Archive for the 'ERP Software' Category
Best Open Source ERP Award Goes to OpenBravo
In conjunction with our previous post about cheap ERP software, this post highlights cheap open source ERP software provider Openbravo. Openbravo has been named ‘Best of Open Source Enterprise Software’ by InfoWorld, and is an inexpensive alternative to traditional ERP solutions.
InfoWorld held their ‘Bossies’, Best of Open Source Software, awards recently to honor the best of the best in the open source world. Open source software is a hot topic in the tech world because it is a cost-effective and easily implemented solution.
Openbravo ERP, as praised by InfoWorld, “is a package that combines finance, sales, purchasing, and inventory modules. A free community edition and an extensive professional version are available through commercial license. Its plug-in architecture offers simple, template-driven setup and customization without the hard coding. The version 3.0 release candidate enhances navigation with quick-launch shortcuts and tabbed panels that allow users to view multiple grids simultaneously. New role-based portal pages and dashboards also contribute to the highly customizable experience.” InforWorld finished by saying that “getting started couldn’t be simpler, thanks to a newly streamlined setup process and preconfigured editions on Ubuntu Server and Amazon Cloud.”
The cheap ERP software provider has shown significant growth recently with the availability of the open source ERP solution Quickstart. Not only is Openbravo QuickStart an inexpensive option, it is also up and running on the fly. Openbravo has witnessed customer expansion in the form of over 1.7 million downloads. Openbravo open source ERP is in prime position for success, as the software industry has experienced a major demand for cheap and flexible ERP solution options.
Openbravo CTO, Paolo Juvara states: “It’s great to be recognized by InfoWorld yet again-it’s such an honor for us at Openbravo and our community. We’ve made it our mission to bring ERP to the masses, and in doing so have developed a product that strives to deliver a superior user experience by combining web-based simplicity with practical features. We want to transform open source ERP, and awards and recognition from respected sources such as InfoWorld fuel our ambition to continue delivering new and innovative solutions for each of our customers and our entire community.”
No commentsWhy your Business Should Consider Open Source ERP
The implementation of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution is a costly endeavor. Despite the promise of a worthwhile return on investment (ROI), companies that are looking for an inexpensive solution upfront could find a happy medium in open source ERP software. There’s no doubt that an ERP solution is essential in optimizing business efficiency. However, ERP solutions are typically shockingly expensive, especially to business owners in this day and age. Open source ERP solutions give business owners the benefits of ERP without the scary overhead costs.
ERP solutions help businesses manage their operations in one unified system. ERP is designed to improve efficiency, streamline operational costs, and increase overall productivity. Open souce ERP offers the same benefits of ERP but at a lower cost. Open source ERP is cheap ERP software.
There are several other benefits to open source ERP implementation that are worth discussing. Aside from being inexpensive, Open Source ERP software is easy to implement with a shorter setup timeframe than traditional ERP solutions. With less downtime in the mix, companies can optimize their efficiency.
Cheap open source ERP solutions are becoming increasingly popular amongst the small to medium sized enterprises. SME’s have fewer resources than large companies, not to mention a significantly lower spending budget. SME’s need to rely on cheap ERP software, like open source options, to whip their businesses into shape while avoiding over-spending.
A few popular open source ERP vendors include: Openbravo, Consona Compiere, Apache, TinyERP and PostBooks.
No commentsShould you ERP?
Selecting an ERP Solution is no easy task. There are countless enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions that consumers have access to today. ERP solutions are designed to help inter-departmental collaboration, optimize efficiency and facilitate access to vital information.
ERP systems are built to replace a discordant set of multiple business software solutions with a sleek, time-saving, money-saving, unified system. The benefits of ERP are numerous and worthy of discussion.
Why should you purchase an ERP solution?
- ERP systems help businesses integrate and collaborate across several locations.
- ERP systems help increase workplace transparency; giving employees easy access to company goals and leaving them more accountable for strategies on company-wide goal achievement
- ERP solutions help foster inter-departmental connectivity.
- ERP systems optimize the manufacturing process by automating procurement and production planning.
- Inventory turnover will also be optimized as a result of a streamlined ERP solution.
- The manufacturing product cycle will also benefit from ERP implementation, by speeding up the rate at which information flows.
The ERP selection process is a lengthy one and it is helpful to designate a project manager to oversee ERP implementation. Project managers will be in charge of interacting with ERP vendors, coordinating internal needs and creating an ERP selection team to represent the different business units in your company.
No commentsROI Calculator for ERP Software
Panorama Consulting Group has been hard at work creating a web-based ROI calculator for ERP investments. Hopefully all the hard work will pay off for users as well, as the product is finally being launched. Panorama designed the ROI calculator to assist website visitors who want to calculate the potential ROI on ERP software investments. So once you decide which ERP software solutions you plan on considering, Panorama’s ROI calculator can help with the next steps.
Panorama’s ERP ROI calculator is built on information collected from numerous research firms. The ROI calculator gives users a near accurate estimate based on data the user inputs into the platform. It’s ERP consulting made easy, thanks to Panorama. The calculator makes assessments based on a number of criteria including: estimates of tangible costs like inventory and labor, time-of-delivery, sales close-time, and order fill time. The ERP ROI calculator also considers employee number, license cost, project management and implementation cost. The final result gives users an ROI estimate and timeline for payback.
“In today’s volatile economy, companies need to know that their ERP software investments are delivering measurable value,” said President of Panorama, ERIc Kimberling. “Panorama helps clients select and implement in such a way, so we wanted to provide the ERP community with a high-level summary of what we do for clients on a daily basis.”
To check out the ROI calculator, visit: http://panorama-consulting.com/resource-center/erp-roi-calculator/.
