Merriam-Webster defines a “follower” as one that follows the opinions or teachings of another individual. Not yet recognized by Merriam-Webster is “thought leader”, which is defined as an one who is recognized among their peers as an innovative thinker. So what does this have to do with ERP software you might ask? In the world of ERP, there are without doubt, followers and thought leaders. And the more I think about this topic, the more I realize this includes both ERP developers and end users. So ask yourself, are you and your company considered thought leaders or followers?
This concept takes me back to college and my beloved psychology classes. At the forefront of my trip down memory lane is Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs as defined in his 1943 paper on A Theory of Human Motivation. Back in 1943 the business community was not yet thinking about ERP software and honestly, I certainly wasn’t thinking about it back in college. But today the two come together in my mind and therefore my little blog as I think about our thought leaders and how they are really at the top of Maslow’s pyramid.
Let me start at the lower end of Maslow’s pyramid which includes our basic needs or those companies I’ll place in my follower category. For the ERP developer this equates to minimal functional upgrades that are enough to keep users on annual maintenance and are inline or playing catch up with competitor ERP packages. For end use companies this equates to the basic organizational tasks of taking orders, shipping, and invoicing. Notice I do not mentioned anything in regards to actually performing any of those tasks well, as the mere goal is to maintain or survive.
Let’s now move up the top of the pyramid which is the portion devoted to self-actualization or those companies I would consider thought leaders. For the ERP developer this equates to dedicating significant resources to product improvements, customer satisfaction, and overall success for both the developer and its end use customers. These product improvements would be ones that are not yet on the market, that the competition has yet to think of, and that end users would die to get their hands on in a real-world production environment. For end user companies this equates to exceeding expectations for your customers and stockholders by using technology to deliver superior products and services, using technology to be at the forefront of your industry and well above your competition. It means being on top of the pyramid and at the top of your game.
Are any of us at the top of the pyramid where we can truly classify ourselves as thought leaders? As an ERP developer, I’d have to say no. I can personally say my company tries to be a thought leader and technologically advanced enough to focus solely on that coveted level of self-acquisition. But in reality, it doesn’t always happen for us or our competition. The ERP industry has been plagued with so many acquisitions and consolidations over the last few years, that I don’t know if any of us anywhere are close to being there yet.
So tell me, when looking at technology vendors (not necessarily just ERP) who do you think of as a thought leader? Look past mere name recognition and branding and think about true innovation, execution, and product or service superiority. Is anyone a thought leader or are we all simply followers masquerading as something else.
This concept takes me back to college and my beloved psychology classes. At the forefront of my trip down memory lane is Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs as defined in his 1943 paper on A Theory of Human Motivation. Back in 1943 the business community was not yet thinking about ERP software and honestly, I certainly wasn’t thinking about it back in college. But today the two come together in my mind and therefore my little blog as I think about our thought leaders and how they are really at the top of Maslow’s pyramid.
Let me start at the lower end of Maslow’s pyramid which includes our basic needs or those companies I’ll place in my follower category. For the ERP developer this equates to minimal functional upgrades that are enough to keep users on annual maintenance and are inline or playing catch up with competitor ERP packages. For end use companies this equates to the basic organizational tasks of taking orders, shipping, and invoicing. Notice I do not mentioned anything in regards to actually performing any of those tasks well, as the mere goal is to maintain or survive.
Let’s now move up the top of the pyramid which is the portion devoted to self-actualization or those companies I would consider thought leaders. For the ERP developer this equates to dedicating significant resources to product improvements, customer satisfaction, and overall success for both the developer and its end use customers. These product improvements would be ones that are not yet on the market, that the competition has yet to think of, and that end users would die to get their hands on in a real-world production environment. For end user companies this equates to exceeding expectations for your customers and stockholders by using technology to deliver superior products and services, using technology to be at the forefront of your industry and well above your competition. It means being on top of the pyramid and at the top of your game.
Are any of us at the top of the pyramid where we can truly classify ourselves as thought leaders? As an ERP developer, I’d have to say no. I can personally say my company tries to be a thought leader and technologically advanced enough to focus solely on that coveted level of self-acquisition. But in reality, it doesn’t always happen for us or our competition. The ERP industry has been plagued with so many acquisitions and consolidations over the last few years, that I don’t know if any of us anywhere are close to being there yet.
