Archive for the ‘Data Management News’ Category

If you or employees work from a desktop for the vast majority of time, there may be several ways you can optimize your workspace for enhanced productivity and better living.  With a few simple adjustments, your day may fly by faster, your work may be improved and your boss may notice the positive influence on your attitude and your work.

Seating and Breaks

According to the Human Factors and Ergonomics Laboratory at Cornell University, proper seating will help you get work done better than standing at a desktop workstation. Your work also tends to be more efficient properly seated when compared to standing. Be certain the chair offers good lower and upper back support. Try a 2 minute break of stretching every 20 minutes and a longer break every hour by walking around.  Set the alarm on your computer for a friendly reminder so you don’t get too preoccupied.

Keyboard Positioning

According to Ergonomics experts, the keyboard tray should slope slightly downward away from you, sitting lower than your elbows and parallel to your thighs. The spacebar should be the center focal point to avoid more strenuous and difficult typing. Your monitor should be directly in front of you and should be aligned with your eyes to assist in keeping focus and prevent being tired before the end of the day.

Document Holder

It’s better to view a document while the document is standing up vs. lying down in front of you. This will prevent a strain on your neck and your eyes which may ultimately affect your work.

Accessories

The right accessories can take the clutter away from your desk. View how the items on your desk are positioned and make adjustments for ease of use.  Be certain you can reach all items without over extending your body.

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

As more consumers have become savvy about smart phones, companies have become to embrace the use of mobile devices for office communications. Perhaps, this is why the only Microsoft office mobile device is becoming more widely available through the new Lumia 900 and Nokia. Despite the fact that analysts indicate Windows Phone made up only 1.9% of the market for all of 2011, the numbers are now expected to rise to over 15% by 2015. Apple’s iOS is currently at 18% and Android smartphones by all makers at over 47%.

In addition, Nokia plans to sell the Nokia 900 to businesses through Microsoft’s business channels, allowing users to take full advantage of a wide variety of business software built by Microsoft. So, the Lumia 900 will be competing against BlackBerry smartphone users in North America. In fact, users will have access to a large 4.3-in. Amoled touchscreen and a 12-megapixel camera, making it competitive with the best Android phones on the market.

Business on the go is a top priority for many companies and employees. It is not uncommon for employees to conduct business at a coffee shop, on the bus or a train. So, an offering that equips company individuals with the ammunition of Windows software is certainly highly beneficial.

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.

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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!

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!

Manufacturing and production data management needs are complex. Departments must be able to rely upon software that can significantly assist in the manufacturing and production processes to maintain a leading edge in today’s competitive market space. The supply chain can be vastly enhanced when using manufacturing and distribution software which can be leveraged by ERP software that serves both manufacturing and distribution needs. In the end, the system must be stable, efficient, and effective. As well, employees must feel comfortable using the software.

Some companies may feel that the last thing to purchase should be distribution software and manufacturing software with an ERP solution that seems to only be an added cost to your company. In actuality, purchasing an ERP system can save your company money, while enhancing your business and increasing profit. With easy configurations, companies can benefit from industry specific software by being able to take charge of date management with ease. This is the focus for ERP systems in the manufacturing and distribution for the food and candy industry today. So, you may want to jump on board to receive a consultation to better identify your software needs.

This is particularly important for all businesses today to forgo the risk of dealing with the evitable crisis that is the consequence of a large accumulation of data. Fortunately, there are consulting firms that know how to manage data of all sizes. It is not all IT professionals have focused their skills on electronic data, spreadsheets, and word files. IT professionals know how to maintain files, but only a limited number understand data.  In order to maintain data, you must know when the data was created and for what purpose. You must know what its value to the company is and for whom. You must also know how long it should be maintained.  Collaboration ultimately becomes is the key emphasis here. IT professionals must collaborate with personnel to define and manage data. Consulting services can help companies develop strong collaborations. In the end, collaborations offer a means for companies to develop cohesive policies for data management.  And consulting services can help your company get there.

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

Inventory control with software that has a proven track record of success is a tool that no company today can do without in the food and candy wholesale industry. Whether you are interested in stand-alone warehouse inventory software, ERP software, or custom designed inventory software, your company leaders will have better control in the direction of your company to increase profits.  Your company employees will have better control for accountability in their responsibilities. Importantly, you’ll want powerful software that has speed to keep up with fast business operational needs, flexibility to grow with your company needs over time and release from limitations that hold your company employees back from using features due to great simplicity in new advanced features.

