace. 

If the words “teambuilding exercises” conjure up a 1990s-style vision of ropes courses and walking on hot coals, don’t worry—we aren’t going to ask you to do either. Instead, we’ve put together five tips that will help you build the teamwork that makes the dream work (thank you, John Maxwell).

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Topics: warehouse training tips

AI in ERP Software: Chicago Consultants Share Their Insights

Posted by Linda Baran on Wed, Oct 22, 2025 @ 08:00 AM

As Chicago-area enterprise resource planning (ERP) consultants, we’re always on the lookout for innovations that can help our clients. Whether it’s the latest shortcuts, tips, or hacks, or updates to SYSPRO and Sage 300 ERP that help our clients do more faster, and better, we’re on it.

 

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Topics: Software Chicago

Solving the Sage 300 ERP Bank Reconciliation Phantom Balance Issue

Posted by Linda Baran on Tue, Sep 09, 2025 @ 08:00 AM

After spending a lot of time troubleshooting, I finally cracked the code on a particularly stubborn Sage 300 ERP bank reconciliation problem. This issue goes beyond a simple bug and can completely block your month-end closing process. Here's what happened and how to fix it.

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Topics: Sage 300 ERP

Can ERP Software Help With Tariff Uncertainties?

Posted by Linda Baran on Wed, Jul 30, 2025 @ 08:00 AM

As ERP software (Chicago) consultants, we understand how uncertainties can rock manufacturers’ plans. Manufacturers like certainty. I think we all do. We like to know that our lives are predictable, and that goes for businesses, too. Manufacturers thrive when they can predict supply chain availability, pricing, shipping times, and more.

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Topics: ERP software Chicago

Driving Success: How SYSPRO ERP Helps Auto Manufacturers Tackle Tariff Challenges

Posted by Linda Baran on Wed, Jun 25, 2025 @ 08:00 AM

Bet you didn’t have “tariffs” on your 2025 bingo card. We didn’t, either. But tariffs are now a fact of life. Auto manufacturers in particular are grappling with the challenges of tariffs. The 25% tariff on imported automobiles and a similar one on parts has really been a bump in the road. 

Fortunately, SYSPRO ERP can help. It’s designed for automakers in a way that other ERPs aren’t. SYPRO ERP can help make your company more efficient, so you can avoid raising prices. If you can cut costs, you can maintain margins. SYSPRO ERP gives you a powerful tool to navigate the new world of tariffs.

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Topics: SYSPRO ERP

ERP Trends: Specialized Systems for Discrete Manufacturing

Posted by Linda Baran on Thu, May 15, 2025 @ 08:00 AM

Among ERP trends, one stands out that we believe is here to stay: tailored ERP systems built specifically for different types of manufacturers. 

Let’s be real—an ERP won’t solve all your problems overnight. The needs of a process manufacturer look different from those of a discrete manufacturer. Process manufacturers deal with formulas and recipes. Discrete manufacturers wrestle with BOMs, production schedules, assembly, and more.

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Topics: ERP trends

Can an ERP (SYSPRO) Remove Barriers to Adopting Smart Manufacturing Practices?

Posted by Linda Baran on Wed, Apr 09, 2025 @ 08:00 AM

An ERP (SYSPRO) can help remove potential barriers preventing companies from adopting smart manufacturing practices. Smart manufacturing practices are part of manufacturers’ overall digital transformation journey and encompass technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), IIoT, cloud and mobile applications.

 

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Topics: ERP SYSPRO

Integrating Manufacturing with Business Through an ERP Manufacturing System

Posted by Linda Baran on Thu, Mar 13, 2025 @ 08:00 AM

An ERP manufacturing system helps connect all aspects of a company for optimal visibility. Manufacturing is separate from operations, sales, and accounting in many companies. With an ERP manufacturing system, companies can integrate the entire manufacturing value chain, including material requirements planning (MRP), master production schedule, manufacturing operations management, engineering change control, and traceability.

 

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Topics: ERP manufacturing system