So tell me, when looking at technology vendors (not necessarily just ERP) who do you think of as a thought leader? Look past mere name recognition and branding and think about true innovation, execution, and product or service superiority. Is anyone a thought leader or are we all simply followers masquerading as something else.
Our world is constantly changing. From the manner in which we work and the methods by which we communicate, to the techniques we utilize to locate new products and services. Technology is rapidly evolving and our daily lives are evolving right along with our new found knowledge.I’ve blogged before about the evolution of technology, but for some reason, I just cannot seem to get enough of this topic. As Web 2.0 and Enterprise 2.0 develop and become more popular, I eagerly await the changes these technologies will have on my work and personal lives. I love these concepts because for the most part, they can be easily embraced by companies large and small, as well as by people young and old. And it makes me wonder what can be arriving next?
From a personal prospective, I have absolutely loved watching the text messaging craze explode. Over the last year I’ve noticed more and more adults around me using text messaging than ever before. From my tech savvy boss to my not-so-tech savvy husband and brother-in-law, text messaging is now commonplace. I even text message with my nanny throughout the day, as well as allow my young daughter to text in her vote to Americal Idol each week. Those last few sentences clearly show text messaging went from a gizmo of hip young teens to a multi-generational tool used in our every day activities.
From a professional standpoint, it feels like technology is moving forward at warp speed as well. It has morphed its way into virtually every aspect of business. At first I thought this was solely because I work for an ERP developer and of all people, we should be on the cutting edge of technology. That is a nice thought, but not anywhere close to reality. Some technology companies are in fact high-tech, but certainly not all. I remember when the idea of an Internet based product demonstration was considered cool. Now companies are using podcasts on iTunes and videos on YouTube to communicate their message. But wait. Isn’t iTunes and YouTube just for teenagers? Not anymore. Visit YouTube and search for ERP software or accounting software. You’ll be surprised at just how many software developers and VAR’s have profiles and videos posted.
Years ago the average business owner or IT manager would visit a trade show or talk to their trusted accountant for advice on technology evaluations and software selection projects. While those methods are still used today, the alternatives are rapidly expanding. Google searches, virtual trade shows, and even YouTube have reshaped the way companies seek out and acquire new software and hardware. I personally find this exciting, encouraging, and entertaining all at once.
My company and my competitors are on YouTube. Maybe not all of us are YouTube fanatics, but a great many of us at least have some semblance of a YouTube presence. My company, for example, provides both educational and humorous videos. If for nothing else than to show visitors we are more than mere binary code. We are real people with real personalities. Our company does have a funny side if you let us show it to you. Not everyone will like us or our videos, but that is perfectly okay. The videos give the visitor a chance to see more of our company and of our people than any static website could possibly provide.
In the end, the videos may encourage some people to contact us that we may not have reached previously. And conversely, the videos may even turn some people away that may have given us a second look prior to visiting us on YouTube. But really, that is okay too. I want to convert companies into long-term customers that are happy with TGI, Enterprise 21, and our service offering. Better they remove us from their short list now, then six months from now when we have both spent significant time in the sales and implementation process.
www.youtube.com/tgiltd
Or should I ask, are companies ready to adopt a software as a service model? Had you asked me this question a year ago, my answer would have been much different. Today, I’m much more positive about the idea of hosted applications.
Our ERP solution, Enterprise 21, has been available in an ASP or SaaS model for quite some time. At first the interest in the on-demand model was limited. Our experience in recent months has certainly proved otherwise. More and more prospects are welcoming the idea of hosted applications, as well as approaching us with questions on both hosted and onsite business software.
For some time now, the IT community was familiar with such packages as Salesforce.com and could readily tell you this package existed. If you asked anyone what hosted ERP and accounting packages were available, the responder would have been much less confident in their answer. It’s one thing to allow your salespeople to use a hosted application to track contacts, but an entirely different scenario to allow all of your operations and financial data to be driven from a software package located outside your physical walls. The interest and knowledge in on-demand applications was simply not yet there.
As the software community advances their SaaS offering, the average IT manager is becoming much more open to the SaaS model. Or at least, from my view, this is the case. As the ERP provider, I feel a different vibe, so to speak, when hosted applications are discussed. Now only is there a different mentality on the subject, the pool of prospective users is expanding. SaaS is no longer just for the little company with big ERP dreams. More and more mid-market companies are pursuing this approach with earnest.
