In talking to manufacturing companies about our workflow solutions software, a common response is: But we have a great ERP ... The implication is: We have all the software that we need. So I decided to write a blog that explains how workflow solutions complement ERPs. Let me be clear, I believe ERPs have many [...]
There is a lot out there about proactive and reactive business strategy. I have no intention of repeating what has already been said about business strategy. Instead, I want to focus on attitude about investing in the right software. Your attitude towards investing in software dictates how your business will grow. There are 3 main [...]
The Lancashire Quarterly Economic Survey was recently published. It shows that manufacturing in Lancashire continued to strengthen. Lancashire manufacturers invested more in training than in the previous quarter. They reported being more confident about their profitability. But what can manufacturing do to prevent profit squeezes? The good news This is despite pressures from increased costs of [...]
It can be frustrating to realise that a new IT project can solve a serious problem and increase your company’s efficiency and profitability, then have funding refused. Surely they can see that, yes we’re spending money now, but we will be getting an excellent return? What’s obvious to the IT manager is not always obvious [...]
Serious businesses will want to improve workplace health and safety. I mean actually improve H&S, and not just have figures that indicate good H&S. In this short article I explore: Why over-relying on incentives can be a bad thing. How one software feature can address this problem. WHY OVER-RELYING ON INCENTIVES CAN BE A BAD [...]
This is probably a very familiar scenario for Financial Directors and CEOs. The IT manager, yet again, wants money for a new project … S/he explains that it will benefit you all in the long run … which is what s/he said last week and the month before for Projects ABC and XYZ … Surely [...]
I remember my last month in high school. We all took a shirt to school, and tried to get as many messages and signatures as possible. From teachers and other students. Actually I still have mine, tucked away in a drawer in the spare room! In manufacturing collecting signatures is quite a common occurrence, though [...]
If you have taken a quick break and visited a news website this morning, you will know that the police in Northern Ireland are investigating the presence of human waste in Coca Cola cans. “Yuck” was my first reaction, plus a touch of pride that I only drink water! But then I thought some more: [...]
In a fast paced society where things are constantly changing and moving on, one of the main challenges in the manufacturing process is the ability to efficiently launch a new or custom-built product. Normally such tasks require the involvement of teams from various business functions, such as the design engineers, manufacturing, procurement, costing, finance, [...]
One of the main areas in ensuring quality control is making sure that the products, raw materials, and packaging provided by your suppliers are up to standard. Managing this could be quite time-consuming and frustrating. There is a lengthy process involved, including checking the products, containing the affected product, managing refunds, and making sure [...]
