Purchasing an ERP system can be a daunting task. With so many options to consider, the task may appear to be all encompassing. With so many interested parties, it may seem all but impossible to please everyone. Yet, you can make a more simple selection by performing an evaluation of your company needs first.  Once you have a checklist in place, you can maintain deadlines, contain costs and save time. So, we’d like to give you some quick tips to help you get ready for the purchase of an ERP software system.

Know User Needs

Every user’s need must be evaluated for justification and identification of project (s) scope.  The interaction between users in various departments should also be evaluated to create a list of priorities projects that are important in the ERP plan.

REQUEST For PROPOSAL (RFP)

Send out a detailed Request For Proposal, outlining project scope and departmental use, to vendors who represent companies in your industry.

Comparative Analysis

Compare the feature and benefits from each vendor by highlighting each feature and benefit with colored magic markers. Select one color to easily identify the differences in each software program.

Visual Demonstration

Request a visual presentation to see how the software works in action. Invite users from various departments to participate in the demonstrations.

Score Vendors

Ask users who viewed the demonstration to score the software program. Then, compile results to establish final scores for the users based on feedback, features, benefits and differences.

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

It’s no surprise that technology has contributed to making people lazy. People want information yesterday. They don’t want to have to flip through pages and interpret charts to get it, and in today’s world they don’t have to. Don’t let your business fall behind. Embrace the benefits of data visualization.

Trends in data visualization have seen a vast increase in recent years. People want to be able to interpret data quick in this fast-paced world. That’s why it is important to turn data into visual stories rather than boring charts and spreadsheets.  This way, people can easily visualize and retain important information about a company that is sure to make a lasting impression.

Hiring a graphic designer that specializes in data visualization maybe a good idea for any business.  There are also free resources available online that help turn boring data into something that is visually exciting. Those who can afford more quality visual presentations who do not want to hire a graphic artist may consider outsourcing the work to companies who specialize in data visualization. For others, data visualization may be part of the company’s software which can be the best option of all.

It is essential for companies to never underestimate the power and importance of data visualization in today’s world. Current trends show that data visualization is not just a passing trend but one that is evolving all the time. Great visualizations are efficient and can provide insight to solving problems. When done properly they can help people evaluate situations that will ultimately cause them to make better decisions.

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

The number of Smartphone users is expected to rise nearly 50 percent between 2010-2015, according to an e-Marketer report. At the end of this period, 135.2 million people will own one of these devices. Now it is more important than ever for businesses to implement a mobile strategy. Here are a few ideas that will help keep any business competitive during these tech-savvy times.

1.       BE REALISTIC

When it comes to developing a mobile strategy, it is important to do your research and know your limitations. After all, a mobile strategy is only effective if you are able to implement it. It will probably take some money if you want to get serious about going mobile, so consider making budget adjustments.

2.       EXPERIMENT WITH QR CODES

QR, or quick response, codes have gained a lot of popularity in the past couple of years. They are square-shaped, matrix barcodes that can be scanned and interpreted by a smartphone. When used by businesses, they direct a person to a company’s homepage or take them to a site that displays photos and information on a specific product. The good thing about QR codes is that they are cheap and may be generated for free at many websites.

3.       GET AN APP ALREADY!

It’s time to face it — your company needs an app. Brainstorm ideas within the company to come up with a purposeful app. Ask your team what they think would be a useful and comprehensive way to represent the organization via smartphone app. What will users get out of it? Once you have addressed these issues, hire a mobile app designer/programmer and get that baby in the iTunes store ASAP!

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

Ever wondered where ERP systems came from?

The roots of ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems date back to the 1960’s, when inventory control packages became popular for businesses. An inventory control system is a way for companies to manage and keep track of merchandise and materials. Today, inventory control systems are still used/ Yet, of course, have improved as technology becomes more advanced.

In the 1970’s, inventory control packages went a step further with the development of MRP software. MRP stands for manufacturing resource planning and describes a method for planning and using all resources effectively within a company. MRP touches on financial planning, as well as, strategic planning for obstacles that could potentially arise in the future. Besides software, MRP is focused around people skills, data base accuracy and computer resources. The combination of these concepts allows businesses to use human resources more productively. These ideals were expanded upon in the 1980’s with the development of MRP II, which takes four major concepts from MRP: Feedback, Resource Scheduling, Batching Rules and Software Extension programs.