I believe part of this is because we, the software suppliers, have made the whole concept more palatable. My firm offers a fairly painless out if needed. We provide a migration path from SaaS to a purchased license complete with source code. We know not everyone yearns for SaaS based models and not everyone will deploy it forever. As the software supplier, we have to be flexible. We have to provide a mired of options to attract customers and keep them happy for the long-term.
I’ve written many blog entries about ERP suppliers and the evolution of our industry. I believe the recent advancements in SaaS applications are as much a result of demand as our own maturity.
Regardless of your own personal views on SaaS applications, the term and technology model is not going away. Everyone from eWeek to Microsoft is talking about the pros and cons of SaaS software packages. With seventy-three percent of respondents considering SaaS packages, it may even be considered mainstream already.
Our ERP solution, Enterprise 21, has been available in an ASP or SaaS model for quite some time. At first the interest in the on-demand model was limited. Our experience in recent months has certainly proved otherwise. More and more prospects are welcoming the idea of hosted applications, as well as approaching us with questions on both hosted and onsite business software.
For some time now, the IT community was familiar with such packages as Salesforce.com and could readily tell you this package existed. If you asked anyone what hosted ERP and accounting packages were available, the responder would have been much less confident in their answer. It’s one thing to allow your salespeople to use a hosted application to track contacts, but an entirely different scenario to allow all of your operations and financial data to be driven from a software package located outside your physical walls. The interest and knowledge in on-demand applications was simply not yet there.
As the software community advances their SaaS offering, the average IT manager is becoming much more open to the SaaS model. Or at least, from my view, this is the case. As the ERP provider, I feel a different vibe, so to speak, when hosted applications are discussed. Now only is there a different mentality on the subject, the pool of prospective users is expanding. SaaS is no longer just for the little company with big ERP dreams. More and more mid-market companies are pursuing this approach with earnest.
I believe part of this is because we, the software suppliers, have made the whole concept more palatable. My firm offers a fairly painless out if needed. We provide a migration path from SaaS to a purchased license complete with source code. We know not everyone yearns for SaaS based models and not everyone will deploy it forever. As the software supplier, we have to be flexible. We have to provide a mired of options to attract customers and keep them happy for the long-term.
I’ve written many blog entries about ERP suppliers and the evolution of our industry. I believe the recent advancements in SaaS applications are as much a result of demand as our own maturity.
Regardless of your own personal views on SaaS applications, the term and technology model is not going away. Everyone from eWeek to Microsoft is talking about the pros and cons of SaaS software packages. With seventy-three percent of respondents considering SaaS packages, it may even be considered mainstream already.
Technology Group International (TGI), a leading ERP software solution provider, today announced a major update to the company’s free Software Selection Tool Kit.
Since its original release three years ago, the Software Selection Tool Kit has been used by hundreds of companies to drive successful software evaluation projects. The reference guide is free to all manufacturing and distribution companies who are engaged in a technology evaluation project and covers a wide range of enterprise level software packages including ERP, accounting, distribution, manufacturing, and warehouse management systems. Unlike other reference tools on the market today, TGI’s Software Selection Took Kit offers a complete reference guide that is free and available for immediate download via TGI’s website. This unique approach offers the fastest and easiest methodology for obtaining software selection assistance in an economical and time efficient manner.
The reference tool is focused on assisting companies who are evaluating new software solutions for their organization from project inception through final selection. The tool kit helps project managers and their selection teams to identify the best enterprise package for their firm in an organized, analytical manner with substantial quantitative data to support their decisions. Primarily used by the small to mid-market sector, the tool kit continues to expand its reach and now goes well beyond the SMB market to cover companies from start-ups to large publicly-traded organizations.
In addition to manufacturers and distributors, TGI also allows independent consultants to access and use the Software Selection Tool Kit. Independent, unbiased consultants who assist their clients to evaluate and select enterprise software solutions are welcome to utilize the templates and worksheets within their consulting practices with TGI’s prior approval.
The tool kit’s previous release included tools for developing a project budget, calculating potential return on investment (ROI), identifying and prioritizing functional requirements, preparing a request for proposal (RFP), and performing on-site software demonstrations. The newest release of the tool kit includes substantial enhancements to each of the tools previously included plus additional tools for preparing a request for information (RFI) and performing remote software demonstrations, customer reference checks, and customer site visits.
All evaluation documents are available for immediate download twenty-four hours a day from TGI’s website. US- and Canadian-based manufacturers, distributors, and independent consultants may also request a copy of the Software Selection Tool Kit to be sent to them on CD format by completing a short request form, which is also available via TGI’s website at www.tgiltd.com.
