2014 | SYSPRO US Blog

ERP and the Evolution of Packaging

November 18, 2014 by Meryl Malcomess

width= Optimizing supply chain processes is essential for managing a business in the midst of a changing industry. A dynamic industry dictates that companies must re-evaluate their processes with a focus on operational efficiencies and strategic use of technology.

This is where it is imperative for enterprise resource planning (ERP) software to step in.

The packing industry in particular is characterized by constantly changing market conditions, technological advancements, relentless competitive pressure, seasonal and regional variations as well as fluctuating costs for both raw materials and business operations.

Using Forecasting to Streamline Sales and Operations

November 13, 2014 by Steve Bassaw

The disconnect between Sales and Operations in manufacturing companies is so common that it is almost a cliché. I’ve experienced it myself and I’ve met plenty of people at other companies going through the same struggles. Maybe you see some of this in your own company.

Sales perceives Operations as incompetent, unable to deliver the right products at the right time. Operations perceives Sales as unpredictable, overly demanding, and unreasonable. And customers are unhappy because they’re being shorted.

5 Questions on Technology Selection

November 11, 2014 by Andy Latham

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I am a great believer in moving with the times and making sure that I use the most appropriate and up to date technology when delivering solutions to my customers. So I read with interest an article that mirrored my philosophy almost exactly.

I para phrase but in essence the article was warning against choosing ERP systems with ageing core technologies and modern flashy front ends. I couldn’t agree more. Where my views differ slightly is that I believe no single technology can cover all aspects of an ERP system and that it is essential to use a blend of technologies applying the most appropriate to the task in hand. I am also very wary of the next “latest and greatest”, our industry is littered with products written to the latest craze only to find the fashion has been dropped a year later.

Is Your Accounting Software Bankrupting Your Business?

September 11, 2014 by Wayne Slater

In my previous blog on Technical Debt, I explained the concept of technical debt using software architecture as an example, and described the saw-tooth pattern of well-run businesses that consciously accrue technical debt for a period before investing time in paying off the worst of it.

The technical debt metaphor also describes the challenges of businesses maturing from the inception stage to one can make a good business case for ERP and beyond.

Understanding ERP Requirements for Discrete Manufacturing and Process Manufacturing

July 2, 2014 by Odete Passingham

One of the ways that manufacturers can be classified is as discrete or process; this describes the type of manufacturing processes involved (there is a third type, mixed mode, which combines both). Your typical small- or medium-sized manufacturer has better things to do than care about whether they are process or discrete. However these distinctions are really quite useful when choosing an ERP system. Knowing the differences will help you understand the types of challenges your ERP system will need to address.

Five Requirements for ERP Implementation Success

June 20, 2014 by Odete Passingham

Like any major project, ERP implementations go best when planned in advance.

Larger companies can dedicate multiple senior executives as well as teams of junior stakeholders to an ERP project. Smaller companies, on the other hand, can’t dedicate the same number of people to a project, but they do not require the same detail when planning an ERP project.

Four tips for starting an ERP project

February 13, 2014 by Simon Griffiths

We have previously discussed how an ERP system can help a business, and also provided some suggestions on how to select an ERP solution. But if you have read some of the stories about ERP project problems you might wonder if it is worth the risk. The answer to this is twofold.

The easy way out

February 13, 2014 by Cathie Hall

Human beings are strange creatures in many ways. One of the habits we all have is a tendency to avoid doing a difficult job today in favor of a quicker workaround, despite the fact we know in the long run we would be better off implementing the proper solution at the start. It frustrates me that even though I am hyper aware of this tendency, I still fall victim to it.

ERP resolving the challenges of distribution

August 23, 2021February 13, 2014 by Cathie Hall

In this digital age the distribution model for businesses is being transformed, bringing with it a change in both consumer and business buying practices.

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