While larger companies bought their first ERP system ten years ago, now small and medium sized businesses are expected to purchase ERP systems. According to Forester Research, one out of every four businesses will be purchasing or upgrading an ERP system in the next year.

This may be due, in part, to proof in the value of an ERP system that increases productivity, lowers costs and leverages bottom line profits.

This may also be due to the new advantages in today’s ERP systems with the capability of easy implementation, low maintenance, and little customization. There has also been the development of best practice ERP systems, especially designed for each business sector.

Another reason why so many companies are expected to buy an ERP system is because of the high number of small and medium sized businesses that have found QuickBooks or other software inadequate for their company growth.

Too, businesses are more likely to be more complex and may operate in multiple countries, creating the need for more sophisticated systems that can bring greater discipline to business practices.

In addition, ERP vendors have improved their system in response to the demands of their customers, allowing for smoother and speedier transitions.

Power, minimal customization and flexibility are the three key words associated with today’s ERP systems.

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If you are thinking about purchasing an ERP system, you’ll want to set your company up for success to prevent wasted time and added costs. So, let’s take a look at some of the items you want to cover before purchasing an ERP system.

Planning

To maximize ERP benefits and increase efficiencies, you’ll want to conduct an internal audit of company operational processes and policies long before an ERP purchase is made. If you do not have the staff to manage an audit, you can choose to select from consultants who specialize in your sector and specialize in ERP system integration.

Screening ERP Vendors

To forgo system function restrictions and reduced capability, you’ll want to select a vendor within your sector that uses best practices.  You’ll want to know about the system’s features, functionality and benefits.

Company Involvement

A decision for an ERP system must involve active participation of users of the system. This may include users from finance, operations, manufacturing, purchasing, warehouse, and IT who view and rate the features and benefits of the system that the company plans to purchase. Vendors can provide demonstrations of the system so employees have the opportunity to rate the system.

Set Priorities

There should be a priority system in place to denote which tasks need to be prioritized and methods to mitigate obstacles should any be associated with a task.

Investing time in these objectives will undoubtedly assist in making the right decisions about your new ERP system.

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An ERP system offers a wealth of possibilities for managing all of your data needs. Three primary needs for many companies is a solution for purchasing, inventory control and sales. Within an ERP system is a network of modules especially designed to manage tasks related to each need. Purchasing, inventory control, and sales take on a new dimension with ERP systems.

Purchasing

The automation and management of purchasing module is frequently integrated with the inventory control management module for optimal performance.

Inventory Control

Inventory control can be vastly improved by monitoring inventory levels at different locations to support replenishment needs and maintain proper stock levels.

Sales

An ERP sales module automates management of customer orders, shipping and invoicing.

These three simple modules help distribution companies keep up with data growth, reduce network congestion, increase performance, and help leverage bottom line profits.   When deciding on an ERP system, you may select individual modules to add to your system as needed. In this way, you have a highly targeted approach to manage your data in an integrated platform. In the end, ERP increases productivity, reduces costs and increases profits.

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ERP, also known as, enterprise resource planning, offers a modular design and a central database to collect, manage and drive data flow throughout a company seamlessly. ERP utilizes best practices with a wide range of modules that companies can select from to enhance the production and/or distribution process. Every area of your company from marketing and sales to inventory management and compliance management to quality control and accounting, as well as, shipping can be enhanced with the use of the right ERP system.

Modular Functionality

The functions of a department, such as accounting and distribution, each have its own module so that each task in the process of work is enhanced   through integration across all systems. Thus, all data can flow through various needed departments between separate modules in real time.  There is also a standardized interface so users can understand the same language, making   adoption smooth.  There is also the opportunity to produce logistics reports that leverage analytics for enhanced decision making. ERP systems use open source architecture, allowing them to attach or detach any module as required without affecting the other modules.

Central Database

The right ERP system will have a centralized database. In this way, all information will be entered only one time and users in every necessary department will have access to relevant data.   This eliminates redundant data entry. Having a common centralized database also reduces the risk of inconsistencies or inaccurate data.

In the end, there are many ways to be able to utilize the most of your ERP system by integrating ERP into your company.

Contact us now to learn how our solution can fully optimize human, financial, and physical resource utilization at (888) 414-3126!

Anytime there is a change in systems at a company, there are new demands placed on IT project managers.  Capacity, availability, efficiency and performance are all primary concerns for IT project managers.

First, your IT manger must consider the time it takes to refocus the approach to the IT infrastructure. The design, deployment, operations, management and planning all go into building out new infrastructure.

However, the assistance of best practices offers a mean to forgo many of the obstacles that may get in the way of a smooth transition.  The integrated architecture must be available in a variety of configurations to increase efficiency, simplify deployment and help ensure availability. These modules are scalable, allowing for speedy integration.   Modules offer a failsafe means to integrate new systems, while increasing productivity and bottom line profits.

ERP software is a network of modules. These modules perform particular steps in production and distribution processes. Using ERP software allows a company to maintain a similar user interface across multiple departments. ERP employs all best practices to save both IT project manager’s time and companywide time.

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Distribution software consulting can mean different things to every distribution software company. Typically some consulting is required for every company that purchases software whether included at no cost or fee based.  So, it’s wise to know what type of training your company may need if you plan on purchasing food and candy distribution software.  Consulting allows your business to run on schedule, while minimizing installation downtime as well.

