Mike Melzer, vice president of operations and services at Global Shop Solutions, a software provider of ERP systems for manufacturers that aims to simplify manufacturing, encourages organizations to ask themselves some questions to identify areas for improvement to bolster business growth. They include:

Costs: how well do organizations know their costs?

Inaccurate job costing can lead to inefficient manual tracking processes that can result in excessive rework and overtime, inaccurate quotes and job loss due to high labor costs. Software like Global Shop Solutions’ Job Costing Accounting module captures costs by measuring cost components by freight, labor, overhead, outside services and more. 

This module allows organizations to track labor time and costs to identify human error, correct costs, perform daily balancing and track inventory and production costs in real-time. 

Do organizations know their inventory?

Precise inventory tracking can enhance the production process. To produce accurate inventory counts, organizations can turn to inventory management tools to gain real-time insights into their inventory and how to increase productivity and enhance workflows. 

Barcode inventory, for example, can facilitate real-time mobile transactions and scans during physical counts. Leveraging a solution such as an Automated Purchasing Screen to buy inventory based on material requirements, planning functions and purchase history. Leveraging inventory management tools, organizations can benefit from cost reduction, improved forecasting, great visibility with access to real-time data, an optimized inventory and better inventory accuracy. 

Can organizations flow their inventory and operations data for an accurate financial statement?

Manually transferring production and financial data can result in incorrect financial statements due to human error. Shop Management modules and screens can monitor and report on all aspects of an organization’s shop, including inventory, labor and production, which ensures the correct data translates into the financial statements. Shop Management enables organizations to identify and correct financial mistakes caused by inaccurate or incorrect data. 

Do organizations know what professional services are available from Global Shop Solutions?

Global Shop Solutions’ Continuous Improvement Team offers 40 professional services to help organizations simplify their manufacturing operations. Some of these services include financial and operations health checks, on-site consulting for topics specific to the company/user, GAP analysis process review, process audit and more. 

Discover more from Global Shop Solutions and how it can support manufacturing organizations, here.

The post Questions manufacturing organizations should ask to boost business growth appeared first on ERP Today.

According to a whitepaper by Global Shop Solutions, manufacturing can be affected by “seven deadly sins.” They include, transportation waste, inventory overload, motion waste, increased waiting times, overproduction, over-processing and product defects. To tackle these inefficiencies, organizations must identify and prevent them from impacting business operations.

Excess inventory affects the holding costs of raw materials, work in progress pieces and finished goods. Not only does it increase inventory costs, but this deadly sin ties up capital, takes up space and allows inventory to age and therefore become obsolete. Excess inventory can also suggest issues within the production process.

Deficient forecasting and production planning can often lead to the purchasing of excess material which can be caused by a poorly designed link between the procurement department and the manufacturing and scheduling departments of a manufacturing company.

To address inventory overload, purchasing raw materials only when needed can reduce the need for safety stock and will inevitably minimize waste. Implementing an ERP Inventory software can simplify this process by tracking inventory counts accurately to facilitate the reduction of over or under purchasing.

Additionally, mobile barcode scanning for inventory receiving and movement can help to reduce this type of waste by providing users and departments with inventory visibility and control. It reduces the need for manual inventory and cycle counts, increases accuracy of stock and gives users real-time inventory data which improves productivity and gives insight into when purchasers should order more stock.

Manufacturing waste can be reduced and even eliminated by utilizing the right tools and ERP solutions. Manufacturing organizations should take note of this deadly sin and ensure that the right software is in place to streamline the production and inventory lifecycle.

Global Shop Solutions delves deeper into the seven deadly sins and how you can avoid them, here.

The post The seven deadly sins of manufacturing: Inventory overload appeared first on ERP Today.

In the manufacturing industry, collaboration can help organizations improve efficiency, increase productivity, boost creativity and innovation, increase employee engagement and enhance manufacturing capacity.  

The seven steps to collaborative success

According to Global Shop Solutions, provider of manufacturing ERP software, manufacturing collaboration needs to be approached with a well-defined strategy, trusting relationships and open communication between partners.