Over the years, there will be years of back up data and thousands of records you’ll want to house to support a broad range of potential users in various locations. You’ll want enhanced services, such as, email, cell   phone, PDA alerts, bar code scanning and much more. All features in your software must add up to manageable data and easy tracking.

You’ll also want special features unique for food and candy industry specific needs. Whether it’s custom inventory or general stock inventory, the process of manufacturing in your software with or without lot tracking and expiration dates may be important. Software that provides for serial number and asset tag inventory can be highly advantageous. Supply chain management with distribution software that offers inventory tracking, as well as, pick and pack logic is very beneficial for companies today. Job and project specific features, such as, special assembly or routing may be important for your company’s operations.  Wireless barcode reading and printing for enhanced speed and accuracy is very appealing today.  There are many other features in inventory software that can be attractive for small and medium businesses.

The important point to drive home is that you don’t want your company caught in a tough position with unmanageable data that can forestall business, compromise customer service, increase operations costs, and limit sales.

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

Hiring a software company is a serious consideration for any company of any size. The benefits of advanced software offers a means to meet your business goals for enhanced operations, improved work productivity, increased revenue and leveraged profits. However, the outcome of a software purchase is also due in part on the approach that your company takes to purchase software from the right software company. So, let’s glance at some of the frequently asked questions about selecting the right software company to assist with your company goals.

How do I know that the software’s provider will work for my industry? Certain software providers, such as, Turning Point Systems have integrated best practices in the food and manufacturing industry to ensure software and meet your expectations. This type of software is typically less costly and more cost effective when compared to software that is not developed for your industry. Still, customization may be warranted and is available for companies who have highly individualized needs.

Should I involve people from other departments in the decision making process? Yes. IT executives, Human Resources, accounting, manufacturing department heads or leads, sales managers and upper management may all be involved in the decision making process for new software. It might be wise for these department chairs to review their concerns about the company’s current software so a list can be presented to the prospective software provider. Then, the software provider can develop a presentation and demonstrate how their software alleviates those strains.

Should I be concerned about hidden fees? All fees should be spelled out to you in a written estimate. You will have fees for the initial software purchase. There may be fees for ongoing support and consultative services to fully integrate the software into your company. There may be maintenance costs as well.

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

Years ago, you may have thought all computer systems are equal. Soon after, you may have noticed that other companies were jumping on the bandwagon to serve the commercial market with more meaningful solutions.  Next, as you and your company employees became accustomed to using one system successfully, you may have felt you filled a void in your company that could last for many years to come. Now, we have learned that there are many companies which have kept up with the pace of the computer industry to maintain a leading edge. Today, sustainability is the most important goal for any business.  And ERP end to end distribution systems support sustainability.

When there is a seamless link in supply chain wholesale processes such as, sales, customer service, warehousing, inventory and Accounting, company profits can escalate with reduced operations costs and enhanced service.   Scanning and voice technology reduces time to market, improves accuracy in orders and assists with more informative analytics for enhanced decision making. After all, receiving, directed replinishment, lot tracking, traceability, loading, and truck scanning can all be managed seamlessly with the assistance of the right scanning and voice technology.  Sales force automation and remote order entry applications can easily be run on the iPad, many types of Windows handhelds and laptops to support global enterprise with advantages for order placement, promotions and enhanced buying.

If your company is missing any of the above mentioned SMART solutions that can replace your outdated systems for vast improvement in business, TurningPoint Systems can fill your voids!

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

As Apple’s founder resigned, we can reflect on the early days of computer technology. Baby boomers may recall that they did not have computers at their elementary schools. In fact, access to computers in collages may have been limited at best.  Still today, there may be limited access to computers in schools, but many children today have their own cell phones, even Ipads and other potential types of technology.  Furthermore, the technology that children tend to use the most today is through mobile enhancement. What is clear is that computer technology has made its way into businesses by leaps and bounds. In short, computer technology is here to stay. Computer technology “on the go” through mobile enhancement was not so long ago the next wave and is also here to stay.   So, let’s explore some of the frequently asked questions about the differences between yesteryear and today.

Have most companies adopted mobile enhancement? Small, medium and large businesses  alike have adopted mobile applications because today’s mobile enhancement offers greater stability and support for the applications.

Has the integration of mobile enhancement for users been difficult? Generally speaking, people have become accustomed to using mobile technology so integrating mobile applications into a business is typically not an issue for companies. Employees often integrate well with user friendly applications.

How do customers feel about mobile enhancement? Customers today want 24 hour a day, seven days a week access to information. So, they like the benefit of mobile applications that offer real time access to a vast information network.

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