• Installation consulting involves our experts who are keenly familiar with platforms, network configurations, and software applications. From the preparation to the installation and going live with your software, TurningPoint Systems will set your company up for success with consulting services designed to provide a stable and reliable system.
• Confidential consulting is available to discuss your company’s business issues and set data measurements that align with your strategic developmental goals for optimal performance of your system and in turn, your company.
• Training for department heads and users at various levels is vital for maximizing valuable data input for reconciliation and analytics. Customized training is key to ensure that the training program is suitable for your company’s specific needs.
• Compatible data transfers are our focus to avoid redundant date entry and ensure greater accuracy. Our experts know how to ensure you receive a compatible format for your company’s data.

After you go live with your software, you may need assistance with day to day operations.  TurningPoint’s Systems is at your service to provide one on one attention for all of your users’ needs.

Contact us now to learn how our solution can fully optimize human, financial, and physical resource utilization at (888) 414-3126!

In the world of difficult economic times, lawsuits have become a growing concern for companies in the food and candy or wholesale distribution sectors of business. Companies must learn not only how to stay ahead of competitors with ERP software but also can learn how ERP software can help limit liability if the need arises.

Most lawsuits are won based on circumstantial evidence.  This makes documentation especially powerful. So, company employees can be encouraged to document, document, document in an easy to use format with an ERP system.  Yet, companies cannot manage this information without supportive software. ERP Software can help alleviate any strains.

Policies and procedures are another topic of contention in lawsuits. Supervisor must know the company’s policies and procedures because this information is likely to come up in court. In fact, policies and procedures data can be converted into data sets so employees follow policies and procedures appropriately and accordingly.  This further limits the risk of liability in a lawsuit. The ability to print out reports also helps to limit liability and may prevent lawsuits.

Employers may also want to consider offering training on communication, coaching, management skills, and managing through difficult situations.

Contact us now to learn how our solution can fully optimize human, financial, and physical resource utilization at (888) 414-3126!

In an ideal world, your company first identified specific measurements and data points that align with your company goals prior to a distribution software purchase. Your company has an assigned staff person who runs data operations.  Your company should also investigate emerging data sets for value that may align with company goals. Yet, how would your company employees know what to look for to ensure that your company will drive success from a distribution software purchase?

First and foremost, we invite you to compare our company’s software products and consulting services with our competitors. We not only offer distribution software, but also sell our own ERP Solution, and any additional module that you may need to remain ahead of your competitors. Add to this, our consulting services for top of the line company prioritizing and integration support, we are confident we will stand above the rest in your selection of a distribution software company.

Secondly, we focus on successful implementation through our systematic approach to make maintenance an ease every step of the way. This has earned us a track record of achievement in the area of maintenance for our customers, offering a risk free option for your company.

While these two points are priority considerations, we are certain you’ll have many other points to consider before making a distribution software purchase.

Contact us now to learn how our solution can fully optimize human, financial, and physical resource utilization at (888) 414-3126!

As an IT project manager, undoubtedly you have a full plate. Seated in the sea of information, it can be difficult to stay ahead of the burdens that go along with being an IT project manager. So, here are few tips that will help justify and validate your work to those who may not understand the ins and outs of IT projects.

1. The project manager must set realistic deadlines for the team, including: prioritizing projects that are truly the company top projects to avoid low morale among employees, downtime in operations and lower financial performance.

2. It is wise to limit changes because changes cost money whether it’s schedule changes, cost changes, or quality changes.

3. Identify risks and address them early on to avoid additional expenses.

4. Set up a mitigation plan for risks as they are identified in the early planning phase.

5. Engage in collaboration with strong communication that is provided through software analytical reports with department heads and financial decision makers. This helps to support IT needs and demonstrates the value of appropriate software for a company. This also helps to identify issues and helps to solve problems for others before they arise.

6. Ask for executive and team approvals at different intervals during the project to continue to work on unified goals. Affirm the strategic objective for the company.

7. Consider taking a leadership communication class to maximize the effectiveness of your communications.

Contact us now to learn how our solution can fully optimize human, financial, and physical resource utilization at (888) 414-3126!

Facebook, Titter and LinkedIn are three social networks that most people in the work force use at some level on a regular basis. So, it makes sense that companies now need to be concerned about the safety and security of company property when engaging in social networking. Therefore, it is wise for companies to think about developing an   Acceptable Use Policy that employees can sign to better educate workers about security risks and set the standards for acceptable use on and off work.

Workers must think of social networks as an open platform in which their personal information may be unknowingly released to the public.  In essence, Facebook Twitter and LinkedIn may have security features, but these features are not immune to hackers or workers releasing company information to the public.

An Acceptable Use Policy is designed to allow employees to take responsibility for any actions that may negatively impact the company while on social networks. For example, a worker may not think it is inappropriate to let their friends know that they are working at the latest company product release, but the company may not want the product information to be released. In short, comments by workers about the workplace may have serious public relations and financial ramifications. In fact, on Facebook, unless special security measures are set, friends of friends may see the information that users type on the online wall. This leaves the door open for thousands of people to see wall information that is typed in by users. With an   Acceptable Use Policy, employers can reprimand, terminate or take legal action against users who violate company policies for acceptable use. Mostly of all, employees will be better informed so that they can make wiser decisions about the use of Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, including:

• Use spam filtering that checks for “phishing” messages.
• Refrain from opening attachments unless it’s from someone you know.
• Use up-to-date antivirus/anti-malware software on your computer.

Contact us now to learn how our solution can fully optimize human, financial, and physical resource utilization at (888) 414-3126!