Business Automation and Software Blog

Day after day, businesses are looking to increase revenue and control costs. Meeting operational goals and budget requirements can be a challenge, especially when market dynamics and customer needs change unexpectedly. That’s why manufacturers and distributors look toward lean automation to reduce operational costs.

Mobile technology is one of the most valuable tools that you can implement to optimize your warehouse automation. Using mobile technology will result in improved performance and greater customer satisfaction. When you update and change information as it happens, you can create value-added services and a seamless customer experience. You will have greater visibility and control over inventory and stock levels, and more productive employees.

Mobile technology has become engrained in our everyday lives. More and more businesses are incorporating mobile technology into their business processes as well. (See our recent blog, Workforce Mobility is an Important Requirement in ERP Selection.) In order to facilitate mobility, business applications including enterprise resource planning (ERP), CRM, and warehousing software need to adapt to offer full web capability. We are pleased to share that the latest installment of Sage 300 places the entire power of Sage 300 onto the web and enables businesses to easily add mobile access to existing processes.

Manufacturers and distributors need to make sure that they are in compliance with the increasingly complex sales and use tax regulations. Automating sales and use tax collection, filing, and the exemption certificate process will help you maintain compliance and avoid an audit.

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.

Employee turnover costs are higher than most organizations recognize. When you factor in added expenses and lost productivity, studies show the cost to replace employees range from 20% to a staggering 400% of their salary. In order to improve your Return on Employee Investment^® (ROEI^®), you must increase employee retention and reduce turnover costs. A comprehensive system like Sage 300 Human Resource Management System will enable you to increase employee retention, decrease turnover costs and thereby improve ROEI^®.

Your workforce is a valuable asset that requires investment to achieve its greatest potential. Rather than looking at the workforce as an opportunity for cost savings, you should consider how to increase your Return on Employee Investment^® or ROEI^®. Part of that investment should include technology that helps drive success and profitability.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are equipped with various tools that can be used for analysis, forecasting, and management. Taking advantage of the various tools available can greatly increase profitability and efficiency with your company. Let’s take a look at several ways to fully utilize ERP tools to increase the effectiveness of your ERP.