1. Select external stakeholders that fit with your collaboration. External stakeholders can range from customers, suppliers and competitors to regulators, investors and industry groups.
2. Define the collaborative structure based on an organization’s goals. External collaborations can be structured for the short-term and focused on an exchange, or for the long-term with more strategic objectives in mind.
3. Create formal documents to establish structure and protections. Detailed agreements are important for aligning the scope of the partnership and protecting against any surprises. Examples of these documents include memorandums of understanding, contracts, non-disclosure agreements, statements of work, service level agreements and more.
4. Implement external collaboration best practices. Some of these include strong data security protections, regulatory compliance, equal partnership, creating project plans, external collaboration tools and more.
5. Taking the collaboration one phase at a time. Address phases in order helps to ensure the collaboration processes run smoothly and without fuss.
6. Evaluate external collaboration tools. Collaboration software tools can help align activities by centralizing communication and the flow of information. These tools can range from secure file sharing, project management and permissions control to dashboards, chat and messaging software and mobility tools to support collaboration from anywhere.
7. Considering the next steps. Assuming the initial manufacturing collaboration is successful, the next step involves the continuation of external collaboration competencies to drive innovation and bolster future business growth.

While collaborative manufacturing has huge potential, it certainly does not come without its challenges. External collaboration can be an uncertain process for manufacturers, often needing new business models to promote the sharing of benefits. In addition, it relies on strict regulations to define and manage the rules of the partnership as well as the process involving major changes that require new skills and often a shift in organizational culture.

Yet, the benefits of collaborative partnerships are becoming vital in order to thrive in today’s global manufacturing markets. The ongoing advancements in data-driven technologies are fostering greater collaboration by simplifying the sharing of insights with external partners. As manufacturing expands globally, the importance of partnerships will continue to grow. In the end, the future of manufacturing will be defined by these collaborative endeavors.

The post Seven ways to boost your business with collaborative manufacturing appeared first on ERP Today.

Effective ERP software can be determined based on the versatility of the enhancements it can offer to a business. Taking a look at targeted manufacturing and supply chain solutions,   for instance from vendors like QAD, its QAD ERP O3 has been developed to target three different aspects it thought would be most impactful for manufacturers: people, processes and systems.

People

While many ERP providers will focus on updating outdated processes and legacy systems, falling short of providing an exemplary end-user experience can result in suboptimal results. Seeing if the new systems are as accessible as possible is a good first step – by making new software available on every platform to the user, including mobile and tablet, firms can streamline the path for tech adoption. Workers on the manufacturing shop floor can configure any errors or issues with the machinery in a timely fashion thanks to real-time information fed to a tablet or cell phone.

As QAD has made the entire user experience web-based, the platform acts as a means to provide consistent processes across any platform that can load HTML5. As a whole, by offering easy-to-access, web-based resources, the entire manufacturing system can be adapted on the fly.

Processes

Offering process customization options is a standard for most ERP systems, but extensive manufacturing customizations can sometimes lead to longer and more complex software updates, which could have a knock-on effect of delaying client orders. Using extensions instead of customizations means firms can retain the custom configuration but aren’t locked into a specific software version. By relying on extensions over customizations, ERP platforms like QAD can provide an optimal user experience while also minimizing any disruption to shop floor orders as manufacturing processes evolve.

The reliance on extensions also means low-touch upgrades can be applied quickly, enabling a solution to always be up-to-date and protected from any security vulnerabilities revealed in the latest software version of a solution. While internal IT teams might need to spend more time on software updates when a firm’s ERP system relies on an abundance of custom modules, extensions enable IT to prioritize key strategic initiatives rather than tedious updates.

A further step towards process optimization can be gained through the use of machine-learning and AI. ERP firms like QAD utilize AI-enabled process intelligence, with clients using QAD’s process intelligence-fueled ERP solution reporting a 30 percent productivity improvement, for example.

Systems

Using no-code solutions is another way that vendors like QAD enable easier system configuration. Citizen developers can get to grips with no-code frameworks without needing extensive knowledge in software development and coding, helping create rapid value out of the new software while also supporting the new systems in place. The addition of no-code development means citizen developers can be found amongst workers on the shop floor, in doing so using their own knowledge and the data provided by process intelligence to optimize manufacturing processes. By having so many access points to an ERP-enhanced manufacturing system, time-sensitive customizations can be made in an effective and timely fashion.

The addition of no-code solutions and extensions can create an agile system that adapts to whatever future changes the business environment may have. When manufacturers have an adaptive infrastructure that can align with the pace of future change, the path to success can become a lot clearer.