The evolution of MRP and MRP II eventually led to the earliest ERP systems, which emerged in the 1990’s. In 1990, Gartner Group coined the acronym ERP to expand upon MRP. They experienced rapid growth during this time because of the expected Y2K problem. By the mid-1990’s ERP systems had the capability to address all major functions of a corporation. At this point, organizations of all types began to implement ERP systems. Since then, many programs and applications have been created for ERP purposes. Today it would be difficult for many corporations to survive without them because ERP has become such an essential part of how people do business.

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

Many view “ERP systems” as just another term that falls into the business jargon category, never understanding what it means much less the benefits of implementing one into a company. ERP stands for enterprise resource planning, and these systems consist of software that helps keep businesses organized in every aspect including development, manufacturing, distribution, sales, inventory and marketing. With these systems growing in popularity, new options are emerging on the market all the time. Thus, it is important for businesses to do their research so that they will be able to pick the system that best suits their needs.

Below are some are a few reasons why ERP systems are an asset for businesses of all types and sizes:

1.       ERP systems lower costs

Because these systems have the capability to integrate all departments of a business into one system, everyone can easily stay on the same page. ERP systems increase efficiency and cause businesses to run more smoothly. This saves time and as a result, money. With the implementation of an ERP system, businesses can expect to see immediate reduction to costs in the areas of inventory control, production, marketing and support.

2.       Customer relationships prosper

ERP systems give instant access to the detailed information of customer accounts. Because of this, it is easy to keep track of the trends that help keep and lose customers. It also makes it easy to determine which employees are displaying the best performance.

3. Business decisions benefit

ERP systems can track accurate data reports that provide the potential to make better business decisions. With this technology, business owners can easily determine what areas to focus more resources on or where to cut back.

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

The AWMA met with officials within the U.S. Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau (TTB) and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently to discuss issues about track and trace proposals that are pending in the legislative and regulatory arenas. The AWMA’s concerns centered on the heavy burden that the distributor industry already is experiencing, stressing that there would be additional burdens due to new proposals of more regulations and reporting requirements by the TTB and FDA.

The top three considerations for a federally mandated track and trace system included: 1) digital stamping or “unique identification marking” should be performed at the manufacturer level. 2) there should be no cost burden on the distribution industry due to uneasiness to read or scan 3) cannot be dependent upon one company or type of technology.

The role of the TTB in the track and trace issue seems largely instigated by legislation introduced in both the House and Senate, known as the STOP Act or Smuggled Tobacco Prevention Act. The Stop Act includes a provision calling for a digital stamp or “unique identification marking” at the manufacturer level to aid in the simplicity of track and trace. No action has been taken on the STOP Act to date. The FDA is actually charged with making a report to Congress on this issue, but there is no deadline for such a report to be issued or any indication that such a report is currently being prepared. The AWMA will continue to work with these and other appropriate agencies to ensure that distribution company concerns are fully understood during the time of the debates on the topic of a federally mandated system for track and trace.

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

Automation is certainly not a liability. There are too many advantages associated with the right software purchase to view automation as a liability. Some cash conscious companies may initially view the automation of processes as a liability when in truth it can be a tremendous asset that can leverage your company profits, while reducing costs and improving productivity. Successful companies utilize software and provide for the right protocols to integrate software into the company in order to ensure its success.

While salary expense and headcount might be financial considerations when calculating the plans for the integration of software, the true expense may be far less when compared to the cost savings provided by the right best practice software.  By the same token, the company must have loyal committed employees who are willing to be trained and maximize the use of the software over time. Too, automation is a long term project that is carefully fine-tuned to fit into your business model. Yet, every project must be well thought out to produce the best outcome.

In the end, a methodical due diligence approach to the capital investment in automation including the specific ways the company can benefit, how the company can improve performance, what type of maintenance and support, usually makes automation an asset for most any business of any size today.  An investment in automation will pay off just like the investment the companies make in employees. In fact, today many companies could not have achieved success without the assistance of automation. Automation is like any valuable employee, any valuable product, any valuable partner, and any valuable client.

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

“Mobile applications at work” has been a popular topic recently. More and more employees have used their own mobile applications for their professional work related activities in recent years. Now, according to Forrester Research,   it is time for companies to set policies about the use of mobile applications for professional activities. Over 50% of people in North America and 35% in Europe pay all or part of information data plans on personal mobile apps used for business. Then, there is the rapid shift in the improved types of mobile apps available that makes others so easily obsolete.   So, it appears that the time is in order for companies to take control over the management of professional activities on mobile apps in order to maintain security, manage content and reduce redundancy.

