Inventory Management for Manufacturing Companies: Assess Your Process

    By Bryan Foshee on 12/18/19 10:00 AM

    Inventory management is critical

    I visit companies all the time that are looking for an ERP software solution. In almost all cases, these companies mention that they need to manage inventory better. Solid inventory management for manufacturing companies is a result of solid processes, but solid processes are difficult to execute if you do not have a tool like ERP software (Cloud Suite Industrial or VISUAL) to support them. Below, I list some of the inventory management issues I hear about all the time and how ERP can address these issues, which will hopefully help you determine if your current solution measures up.

    Topics: Business improvement
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    ERP Budgeting 101

    By Tim O'Brien on 12/11/19 10:00 AM

    Budgeting for an ERP purchase

    Budgeting for an ERP purchase can be a significant challenge. There are many cost factors to consider when replacing your current system and choosing an arbitrary dollar amount as your ERP budget is a mistake. But it is a mistake that many first-time ERP shoppers make.

    Topics: Business improvement
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    How ERP Customization Can Lead to Major Issues

    By Tim O'Brien on 11/27/19 10:00 AM

    Things to consider before customizing ERP software

    Visual South has helped hundreds of manufacturers implement and optimize operations with their ERP systems. Often there are functional gaps between the ERP software and the business requirements of the customer. When this situation arises, we have a couple of options to close the gaps, such as using the development toolset to add functionality or develop a bolt-on application. Some consider this approach customization.

    Topics: Business improvement
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    Manufacturing Variance Analysis: How & Why to Run One

    By Jack Shannon on 11/20/19 10:00 AM

    A simple concept

    Measure what you want to improve. Six simple words, but put together they convey a powerful concept that can transform manufacturing companies. (Point of reference: Visual South works with small to medium-sized manufactures that use work orders.) It’s a basic concept that’s hard to argue with: Collect data, see where the data leads you, and make changes that have a positive impact on the data. Repeat often.

    Topics: Business improvement
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    The Issue with Using QuickBooks for Manufacturing

    By Tim O'Brien on 11/13/19 10:00 AM

    QuickBooks & manufacturing have inherent problems

    QuickBooks is an accounting-focused application that’s built for small businesses. Offering a lot of great features, it is one of the most commonly used accounting programs for all types of small companies. However, it is not an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. There’s some improved functionality available with QuickBooks Enterprise, but companies tend to outgrow that functionality quickly—especially work-order-driven manufacturers. We have seen many companies struggle when trying to determine how to use QuickBooks for manufacturing.

    Topics: ERP selection ERP research ERP implementation
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    3 Questions to Ask During an ERP Evaluation

    By Bryan Foshee on 11/6/19 10:00 AM

    Before we get to the three questions…

    This blog is written assuming that you are following some sort of methodology for managing your ERP evaluations. The following questions are geared toward helping you decide which vendor to work with, not the mechanics of the evaluation itself.  If you don’t have a methodology, my suggestion would be to first download our ebook to get some fantastic advice on how to carry out your ERP evaluations. You can download it here.

    Topics: ERP selection
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    Standard Cost vs. Actual Cost in a Work-Order-Driven Manufacturing Company

    By Jack Shannon on 10/30/19 10:00 AM

    The difference between standard and actual cost

    Before I get into the best costing methodology for a work-order-driven manufacturing company, let me define both methods. With standard cost versus actual cost, the discussion centers around how the ERP system values an inventory or labor transaction. Here is how the different costing methods calculate the value of the transactions.

    Topics: Business improvement
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    How to Match ERP Training Types with Business Problems

    By Tim O'Brien on 10/23/19 10:00 AM

    How to Successfully Apply ERP Training

    ERP users run the spectrum in regard to their ability to properly use their current system. Some are Jedi masters, many are proficient, and others know only the basics. Oftentimes, a user’s ability is directly related to their role in the organization and amount of training they’ve received on their ERP system.

    Topics: Business improvement
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    Is QuickBooks an ERP Software?

    By Bryan Foshee on 10/16/19 10:00 PM

    A little background

    I have been in the ERP industry for over 21 years and have worked with companies of all sizes and industries, but primarily have experience with small to medium-sized manufacturing businesses. I am currently in a sales role, so I frequently talk with companies that are interested in one of our Infor ERP products. One of the questions I always ask is “What are you using today?” A lot of times the answer to my question is QuickBooks.

    Topics: ERP selection ERP research
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    Buying a Stand-Alone Software Solution to Create a Manufacturing Production Schedule is a Flawed Strategy

    By Jack Shannon on 10/9/19 10:00 AM

    A scheduling pressure cooker

    I used to be a plant manager, an operations manager, and a supervisor. I understand the importance of on-time delivery. If a company I worked for wasn’t tracking it, I started to. Anyone who reported to me also knew the importance of on-time delivery.

    Topics: Business improvement
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