The key to manufacturing optimization is an ERP solution that can target multiple aspects of a business, with many ERP providers realizing that enhancing one factor can lead to a positive, knock-on effect. Providing an excellent user experience makes adoption of new manufacturing processes smoother while also giving IT teams the time they need to work towards business innovation.

The post Effective manufacturing ERP systems have fingers in multiple pies appeared first on ERP Today.

Learning about these issues can help an organization identify and prevent these issues from impacting business operations any further.

Delivering products in a timely manner to manufacturing customers is important in building that manufacturer-vendor relationship. Waste created by unnecessary movement of raw materials, finished products or work in progress pieces can make it difficult to meet expected shipping dates, which can lead to an increase in costs and unhappy customers.

Transportation waste can result in poor plant design, such as large distances between operations. Additionally, waste can be created by large batch sizes, poorly designed production systems and multiple storage facilities, as well as inefficient material flows.

Value stream mapping (VSM), a manufacturing technique for analyzing, designing and managing the flow of materials throughout a product’s lifecycle, can be effective in identifying transportation waste. Leveraging VSM can help manufacturing organizations analyze and reorganize the flow of materials and information throughout the transportation process.

In addition to this, VSM can create a visual guide of all necessary components to deliver a product or service, with the goal of analyzing and optimizing the manufacturing production process. A visual guide allows employees to access real-time insights into the transportation process and how to reduce waste in this specific area, as well as includes information on cycle times, equipment effectiveness, lead times, waiting times and inventory.

Manufacturing waste can be reduced and even eliminated by utilizing the right tools and ERP solutions. Manufacturing organizations should take note of these seven deadly sins and ensure that the right software is in place to streamline the production lifecycle.

Global Shop Solutions delves deeper into the seven deadly sins and how you can avoid them, here.

The post The seven deadly sins of manufacturing: transportation waste appeared first on ERP Today.

The launch also previews the QAD Integration Platform, designed to streamline data exchange across operations, and highlights advancements in AI with the QAD Global Trade and Transportation Execution (GTTE) Product Classification solution. Enhanced features in QAD EQMS and a refreshed QAD Digital Commerce platform further improve user experience and operational efficiency. For specialized needs, the new QAD Defense Cloud caters to defense industry manufacturers.

Explore these innovations to future-proof your business and drive success.

Click Here for Full Article 

The post 2024 Spring Product Launch: Empowering Manufacturers for the future appeared first on ERP Today.

Manufacturers need to embrace three core characteristics to thrive in this new age: intelligence, innovation, and agility. Intelligent enterprises leverage data and advanced technologies like AI and IoT to gain real-time insights, optimize operations, and improve decision-making. For instance, using embedded analytics can preempt costly product recalls or enhance forecast accuracy, reducing inventory costs significantly.

Innovative manufacturers harness technology to capture real-time data, personalize customer experiences, and improve efficiency. Cloud-based applications and digitized reporting can streamline processes and enhance operational flexibility, yielding substantial returns on investment.

Agility is crucial for responding swiftly to both internal and external changes. Agile manufacturers adopt technologies that support rapid process changes, improve performance tracking, and enable seamless integration of new ideas. Moving critical systems to the cloud or standardizing operations can enhance flexibility and responsiveness.

To successfully navigate disruptions, manufacturers must also focus on integrating their supplier management, connecting their supply chains, managing enterprise processes, embracing digital manufacturing, and ensuring comprehensive customer management. By adopting these practices, manufacturers can turn disruption into an advantage and position themselves for long-term success.

Stay tuned for our next white paper, which will delve deeper into QAD’s vision for creating an Adaptive Manufacturing Enterprise.

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The post How Manufacturers Can Thrive in the New Age of Disruption appeared first on ERP Today.

QAD ERP O³ marks a new era in manufacturing technology, optimized for the cloud with embedded AI capabilities. This milestone release of QAD Adaptive ERP focuses on optimizing people, processes, and systems—key components of the Adaptive Enterprise. Unlike traditional ERP systems that emphasize processes alone, QAD ERP O³ recognizes the critical role of people in driving operational excellence and productivity.

