Business Automation and Software Blog

Robert Baran

Recent Posts

How Manufacturing Business Software Helps You Manage IoT Data

Posted by Robert Baran on Tue, Sep 16, 2025 @ 08:00 AM


You've invested in state-of-the-art manufacturing business software and IoT sensors to monitor everything from equipment to forklifts. The sensors collect data on everything from machine vibrations to temperature fluctuations. Your operations team is excited about the possibilities. But three months later, you're drowning in data with little to show for it. Sound familiar?

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Topics: manufacturing business software

Smarter Decisions, Better Outcomes: Why Business Intelligence Is a Game-Changer for Process Manufacturers

Posted by Robert Baran on Fri, Jul 25, 2025 @ 08:00 AM


Good to great, pushing the envelope, moving the needle … you’ve heard all the phrases. However, when it comes to process manufacturing, what can set your company apart from others? What’s the one thing you can have that others lack?

We’ve met with a lot of manufacturers over the years, and the one thing that really sets companies apart is something called Business Intelligence Quotient (BIQ). It’s the difference between average companies and great companies, companies that meet their revenue projections and those that surpass them with flying colors.

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Topics: Process Manufacturing Software

Streamline Your Order Fulfillment with Smart ERP Solutions

Posted by Robert Baran on Wed, Jun 18, 2025 @ 08:00 AM

Your order fulfillment process can make or break the sale. Here’s why: customers feel the “Amazon effect.” They’re used to lightning-fast delivery, tracking that practically tells you what block your package is on (never mind what day it will arrive), and more. When you streamline your order fulfillment process, you’re not just keeping up with the Joneses, fulfillment-style, you’re paving the way for repeat business. Here’s why streamlining your order fulfillment process is one of the best things you can do for your business.

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Topics: order fulfillment process

Is ERP Software Worth It? The Costs and Benefits of Adding an ERP to Your Business

Posted by Robert Baran on Wed, May 21, 2025 @ 08:00 AM

Considering ERP software for your business? It’s a big decision—and a big investment—but the payoff can be just as substantial. A well-chosen ERP system streamlines your processes, improves visibility, supports sales, and ultimately positions your company for growth. Let’s take a closer look at the financial side of ERP software and why so many manufacturers find it worth the cost.

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Topics: ERP Software

Super Users Play an Important Role in SYSPRO Support

Posted by Robert Baran on Wed, Apr 23, 2025 @ 08:00 AM

Did you know that super users play an important role in SYSPRO support and implementation? “Super user” sounds like a comic book character straight out of the Marvel universe, perhaps with a bright red cape and an S emblazoned on his chest. What it means is someone within your company who receives advanced training in SYSPRO support and serves as your in-house expert on the system.

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Topics: SYSPRO support

A Guide to Choosing Warehouse Inventory Management Software

Posted by Robert Baran on Sun, Apr 06, 2025 @ 10:50 PM

Warehouse inventory management software helps manufacturers and distributors manage several critical areas. These systems can be integrated with your ERP for seamless visibility into warehouse activity, including stock levels, inventory status, shipping status, and more. They can help organize warehouses for maximum efficiency and provide valuable information on critical stock status. Dedicated warehouse inventory management software offers many advantages over general business management software, including key features that can help you manage your inventory more effectively.

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Topics: warehouse inventory management software

Facing the Most Common Challenges of an ERP Manufacturing System

Posted by Robert Baran on Wed, Mar 26, 2025 @ 08:00 AM

Most manufacturers know that an ERP manufacturing system offers many benefits. However, the many challenges that arise during the course of business can make using an ERP effectively difficult. Here are some of the most common challenges, with suggestions on how to approach each.

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Topics: ERP manufacturing system

ERP Trends: Is “Autonomous” or Self-Driving ERP Software Really on the Horizon?

Posted by Robert Baran on Wed, Feb 26, 2025 @ 08:00 AM

Among ERP trends, none seems to be more intriguing than the thought of a “self-driving” ERP. Like an autonomous vehicle or a self-driving car, an autonomous ERP would simply run itself. The vision is to have a system so smart it can handle supply chain needs automatically, monitor systems, control scheduling, run predictive maintenance, bill customers, and conduct quality control.

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Topics: ERP trends

Work with a Chicago IT Consultant to Evaluate ERP ROI

Posted by Robert Baran on Wed, Jan 22, 2025 @ 08:00 AM

As part of the enterprise resource planning (ERP) evaluation process, it is essential to understand both the return on investment (ROI) and the total cost of ownership (TCO). A Chicago IT consultant such as PositiveVision can help you assess both and provide you with a complete understanding of your investment in this critical digital transformation technology and the potential return on your investment.

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Topics: Chicago IT consultant

What’s Stopping You? ERP Trends and Adopting Smart Manufacturing Practices

Posted by Robert Baran on Thu, Dec 26, 2024 @ 08:00 AM

For the past several years, the manufacturing industry has focused on digital transformation, defined as integrating digital technology into all business areas. ERP trends have been an integral part of this journey. Digital transformation fundamentally changes how manufacturers operate and deliver value to customers. It involves a cultural shift that requires organizations to continually challenge the status quo, experiment, and get comfortable taking risks.

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Topics: ERP trends