Since its original release three years ago, the Software Selection Tool Kit has been used by hundreds of companies to drive successful software evaluation projects. The reference guide is free to all manufacturing and distribution companies who are engaged in a technology evaluation project and covers a wide range of enterprise level software packages including ERP, accounting, distribution, manufacturing, and warehouse management systems. Unlike other reference tools on the market today, TGI’s Software Selection Took Kit offers a complete reference guide that is free and available for immediate download via TGI’s website. This unique approach offers the fastest and easiest methodology for obtaining software selection assistance in an economical and time efficient manner.
The reference tool is focused on assisting companies who are evaluating new software solutions for their organization from project inception through final selection. The tool kit helps project managers and their selection teams to identify the best enterprise package for their firm in an organized, analytical manner with substantial quantitative data to support their decisions. Primarily used by the small to mid-market sector, the tool kit continues to expand its reach and now goes well beyond the SMB market to cover companies from start-ups to large publicly-traded organizations.
In addition to manufacturers and distributors, TGI also allows independent consultants to access and use the Software Selection Tool Kit. Independent, unbiased consultants who assist their clients to evaluate and select enterprise software solutions are welcome to utilize the templates and worksheets within their consulting practices with TGI’s prior approval.
The tool kit’s previous release included tools for developing a project budget, calculating potential return on investment (ROI), identifying and prioritizing functional requirements, preparing a request for proposal (RFP), and performing on-site software demonstrations. The newest release of the tool kit includes substantial enhancements to each of the tools previously included plus additional tools for preparing a request for information (RFI) and performing remote software demonstrations, customer reference checks, and customer site visits.
All evaluation documents are available for immediate download twenty-four hours a day from TGI’s website. US- and Canadian-based manufacturers, distributors, and independent consultants may also request a copy of the Software Selection Tool Kit to be sent to them on CD format by completing a short request form, which is also available via TGI’s website at www.tgiltd.com.
A friend recently came to me and asked for assistance in selecting an ERP software package. Since I do work for an ERP software company, this in itself is not strange. What you may find strange is the fact that my friend is the owner of a small company that employees a total of three people. Now let me add two additional points of information. He is a developer of residential custom homes and that he lives and works in Michigan.
Now I have your attention. What on earth would a small builder, in Detroit of all places, want with an ERP package? Everyone has heard how troubled Detroit’s local economy is right now and we’ve all been warned of Detroit’s bleak economical outlook. My friend wanted growth, process sophistication, and the opportunity to succeed. He wanted to be able to understand his true costs, to be able to customize quotes and building material options, all while responding to his customers quickly. He wanted what virtually every business owner wants for their own company. Being the smart man that he is and having a great since of vision, he knew a quality ERP package could help him achieve his long-term goals.
Since I work for an ERP software supplier he hoped I could provide some guidance. Building materials is a vertical of my company, but we do not focus on the actual building of homes, so I had to do some research. While I was reviewing my sources, my friend was off performing his own due diligence and research. Surprisingly enough, we both came back with relatively the same short list of software packages. After multiple remote demonstrations, proposals, and rounds of negotiations, my friend purchased his new ERP software. Much to his wife’s dismay, he jumped into the vendor’s training program and was very entrenched in his new project. He wanted to learn how to define tables, run transactions, build reports, and so on. He wanted to know his new software inside and out. He embraced this opportunity will all the bravado and gusto he could muster.
I have known this friend for well over ten years. He and his wife are literally two of my all time favorite people in this world. One of the reasons for this is his ability to see today and look into tomorrow. He focuses on what is important. Since I’ve know him, he has always had a five year and ten year plan for both his personal and professional lives. He has always been objective and clearly reviewed and planned for what lay ahead.
In all actuality, my friend is not the lone visionary. As a small to mid-market ERP provider, we are seeing more and more companies move from packages like QuickBooks and Peachtree to a full ERP systems. This is especially true for companies that need additional assistance with such requirements as FDA compliance, bar-coding, or EDI transactions. The packages designed for start-up or small companies do not typically have enough functional breadth to manage a food or pharmaceutical based recall. It is these companies that we see move the quickest from say QuickBooks to a tier II ERP software package.
