We use the tools we know

I have been to a lot of companies and worked with a lot of people over the years, and I've come to the realization that we all use the tools we know to deal with issues we face. If you ask an assassin to fix a problem, someone is going to die. If you ask a programmer to fix a problem, a new program will be created.

Realizing this isn’t a breakthrough in human understanding; but it is important to keep in mind when looking at how your organization operates. Does your organization:

• Have daily or weekly Production meetings to discuss the status of each job?
• Have Sales ask Production for an expedited ship date on a regular basis creating a less than ideal working relationship?
• Use a spreadsheet to schedule jobs?
• Have a less than stellar on-time delivery rate?

If any of these items are issues your organization faces, take comfort in knowing you are not alone. The sad thing is many don't know Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a tool that can be used to schedule the shop floor, and can produce run sheets for each department. It can raise a flag when there is a potential delivery problem. It can provide Sales with an accurate ship date at order entry. It can allow you to start the Production meeting with a discussion on solutions to your problems because everyone enters the meeting already knowing where the jobs are and what the problems are. In summary, Infor ERP can help you achieve better on-time delivery.

Related: How to find the right ERP software

I realize what I’ve just described may sound like wishful thinking. Or, you may be thinking, “I don't understand how that can work.” Many times, people say they heard ERP couldn’t do something. So what is done to manage on-time delivery? People rely on what they know. Meetings are held and spreadsheets are created to manage on-time delivery.

Better tools create better results

If you want a better outcome, use better tools and a better process. In order to do that though, a new tool needs to be learned and understood. New processes need to be developed that takes advantage of the new tool. This involves subjecting employees to a learning curve, and it usually involves investing in consulting costs. On the surface a meeting or spreadsheet looks easier and cheaper than learning something new.

But it’s not cheaper if the problem isn’t solved. Also, the learning curve and consulting costs are temporary. Successfully managing your on-time delivery can be permanent.

Let me know if you’d like to discuss improving your on-time delivery.