Small business manufacturers and distributors generally want the same basic functional features in an ERP system, such as order management, inventory control, warehouse management, purchasing, manufacturing, financials, CRM, and business intelligence. That being said, many small businesses also question how they can take advantage of an ERP software solution’s complete set of functionality given their relatively limited internal resources and their desire to complete ERP implementation in a timely, cost-effective manner. Small businesses can definitely benefit from an ERP Software Solution and probably shouldn’t go without one in today’s market. However, the degree to which small businesses can achieve ROI from ERP implementation can largely depend on the implementation methodology of their ERP vendor.

As a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, Rimrock Corporation works with organizations of all sizes and complexity to deliver the maximum ROI possible for each completed project. For more information on Microsoft Dynamics ERP, contact us.

Rimrock Corporation is based in Toronto, Ontario and is a Microsoft Dynamics consulting firm that specializes in simplifying the accounting software and CRM implementation process. The 20 years of experience we have here at Rimrock Corporation ensures that your implementation will be a success. Rimrock Corporation also offers a full line-up of Microsoft Dynamics classroom training suited to your needs and your schedule to help your staff maximize the power of the software solution.

By Rimrock Corporation Ontario Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner

Can Small Businesses Benefit From an ERP Software Solution? is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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Microsoft Dynamics GP provides significant operational improvement for distribution companies by fully integrating data throughout the organization, and providing ease of access to information through common tools such as Excel, Outlook, and Sharepoint. 

Distributors and manufacturers of any size can now take advantage of integrated credit card processing, bar coding, and shipping to automate their order taking and fulfillment.  Integrated demand planning and forecasting tools can also be used to plan purchasing and manufacturing.  As companies continue to rely more on outsourced and/or global aspects of their manufacturing and distribution processes, instant and accurate information has become critical in maintaining profitability and managing inventory levels.

Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010, to be released later this spring, will add greater ease and simplicity to these capabilities by using incorporating email notifications into invoices, packing slips, and vendor payments. Microsoft Word will be used for formatting invoices and other forms to provide customers with the greatest degree of flexibility and control over their systems and customer communications.

This success story explains how RSM McGladrey helped one wine distribution company grew their business by automating their purchasing system and maintaining low administrative staff levels.

By: Michele Juliana, RSM McGladrey Accounting Software Solutions for Wholesale Distribution - New York Metro Microsoft Dynamics partner

More than 90% of Distributors Consider Information Technology a Critical Component of Business Operations is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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1. Operational and process improvement needs
2. Reporting and data analysis needs
3. Effective systems to communicate with customers and vendors

In its fourth release, this survey asked more than 920 industry executives to provide their perspectives on the current state of their companies and industry and the strategies they are employing to sustain — and in some instances, grow — profitability in the coming year. It’s no surprise that technology is a critical component for Manufacturing and Wholesale Distribution companies, but the survey reveals that comprehensive coverage is an issue for most companies.

Often multiple systems, architectures and platforms are in place throughout an organization creating islands of customer, product, performance and profitability data. Companies which grew by acquisition may have multiple Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and each system reflects the processes and data used by the acquired business. Combining data from multiple systems to attain a consolidated view is difficult and time consuming. Companies with comprehensive acquisition integration strategies spend time up front to replace or integrate these systems. 

I will be addressing how Microsoft Dynamics GP handles each of these three areas for manufacturers and distributors in a series of blog posts to follow.

Manufacturing and Wholesale Distribution National (MWD) Survey – 2009 Technology Report is a supplement report on IT expansion strategies, planned spending on maintenance and expansion and why MWD IT systems remain vulnerable, even with recovery plans in place.

By: Michele Juliana, RSM McGladrey Accounting Software Solutions for Wholesale Distribution A New Jersey Microsoft Dynamics GP partner

Manufacturing and Distribution Survey Reveals Surprise Findings about Technology Coverage is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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With that in mind – here are 5 ERP New Year’s Resolutions to begin working on now:

1. Evaluate the fit of your current system to the business. Business operations change, management changes, processes change, etc. The ERP system implemented years ago may not be meeting the business requirements anymore.  Create an RFP and apply it to your current system just as you would if you were evaluating a whole new system.  If you don’t have in-house expertise to put together a proper RFP which fully addresses the business requirements, there are software programs and consultants that can assist in this exercise for a reasonable cost.

2. Conduct a full audit of business processes and system applications.  Apply your RFP to the ERP system and truthfully evaluate the capabilities of your system against the business requirements.  Does it have what it takes to address those requirements and is it scalable enough to fulfill the projected requirements in the coming years.

3. Conduct user training. This is an often overlooked factor in successful implementation/use of any computer software.  And even if training was fully addressed in the initial implementation, again, business processes change, new employees are hired or users move to new positions, upgrades to the software offer new features, etc. User training should be an ongoing, never ending practice in order to maintain optimum system application, and reduce help desk inquiries.

4. Upgrade to the newest version. If your RFP and full system evaluation reveal that the current system is still the right one for your business then the focus should be on making sure you are using the most recent version available from the software provider.   In some cases this can be painful (customizations must be ported, testing must be done, etc.) but the payoff is worth it.  Upgrades typically include new/improved features that will benefit the business, not to mention the increased support that is available from your software vendor.

5. Implement a new system. Sometimes your evaluation will indicate that your current system is no longer meeting the needs of the business and then it is time to move on.  The RFP created in step 1 will simplify the search for a new system. Be sure that you include in this search evaluation/selection of a full service consulting organization to manage your implementation project and provide expert resources that will assist in the installation, training and customizations.

Taking a long hard look at the ERP system being used in your organization is worth the effort and should be done regularly. Once the facts of need and fit have been gathered, generating an ROI for approval of training, and/or upgrades, and/or a new system will be easy and management approval a sure thing. Happy New Year.

by Ignify, A Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner in Northern California

Evaluating Your ERP System; 5 ERP New Year’s Resolutions. is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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For example: Are you able to track the entire sales transaction including what came out of inventory, when it is arriving from another vendor, profitability and all shipping information? Are you able to see sales patterns to customers and from the salespeople?

There are 5 main questions that every distributor should ask themselves to know if they are running the right systems to stay on top of their industry.  Click here to read the 5 questions every distributor should ask.

Elaine Crooks, BroadPoint Technologies, Washington D.C.

Do you Distribute? 5 Questions To Ask To Know If You Do it Right! is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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