Replacing an ERP system is a major business decision. An ERP replacement requires an investment of time, resources, training, and money, so most companies do not make the decision without careful consideration. If you have not read our blog on the costs associated with replacing your ERP System, it’s a good one to completely understand the total investment. But how do you know when your current ERP software is holding your business back? As companies grow, their technology needs change. An ERP system that worked well several years ago may no longer provide the functionality, scalability, reporting, or automation your business requires today.Read More
5 Simple Ideas for Manufacturing Plant Managers to Improve Profits
For those seeking expert manufacturing tips for profitability, you’re in the right place. After 30 years of helping manufacturers and distributors improve their operations through ERP and Additional Shipping Technologies, I’ve got five straightforward ideas that won’t cost much but will provide immediate returns.
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Marketing Automation Tools
Most businesses are looking for ways to be more productive and efficient with less effort and resources. Wouldn’t it be great if your website answered email inquiries on its own? Or what if it had a chatbot to directly engage visitors in real time? In this #USAMfgHour chat, the topic was “B2B Marketing Automation: Making Meaningful Scaling Simple”. We discussed these questions and many other options for using automation to improve multiple facets of your company’s public engagement.
Preparing for a Successful Video Shoot
Are you thinking about filming some video content for your business? Are you thinking you’ll grab your phone and press “video”? You may not realize there is so much more you can do to ensure you will create usable video content. If you plan ahead, your results will be much more successful. In this 7/25/24 #USAMfgHour chat, Whitney Koch of Keystone Click led the discussion, which revealed many helpful ideas, tips, and tricks.
Beyond the Buzz on AI & Wearables: What’s Here and What’s Working
On January 11th Michael Womack, Sr. Marketing & Communications Manager of NJMEP (New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program) led a very hot topic, AI and Technology! The world is moving at such a fast pace! How are these technologies helping manufacturers? How quickly are people adopting and investing in cutting-edge solutions? Let’s look at this!
The Costs of Replacing Your ERP System
There are valid reasons to consider replacing your ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system—such as when the vendor discontinues support or the platform no longer meets your operational needs. However, before making a significant investment in a new system, it’s worth evaluating whether additional training, process improvements, or targeted enhancements to your existing ERP solution could deliver the results you need at a lower cost and with less disruption.
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Shipping and Fulfillment Processes: Should Your Manufacturing or Distribution Company Evaluate Modernizing
Is it time to re-evaluate your shipping and fulfillment processes?
If you haven’t yet read our blog on Supply Chain Trends That May Not Change, we encourage you to take a look.
Given the continued volatility in global markets, it’s remarkable that manufacturers and distributors have been able to keep products moving at all. Ongoing supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and increasing challenges in hiring and retaining qualified employees are placing significant strain on operations. At the same time, rising costs for fuel, raw materials, and warehouse space are compressing margins and testing long-standing processes.
In this environment, maintaining the status quo is no longer a safe strategy. If this is you, then it might be time to revaluate your shipping and fulfillment processes.
Now is the time to take a close look at your shipping and fulfillment workflows. Are there manual processes that could be automated? Are your systems fully integrated and delivering real-time visibility? Is your technology helping you control costs—or adding to them?
Re-evaluating your shipping and fulfillment processes and investing in the right technology can uncover efficiencies, reduce errors, improve service levels, and protect profitability.
In my opinion, the answer is clear: yes, it’s time.
#USAMfgHour Pivoting Your Business When Surprises Happen
Economic changes, pandemics, political leadership, weather, world events, and more. Let’s face it: the world doesn’t stop changing, so how do you make sure your manufacturing or distribution business can pivot? We discussed this on March 17th 2022, in our #USAMfgHour X Chat led by Kirsten Austin @DCSCInc.
Q1 #USAMfgHour ~ Let’s start on a personal level. Have you ever been taken completely by surprise and had to make changes fast?
In 2017, my entire world changed. My Mom died suddenly, I divorced after a 23 year marriage & even more events took place. What I learned that year was the importance of a good attitude. Check this blog.
Q2 #USAMfgHour ~ Can you think of any businesses that had to completely change their products or services in order to survive?
A2 #USAMfgHour ~ Check out this excellent article from @HarvardBiz. Did you know @Twitter (Now @X) started as a podcast directory? @Yelp was once an automated email service & @YouTube started as dating service?
Q3 #USAMfgHour ~ What can help companies change and pivot more quickly?
A3 #USAMfgHour ~ Real-Time and Accurate Business Information is the most important tool to help you acknowledge issues quickly. Understanding your cash, inventory, assets and talent on hand helps you make informed decisions quickly.
Q4 ~ #USAMfgHour ~ Fun Question, without Googling it, can you think of one product you owned or used that is obsolete today?
A4 I can think of so many, but one of my favs was the “Walkman”. Additional chat participant answers included Block Buster Video. Blockbuster Video was a renowned American home video and video game rental company that reached it’s highest amount of stores 2004 (more than 9,000) worldwide, before bankruptcy and the popularity of streaming led to the closure of nearly all its locations. All but one, in Bend Oregon!
It’s more than possible to pivot and survive by making sure your company can and will adapt if necessary to keep up with all the changes. The proof is in the pudding. There are many USA Manufacturers who have survived for decades by understanding their resources, taking note of changing markets and through good old fashioned resilience. These companies include Procter & Gamble (P&G), Deere & Company (John Deere), Colgate-Palmolive, DuPont, Lodge Cast-Iron, and Dixon Ticonderoga Company just to name a few.
We’re taking this conversation to LinkedIn Live—and we’re looking for hosts! If you’re interested in leading a future #USAMfgHour session, join USAMfgHour Group on LinkedIn, connect with Kirsten Austin on LinkedIn, and send her a DM, or give us a call at 314-664-2200 to learn more.
#USAMfgHour Purchase Order Management
USA Manufacturing Hour – Twitter
March 3rd
1pm CST
TOPIC: How first-mile inefficiencies are the cause of last-mile problems for manufacturers
Managing Business and Personal Change
Change. Is it exciting? Unpleasant? Detrimental? Beneficial? How can Businesses harness the power of change and how can you translate these lessons into your personal life?
This week’s #USAMfgHour Twitter chat was led by Kirsten Austin of DCSC, Inc. She shared her insights on Managing Business and Personal Change.Read More