Ten years ago only the most tech savvy small business owners would consider purchasing and installing an ERP system. Now the small business segment is embracing ERP software and seeing significant benefits. Increased automation, paperless environments, complete audit trails, online graphical reports, and detailed cost information are just a tip of the benefits small businesses are receiving from their newly installed ERP systems. As ERP developers, we are becoming more focused on the small business segment. Whether it be an ASP, SaaS, or onsite models they adopt, companies from small builders to growing food manufacturers are learning that ERP can help foster growth and secure a profitable future. And as ERP developers, we are taking note of this paradigm shift.
Now I have your attention. What on earth would a small builder, in Detroit of all places, want with an ERP package? Everyone has heard how troubled Detroit’s local economy is right now and we’ve all been warned of Detroit’s bleak economical outlook. My friend wanted growth, process sophistication, and the opportunity to succeed. He wanted to be able to understand his true costs, to be able to customize quotes and building material options, all while responding to his customers quickly. He wanted what virtually every business owner wants for their own company. Being the smart man that he is and having a great since of vision, he knew a quality ERP package could help him achieve his long-term goals.
Since I work for an ERP software supplier he hoped I could provide some guidance. Building materials is a vertical of my company, but we do not focus on the actual building of homes, so I had to do some research. While I was reviewing my sources, my friend was off performing his own due diligence and research. Surprisingly enough, we both came back with relatively the same short list of software packages. After multiple remote demonstrations, proposals, and rounds of negotiations, my friend purchased his new ERP software. Much to his wife’s dismay, he jumped into the vendor’s training program and was very entrenched in his new project. He wanted to learn how to define tables, run transactions, build reports, and so on. He wanted to know his new software inside and out. He embraced this opportunity will all the bravado and gusto he could muster.
I have known this friend for well over ten years. He and his wife are literally two of my all time favorite people in this world. One of the reasons for this is his ability to see today and look into tomorrow. He focuses on what is important. Since I’ve know him, he has always had a five year and ten year plan for both his personal and professional lives. He has always been objective and clearly reviewed and planned for what lay ahead.
In all actuality, my friend is not the lone visionary. As a small to mid-market ERP provider, we are seeing more and more companies move from packages like QuickBooks and Peachtree to a full ERP systems. This is especially true for companies that need additional assistance with such requirements as FDA compliance, bar-coding, or EDI transactions. The packages designed for start-up or small companies do not typically have enough functional breadth to manage a food or pharmaceutical based recall. It is these companies that we see move the quickest from say QuickBooks to a tier II ERP software package.
Ten years ago only the most tech savvy small business owners would consider purchasing and installing an ERP system. Now the small business segment is embracing ERP software and seeing significant benefits. Increased automation, paperless environments, complete audit trails, online graphical reports, and detailed cost information are just a tip of the benefits small businesses are receiving from their newly installed ERP systems. As ERP developers, we are becoming more focused on the small business segment. Whether it be an ASP, SaaS, or onsite models they adopt, companies from small builders to growing food manufacturers are learning that ERP can help foster growth and secure a profitable future. And as ERP developers, we are taking note of this paradigm shift.
Technology Group International (TGI), a leading ERP software provider, announced today that it has been selected by the editors of START-IT magazine as a START-IT 125 technology vendor. This prestigious listing is an annual review that compiles the top 125 companies providing technology solutions to the manufacturing market.Companies listed on the START-IT 125 must meet certain criteria in order to qualify for a place in this annual listing. Such criteria includes being a technology-driven organization; having a business that is focused on manufacturing; provides respectable business practices; company’s vision and focus align with the objectives of START-IT’s editorial focus; focuses on educating directors, managers, vice-presidents, and chief executives; and focuses on the SMB market and larger.
“Each year, we see more change in the manufacturing industry and the available technology, and each year the editors of START-IT must be more critical in examining the top 125 technology providers,” said Peggy Smedley, editorial director of START-IT. “The START-IT 125 lets our readers know what the best solutions are, who can provide them, and how they can help manufacturers improve business practices.”
The START-IT 125 can be found in the 2008 START-IT Factbook, which is a reference guide provided for the manufacturing industry. Along with the START-IT 125, the Factbook offers an in-depth look at the current state of manufacturing employment and productivity; snapshots of key import and export trends; analysis of economic trends and their impact on the manufacturing industry; a list of today’s leading manufacturers by vertical industry; and much more.
For more information on this and other awards received by TGI, please visit TGI’s website at http://www.tgiltd.com/.
