Business Automation and Software Blog

As manufacturers and distributors look to continuously improve operations, reduce inventory and increase profitability, they are beginning to adopt cloud ERP in large numbers. More than half of new US software installations are now cloud based. In the past weeks, we have looked at how cloud ERP can make you more effective and we have addressed the concerns that manufacturers have with cloud applications. This week, we will discuss the key things you must consider when moving to a cloud ERP.

Best-in-class manufacturers are moving to the cloud as a standard for enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation. The accessibility and scalability of cloud applications drives lower costs and faster ERP implementations.

Best-in-class manufacturers are moving to the cloud as a standard for enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation. The accessibility and scalability of cloud applications drives lower costs and faster ERP implementations.

With the rapid improvement in Internet capabilities, new enterprise resource planning (ERP} deployment models have become viable. Today, you have your choice of keeping your ERP on-premises, moving to a cloud-based system, or implementing a hybrid model. In fact, cloud ERP is not only viable, it has become the preferred deployment option for many best-in-class organizations.

When you select a new warehouse management system (WMS), you want to optimize your distribution automation processes. The key is to find a system that will maximize the work it does for you and minimize the work you have to do. You need a solution that will ensure your operations run as smoothly as possible while reducing costs, increasing customer satisfaction and improving revenue.

Choosing the right value-added reseller is an important aspect of a successful WMS selection and implementation. Even though it may be tempting to eliminate the “middle man” in your system purchase, there are numerous reasons why you should work with a local reseller to optimize your distribution automation.

When you have decided to switch or upgrade to a new warehouse management system (WMS) to improve your distribution automation, it is important to follow detailed steps in order to achieve your goals. A WMS has a long expected life span and switching costs can be high, so making the best decision the first time is vital. Even so, there will be a time when the benefits of switching outweigh those costs. We discussed indicators that it is time to switch or upgrade in last week’s blog “Knowing When to Implement a New Warehouse Management System”; now let’s look at the steps you should take to select a new WMS.

How do you know when it is time to upgrade your current warehouse management system (WMS)? Your distribution automation strategy should include a WMS integrated with your enterprise resource planning system (ERP). If you have implemented a WMS like Sage 300 inventory modules in your facilities, you have already attained tremendous benefits. You have realized cost savings, improved customer satisfaction and achieved higher sales. But a time will come when you should upgrade your current system or implement new software.

Managing talent is a critical piece of any business strategy. If 80% of a company’s valuation is based on intangible employee assets, as one study suggests, then people are a company’s only true sustainable, competitive advantage. In addition, as the economy improves, the competition for the most skilled workers will increase. Thus, it is important to treat your workforce as a valuable investment that needs to be protected and strengthened.

Absenteeism has a significant effect on company finances and costs US companies billions of dollars a year. On average, unscheduled absences cost 9.2% of total payroll. As this percentage is expected to rise with the aging population, it is important to find new ways to combat absenteeism. Companies can monitor, reduce and react to absenteeism through intelligent investments in wellness programs and technology.