One of its standout features is simplified upgrades through configurable extensions, eliminating the complexity of traditional customizations. This allows businesses to stay current with minimal IT effort, ensuring they benefit from the latest innovations and security updates seamlessly.

Moreover, QAD ERP O³ introduces AI-enabled intelligence that enhances decision-making processes. By analyzing real-time data and optimizing operational performance, businesses can achieve higher efficiency and adaptability in a rapidly evolving market environment.

The system’s modern, web-based interface enhances user productivity with intuitive navigation and embedded analytics, delivering a seamless experience across various devices.

QAD’s commitment to customer success is evident through its Elevate program, providing tailored guidance and support throughout the transition to QAD ERP O³. This ensures businesses maximize the value of their investment while maintaining operational continuity.

With QAD ERP O³, manufacturers gain a scalable, intelligent ERP solution that not only meets current needs but also evolves with their business, paving the way for sustained growth and competitiveness in the global market.

Watch This Webinar For More 

The post Introducing QAD ERP O³ – Optimizing People, Processes, and Systems appeared first on ERP Today.

QAD Redzone’s mission is to create a Connected Workforce that leverages digital technologies to enhance worker productivity, simplify operations, and foster job satisfaction. This human-centric approach is crucial as the talent gap widens, exacerbated by an aging workforce and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Deloitte projected in 2018 that less than 50% of manufacturing positions would be filled by 2028, a gap exacerbated by the pandemic’s disruption of the labor market.

Connected Workforce solutions not only close this talent gap but also improve worker satisfaction and retention. As worker expectations shift toward more meaningful and supportive job experiences, these solutions offer fulfilling roles that attract and retain skilled employees. This aligns with Industry 5.0’s human-centric ethos, which emphasizes sustainable, societal benefits.

QAD’s acquisition of Redzone in early 2023 aligns with our commitment to agile, data-driven enterprises. Redzone’s technology has already proven effective, boosting productivity by 29%, improving employee engagement by 74%, and reducing turnover by 32%. With expectations for rapid growth in the Connected Workforce market, QAD Redzone is poised to advance digital transformation in manufacturing.

Looking ahead, QAD Redzone will enhance learning, reliability, collaboration, productivity, and compliance. By transitioning from paper-based methods to digital solutions, QAD Redzone supports real-time problem-solving, proactive maintenance, and improved safety. The Connected Workforce movement represents a pivotal shift towards solving industry challenges and maximizing productivity, marking a transformative step in workforce management.

Learn More

The post Introducing the Connected Workforce with QAD Redzone appeared first on ERP Today.

An example of a SMB turning to collaboration is Impact Converting Systems and Solutions, a conglomerate of manufacturing companies which include Bernal and Midway Rotary Die Solutions, which has chosen to consolidate and manage its multiple businesses onto one ERP, with Global Shop Solutions. The company designs and manufactures a catalog of tools and dies for the medical, automotive and packaging industries and provides customers with innovative and efficient products.

Over the years of managing multiple locations, Impact concluded they were not operating with the same efficiency their products provide their customers. This was realized when they looked at their four distinct businesses operating out of four separate locations with four disparate software systems.

In 2021, Impact made the decision to consolidate all four businesses onto one ERP. Since then, the company has grown from four to eight businesses with all having access to data in real-time via the one ERP system.

Leveraging Global Shop Solutions, Impact has enhanced the overall efficiency across all areas of the business. Some of the benefits include quick identification and resolution of shop floor bottlenecks, minimizing cross-business disruptions, accurate application of labor and materials to jobs, and implementation of a unified chart of accounts across all companies which has simplified financial reporting and the auditing processes.

Consolidating all four businesses onto one ERP enabled Impact to access a more detailed overview of financial health and operational performance which, in turn, will encourage better informed decisions. The increase in data visibility at each Impact business location allows for effective coordination between various areas of the business and a successful consolidation and standardization of processes. Being able to look at the business as a whole and in separate entities streamlines planning and decision-making.

Collaboration makes the world go round, and it’s no different with small to mid-size manufacturers . When dealing with multiple processes, complex data, products and different operation efficiencies, it is important to find an alignment in order to ultimately improve the experience for the end user, allowing them to get the most out of your product or solution.

Explore how you can simplify your manufacturing processes here.

The post Why small and mid-size manufacturers need collaboration appeared first on ERP Today.