Technology Group International (TGI), a leading ERP software solution provider, today announced the achievement of record technical support tenure for TGI’s flagship ERP software product, Enterprise 21.
TGI’s technical support department currently averages over ten years of direct experience with programming and support of the Enterprise 21 ERP system. This average is over twice the national average according to data released by The Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bureau states official numbers for “this occupation had a median of 4.1 years of continuous employment with the same employer”.
In addition to TGI’s high tenure rate, the technical support team provides exceptional service to the Enterprise 21 customer base by providing:
- A support line which is available 24/7
- A support line that is staffed solely by software developers
- A practice of working all critical “fixes” until closed
- A practice of closing non-critical “fixes” within 8-24 hours of notification
- A practice of all making all “fixes” immediately available to the customer
- Automatically emailing nightly status reports to all maintenance customers
In addition to TGI’s superior technical support personnel, Enterprise 21 customers also receive online access to frequently asked questions, how-to based guides, video tutorials, and an integrated training system. This holistic approach to customer satisfaction places TGI as an industry benchmark for ERP system support.
Additional information is available at TGI’s website at www.tgiltd.com.
Educate, Energize, and Empower was the theme of Technology Group International’s annual conference titled Enterprise 2008. The conference is held each year for users of the Enterprise 21 ERP software package to network, collaborate, and learn about the newest functionality in Enterprise 21.
This year’s conference was hosted at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and was attended by Enterprise 21 users from across the United States and Canada. The conference agenda focused on topics that included the latest functionality in Enterprise 21, educational workshops, and brainstorming sessions for user driven enhancements in the upcoming release of the ERP solution.
Of particular importance this year was TGI’s further enhancements of Enterprise 21’s frequently asked questions, how-to based help, video based tutorials, and TGI’s integrated training system. TGI representatives also reviewed the latest ease of user features available in Enterprise 21 v7.0. These new enhancements allow the Enterprise 21 user to design their own ERP screen by tailoring the look, feel, and function of the screen layout to meet their individual requirements.
In addition to the educational content, TGI hosted a welcome reception and an additional night out at Epcot for participants. Users were taken to Epcot’s American Adventure Parlor for dinner and then escorted to a private dessert party and viewing of Epcot’s world renowned IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth presentation.
Additional information is available at TGI’s website at www.tgiltd.com.
This year’s conference was hosted at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and was attended by Enterprise 21 users from across the United States and Canada. The conference agenda focused on topics that included the latest functionality in Enterprise 21, educational workshops, and brainstorming sessions for user driven enhancements in the upcoming release of the ERP solution.
Of particular importance this year was TGI’s further enhancements of Enterprise 21’s frequently asked questions, how-to based help, video based tutorials, and TGI’s integrated training system. TGI representatives also reviewed the latest ease of user features available in Enterprise 21 v7.0. These new enhancements allow the Enterprise 21 user to design their own ERP screen by tailoring the look, feel, and function of the screen layout to meet their individual requirements.
In addition to the educational content, TGI hosted a welcome reception and an additional night out at Epcot for participants. Users were taken to Epcot’s American Adventure Parlor for dinner and then escorted to a private dessert party and viewing of Epcot’s world renowned IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth presentation.
Additional information is available at TGI’s website at www.tgiltd.com.
Winter is here, cold weather abounds, and Girl Scout cookies are in plentiful supply. My daughter is a Girl Scout and much to my surprise, I am the cookie mom for the second year in a row. Last year my daughter and I were completely clueless on the process. She thought we were actually baking the cookies and I thought it would be a piece of cake. We were both wrong in our innocent assumptions.
This year I hoped and prayed we’d do better. The Girl Scouts provide a mass of paper and forms, which of course, I conveniently ignore. I have my trusty spreadsheet ready and I calculate all the sales on this only to transfer final figures to the official submission forms due to council. I thought my experiences from last year would help ease the cookie pain this year. What I didn’t expect was that ERP software would actually help me too.
As I sat surrounded by cookies in my SUV and prepared for the journey home from the cookie pick up, I contemplated what lay ahead for me and my trusty cookie companion. With hundred of cases of cookies, the sorting process could take hours. I found myself trailing back to ERP software and what would I do if this was one of our Enterprise 21 software customers? What would I tell them to do if they had out of control operations? I realized I would tell them to get their warehouse in order and to use a computer system to help manage their inefficiencies.