Forrester had several suggestions for corporate policies. Here’s quick recap for the governance in using personal mobile devices and tablet computers in business.

* Identify employees according to their mobile app needs and security risks to best identify those that need mobile apps.

* Identify employees’ applications and security risk. For example, BlackBerry devices may run fully comprehensive business applications.

* Consider purchasing mobile applications for select tasks and limiting access to a small group of users if necessary.

* Understand there is no one size fits all. Consult with your IT executive or a software provider about a master multiplatform development.

* Separate funding for mobile network, access and security infrastructure from the existing IT budget.

* Consider reimbursement policies that align costs with benefits. Check into tax implications.

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

Software purchases can provide wonderful advantages for small, medium and large companies. The idea of containing costs and increasing profits takes on a new dimension with software purchases. Yet, staff must know how to utilize the software to the maximum capability in order to achieve total rewards. TurningPoint Systems helps to set companies up for success with software that easily fits into your industry specific needs and the advantage of partnerships to fulfill your company requirements for seamless state of the art operations.

Software certainly creates the need for training by employees in various departments. The level of training required by departments and individuals in departments will vary among users. So, it is important to commence training before the software is fully implemented into the company, otherwise known as, going live.   In fact, staff members who have the advantage of training with software for at least six months have the opportunity to really benefit from all that the software has to offer.  In this way, the company at large will maximize benefits too.

Your software provider should know the type of software training that is best suited for your company. For example, your company will have different needs if the current focus is on rapid growth vs. enhanced operations. There are other factors relating to consider, such as, compliance. Your employees may need to know how to handle complex business processes through the software effectively and efficiently. After all, the validity of the data is based on data input.

The good news is that there are many valuable loyal employees that are committed to remaining with companies for a long time. There are also very user friendly software programs available today.  In fact, software companies do offer consulting services to help ensure the success of your software in your business. This makes a winning combination for any small, medium, and large company today.

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

Enhancing business decision making is a top priority for many business across the globe today. The idea of remaining competitive during difficult economic times is a primary reason why enhanced business decision making is a focal point for many businesses. The additional tasks required by management resulting from cost containing measures with staff reduction have created pressure for enhanced business decision making solutions as well.  The idea of creating a new dimension though enhanced decision making has become increasingly imperative as select businesses soar to the forefront with inventive solutions that make their company stand above the rest.

Now may be the time for your company to become inventive with enhanced business decision making through the aid of erp software that allows new ways to view company initiatives and streamline global enterprise.  It’s true. Management in small, medium and large companies around the world have witnessed firsthand the benefits of advanced analytics and cutting edge logistics that result in reporting that has never been available before.  It is this type of advantage that offers companies new ways to strategize business tactics in order to protect company assets and strengthen market share, while assisting in growing business for years to come. Company managers have been able to make more timely meaningful decisions that have reshaped the direction of their company with erp systems with refined decision making processes. Since erp can be applied to every aspect of business with the availability of added modules and customization when necessary, there is no reason for any company to think that erp can’t fit into their business model. Of course, it is important for the erp system to be designed with best practices for your industry in mind,   enhanced decision making are the three key words that many companies are going after today and erp software will help your company get there.

Securing Buy In for a New ERP System

Since an erp system is an ongoing project that involves all parties using the software, companies must utilize an organizational strategy to secure the buy in of those using the software and those who will be responsible for signing off on the buy in for the software purchase and use.  Clearly, employees in different departments will have different reasons why erp software can be advantageous for their business practices. When selecting erp software, you’ll want to look for a system that uses best practices for your industry so you can be sensitive to the needs of different departments. Too, IT executives may need to wear a new hat as they may need to become more involved in training on topics of user capabilities and overall integration. CFO and CIO’s are also interested parties when it comes to being supporters of erp software.

Yet, it should not be overlooked to wait until specifications have been calculated to estimate the integration process for the users who will be responsible for employing the technology. So, it might be wise to survey employees from various departments about their skill set using software and check in with IT to identify availability for their department to assist in integration. You may also contact the erp software provider you are interested in using to inquire about cost effective consulting services for the integration of the software.

You may find that group meetings consisting of employees with similar levels of experience in using software can be used to speed up the integration process. It might be wise to test employees on their skill set to ensure they are qualified to perform duties using software.  These measures may assist reducing costs and help forgo a slowdown of the operations process.  Of course, operations can still be performed on standard company systems until employees have embraced the technology. At this time, the new system can go live.

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