Today, one has to wonder if “Enterprise Resource Planning”is an outdated name for a software solution that has evolved, beyond standard process such as “procure to pay”and “quote to cash”. ERP systems not only are utilized by manufacturers and distributors to add numerous operational efficiencies, but also to add many dollars to profits.
Business is starting to reap the benefits that publishers did not see when building all the systems that would encompass ERP. An example is a manufacturer that originally implemented an ERP system to keep better track of inventory better then they could from a previous manual process. Over the years this system has shown them areas they can optimize their process. They were able to determine a change in the steps taken to manufacturing a very popular item, increased output of production, allowing them to sell more as well as provide better customer service because the item was available.
Eventually ERP functionality has become a commodity. Software publishers such as SYSPRO, value added resellers and customers that can leverage the system to increase optimization that will give them a competitive advantage. In the early days of ERP, companies saw tremendous ROI, but most companies are maybe on their second or third version of ERP. To achieve the same ROI, you need to take the data from the application and figure out how to optimize your process to increase sales or decrease expenses.
When a manufacturer or distributor installs a SYSPRO enterprise solution, it benefits from SYSPRO’s lengthy expertise in helping companies increase the efficiencies of their organizations and add to their bottom lines. In addition the outstanding scalability and flexibility of SYSPRO software provide customers with a growth path. A business can transparently add users and applications to take full advantage of the software’s ability to promote operational enhancements.
All in all, the utilization of SYSPRO Enterprise Resource Planning to achieve savings, customer growth and other corporate goals seems to beg for a new, all-inclusive name for the software. Perhaps, Enterprise Resource Optimization software is a more realistic title.
Columbia Manufacturing notes that SYSPRO ERP software has not only expedited material resource planning and purchasing, but has also enabled forecasting, specifically the company’s ability to ‘see the future’ so it can regulate the purchase of chemicals, water usage, electricity and all the items related to the manufacturing of school furniture.
Ali Salehi, Senior Vice President, points out that Columbia has been utilizing SYSPRO ERP software since 2004, selected on the recommendation of a search committee tasked with seeking a replacement to the company’s incumbent, outdated ERP system. SYSPRO was the choice from a field of 15 candidates. “We found SYSPRO to be the most adaptive to the nature of our business and unsurpassed for flexibility, ease of use and training,”says Salehi.
He notes, “SYSPRO data not only has contributed to operational efficiencies, but has facilitated Columbia’s sustainability achievements:
- Elimination of 100% of all V.O.C.’s with a painting operation that is 100% powder coating.
- Reduction of water usage from 150,000 gallons/day to 3,000 gallons/day.
- Using 100% recycled wood flour in hard plastic seats, backs and tops.
- Using up to 25% recycled post industrial products in soft plastic components.
- Recycling 100% of excess wood products and pallets.
- Recycling 100% cardboard and paper products.
- Recycling 100% of scrap steel.
- Recycled wood and paper products are converted to fuel cell cubes replacing coal in power generator plants.
One has to wonder, if the name “SYSPRO Enterprise Software”was changed to something like “SYSPRO Enterprise Optimization”software, it might better signify the achievements enabled by the software and entice more manufacturers and distributors to install the solution.