Taking this new thought into account, my mind ran through last year’s troubles and where we went wrong. We brought all the cookies into my garage and literally dumped them in the middle of the floor. We proceeded to do a very weak form of zone picking, where three of us started grabbing cookies for a given order or scout. This zone picking was unstructured and an absolute mess. This was just not the right environment for zone based picking. We had mistakes and confusion and ended up recounting the same order four times to finally get an accurate count.
This year I thought we would start off right. This year we were putting solid warehouse management practices into place. We were going to work smarter, not harder.
Instead of mass chaos like last year, this time we brought all of the cookies into a receiving area and I performed a dock to stock transfer. I defined primary locations for each type of cookie. Then, instead of zone picking like last year, we switched to a pick by order methodology. One by one we selected the cookies and completed an individual girl’s order. Once we completed all the orders, we ran through a quick cycle count to verify the left over boxes matched our anticipated number. Surprisingly enough, it actually worked. With the exception of my husband stealing Tagalongs to satisfy his cookie craving, our cookie inventory tied out. We finished much faster than last year and we had much less angst over the process.
So the moral of my story is this – it doesn’t take a fancy computer system and millions of dollars to improve overall operations. It takes solid business practices and procedures, which in my case, was mimicking my own ERP software.
This year I hoped and prayed we’d do better. The Girl Scouts provide a mass of paper and forms, which of course, I conveniently ignore. I have my trusty spreadsheet ready and I calculate all the sales on this only to transfer final figures to the official submission forms due to council. I thought my experiences from last year would help ease the cookie pain this year. What I didn’t expect was that ERP software would actually help me too.
As I sat surrounded by cookies in my SUV and prepared for the journey home from the cookie pick up, I contemplated what lay ahead for me and my trusty cookie companion. With hundred of cases of cookies, the sorting process could take hours. I found myself trailing back to ERP software and what would I do if this was one of our Enterprise 21 software customers? What would I tell them to do if they had out of control operations? I realized I would tell them to get their warehouse in order and to use a computer system to help manage their inefficiencies.
Taking this new thought into account, my mind ran through last year’s troubles and where we went wrong. We brought all the cookies into my garage and literally dumped them in the middle of the floor. We proceeded to do a very weak form of zone picking, where three of us started grabbing cookies for a given order or scout. This zone picking was unstructured and an absolute mess. This was just not the right environment for zone based picking. We had mistakes and confusion and ended up recounting the same order four times to finally get an accurate count.
This year I thought we would start off right. This year we were putting solid warehouse management practices into place. We were going to work smarter, not harder.
Instead of mass chaos like last year, this time we brought all of the cookies into a receiving area and I performed a dock to stock transfer. I defined primary locations for each type of cookie. Then, instead of zone picking like last year, we switched to a pick by order methodology. One by one we selected the cookies and completed an individual girl’s order. Once we completed all the orders, we ran through a quick cycle count to verify the left over boxes matched our anticipated number. Surprisingly enough, it actually worked. With the exception of my husband stealing Tagalongs to satisfy his cookie craving, our cookie inventory tied out. We finished much faster than last year and we had much less angst over the process.
So the moral of my story is this – it doesn’t take a fancy computer system and millions of dollars to improve overall operations. It takes solid business practices and procedures, which in my case, was mimicking my own ERP software.
What political camp are you part of this presidential election? Are you Democratic, Republican, or independent? And why is this question part of an information technology driven blog?
As I open my email this morning I see a breaking news alert from CNN. I’m informed Rudy Giuliani may drop out of the presidential race after his loss to John McCain in Florida. But, Mr. Giuliani may endorse McCain after he removed himself from the running. What? Is it that easy? Are the Republicans that united while the Democrats are almost brining out their boxing gloves at the debates? Will Obama drop out and endorse Clinton after his loss in Florida? And can someone please tell me where are all the independents?
Again I’m sure you are now ask yourself, why I am talking about this on an IT blog. It brings me to the land of ERP solutions and the different tiers and their own “camps”. I believe there are two major ERP camps now that belong to SAP and Microsoft. Some may argue that Infor and Sage may be camps in their own respect, however from a name recognition prospective, I believe SAP and Microsoft are the well known players. Both have made acquisitions that have garnished themselves presence in the coveted SMB (or SME) space. Does this make them winners? And are there clear cut Microsoft followers as there are clear cut Democrats and Republicans? Actually yes, but the difference in the world of ERP resides with the independents. They are alive and well and winning a wide range of races. And I believe they are giving the major players a run for their advertising money so to speak.
I personally work for an “independent”. In the heat of battle or scripted demo for that matter, my independent package, Enterprise 21, has competed and won against SAP’s tier one package, as well as the other packages that target the small to mid-market sector. My independent package has also competed against and won in a variety of deals against Microsoft and it’s multitude of accounting software packages.
Thankfully for us independent ERP providers, the voters are casting their ballots not for just the name they recognize, but for the functional fit the ERP system represents. In most, but unfortunately not all cases, the selection team does their research and issues an RFP and holds a structured and scripted demonstration of the ERP packages in their short list. In this scenario the best package wins, not just the leading political party or candidate with the most well known name.
That being said, there are cases where companies are set on Microsoft or SAP because, just like with the Democrats and Republicans, these are the names they hear about in commercials or read about in magazine advertisements. And when the Microsoft or SAP package is the best fit, even I the competing independent encourage the decision.
In year’s past I would typically sway to one political party, although never officially register as a party member. I’ve never been a fan of aligning solely with any group, be it political or not. This year I cannot say I lean strongly to one party or another. There is not one candidate I say I trust or support or even believe in at this point. ERP software is different. I have been with Enterprise 21 long enough to know that the independent can be the best choice. I’ve been both an end user of Enterprise 21 and I’ve worked for the ERP developer Technology Group International. I can say I do “trust” it as a valid solution for a number of vertical markets and I know it is can “support” the SME market with ease.
And although my company is not 100% correct all of the time, I can honestly say I “believe in” Enterprise 21 as an ERP solution for the right company. I just wish I felt the same and as strongly about one of our political candidates.
As I open my email this morning I see a breaking news alert from CNN. I’m informed Rudy Giuliani may drop out of the presidential race after his loss to John McCain in Florida. But, Mr. Giuliani may endorse McCain after he removed himself from the running. What? Is it that easy? Are the Republicans that united while the Democrats are almost brining out their boxing gloves at the debates? Will Obama drop out and endorse Clinton after his loss in Florida? And can someone please tell me where are all the independents?
Again I’m sure you are now ask yourself, why I am talking about this on an IT blog. It brings me to the land of ERP solutions and the different tiers and their own “camps”. I believe there are two major ERP camps now that belong to SAP and Microsoft. Some may argue that Infor and Sage may be camps in their own respect, however from a name recognition prospective, I believe SAP and Microsoft are the well known players. Both have made acquisitions that have garnished themselves presence in the coveted SMB (or SME) space. Does this make them winners? And are there clear cut Microsoft followers as there are clear cut Democrats and Republicans? Actually yes, but the difference in the world of ERP resides with the independents. They are alive and well and winning a wide range of races. And I believe they are giving the major players a run for their advertising money so to speak.
I personally work for an “independent”. In the heat of battle or scripted demo for that matter, my independent package, Enterprise 21, has competed and won against SAP’s tier one package, as well as the other packages that target the small to mid-market sector. My independent package has also competed against and won in a variety of deals against Microsoft and it’s multitude of accounting software packages.
Thankfully for us independent ERP providers, the voters are casting their ballots not for just the name they recognize, but for the functional fit the ERP system represents. In most, but unfortunately not all cases, the selection team does their research and issues an RFP and holds a structured and scripted demonstration of the ERP packages in their short list. In this scenario the best package wins, not just the leading political party or candidate with the most well known name.
That being said, there are cases where companies are set on Microsoft or SAP because, just like with the Democrats and Republicans, these are the names they hear about in commercials or read about in magazine advertisements. And when the Microsoft or SAP package is the best fit, even I the competing independent encourage the decision.
In year’s past I would typically sway to one political party, although never officially register as a party member. I’ve never been a fan of aligning solely with any group, be it political or not. This year I cannot say I lean strongly to one party or another. There is not one candidate I say I trust or support or even believe in at this point. ERP software is different. I have been with Enterprise 21 long enough to know that the independent can be the best choice. I’ve been both an end user of Enterprise 21 and I’ve worked for the ERP developer Technology Group International. I can say I do “trust” it as a valid solution for a number of vertical markets and I know it is can “support” the SME market with ease.
And although my company is not 100% correct all of the time, I can honestly say I “believe in” Enterprise 21 as an ERP solution for the right company. I just wish I felt the same and as strongly about one of our political candidates.