No commentsIntroducing: Zensar ERP for SMEs
Are you a SMB owner? Looking for a great SMB ERP solution?
Zensar would like to meet you.
The software services provider, Zensar, has launched their SME enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution for domestic markets. Zensar ERP is powered by Microsoft Dynamics ERP. Microsoft Dynamics ERP was designed with midsized businesses with industry-specific functionality for their respective industries, in mind.
Zensar ERP offers a web-based model dedicated to meet the needs of SME in India. The SMEs in India typically share the same challenges of staggering growth countered by an overwhelming lack of IT support.
“SMEs play a vital role in the economy and need IT enablements that are world class, affordable and customized to the Indian environment. We have leveraged our software development, hosting and cloud computing expertise in collaboration with leading OEMs to provide best-in-class hosted ERP software to the SME Automotive cluster in the country. Our vision is to expand our offerings in the SME market segment to other clusters such as Leather, Textile”, said Assoc. VP of Zensar, Harsh Kohli.
Zensar has also been given the task of managing the Microsoft Navision ERP solution, as a loyal partner. Zensar ERP will drive Microsoft success by ensuring that the Dynamics suite is the best solution for SMEs in India by managing the cloud computing framework, company specific configuration and IT support.
Director of Microsoft India, Subhomoy Sengupta explains: “Microsoft Dynamics Navision provides and ERP platform that not only integrates all the critical business processes but is also fast to implement, easy to configure and simple to use. We continue to deliver innovative ERP solutions jointly with our partners to help these businesses increase their efficiency and effectiveness.”
No commentsCarto Micro Chooses Epicor as Their ERP Solution
Epicor is fast becoming a cult favorite among businesses looking to streamline their operational processes. Cardboard Manufacturer, Carto Micro, has selected Epicor to drive their ERP success. Epicor is most specifically designed for midmarket and Global 1000 companies looking to streamline their enterprise management and resource planning.
Carto Micro which is short for Cartones Microcorrugados settled on Epicor ERP for its advanced technology, software infrastructure, support frame and promise of quick ROI. Epicor’s ERP solution was also provided the company with a reasonable implementation timeframe.
“Two years ago we started to see potential growth opportunities for our company and we wanted a new ERP solution, better suited to support Carto Micro’s future business requirements. After evaluating ten ERP providers, the decision was made to with Epicor,” said Juan Augusto Rivas of Carto Micro.
The cardboard manufacturer is based in Guanajuato Mexico and makes cardboard products for SMB distributors. Carto Micro is hoping that implementing Epicor ERP will help with managing operations in the most efficient way. “Epicor ERP gives us a technology solution that integrates all our business information, which will enable us to have a better control over our staffing and material resources,” said Rivas.
The company looks forward to experiencing an efficient and collaborative workflow with the help of Epicor ERP. Epicor ERP has business applications and the tools needed to help drive Carto Micro’s success.
No commentsLawson Software’s Disaster Recovery ERP
Cloud ERP vendor, Lawson, has launched a Disaster Recover service for Lawson customers that want coverage in the event of a technology-related disaster. Lawson Software is a global enterprise software provider whose software and services reach across 40 different countries. Lawson has launched Disaster Recovery for their ERP customers to help organizations resume business operations in the event of a tech-catastrophe. The new Lawson ERP Disaster Recovery is currently available to Lawson S3 customers with a Windows OS.
Disaster Recovery ERP was designed with the customer in mind, helping provide security for Lawson’s customers’ information. The delivery method for the Disaster Recovery technology is on demand, so Lawson customers can enjoy the flexible capacity of the ERP product. Lawson Data Recovery ERP will be able to pull customer data and restore software ERP functionality, giving businesses the ability to be back in operation in 12 hours or less.
“Currently, many organizations risk being down for days and losing significant amounts of data in the event of a disaster, and that can be devastating to their business. Our customers have asked for a reliable cost effective business continuity solution when it comes to their most time-sensitive business processes,” said Lawson VP, Terry Plath. “By taking advantage of the flexible capacity and rapid scalability of the Cloud, we can quickly restore the customers’ instance of the software along with their production data to minimize down time. This helps minimize the time it takes to get them back on track with their core business processes. Ultimately, this provides greater peace of mind when lost minutes and hours can make a tremendous impact on their business.”
Scott County Minnesota, a Lawson customer, has implemented cloud Lawson Disaster Recovery. With the help of Lawson ERP, the country has improved their recovery time by 36 hours. The cloud ERP provider and county administrators worked closely during the implementation process to ensure that industry best practices were being used. Lawson also helped the county test recovery time once the implementation phase was over.
“Our constituents, including county employees, need confidence that we can confidence that we can continue our business operations in the event of a disaster,” said CFO of Scott County, Kevin Ellsworth. “Our testing of Lawson Disaster Recovery has shown a significant reduction in the amount of time it can take us to restore many of our core significant reduction in the amount of time it can take us to restore many of our core business processes. We need to be able to make payroll, manage our financials and ensure that we have supplies needed to run efficiently. Extended downtime can cause considerable disruption in our services to residents of the county and our employees, which is not acceptable.”
The company hinted at creating disaster recovery software in early April and has since then made the software available for its S3 customers. “This product introduction underscores the fact that some of the best innovation in enterprise software comes from the collaboration we have with our customers,” said Plath. “By listening to their needs and working closely with them on innovative ideas, we’re able to deliver new products and services that address issues that directly affect their business. Now with Cloud computing as a reality in enterprise software we’re able to bring even greater innovation and speed to market with new products and services.”
No commentsNovus Selects Epicor ERP
Novus, a biological products manufacturer, has selected Epicor 9 to streamline its ERP processes. Epicor provides ERP solutions for midmarket companies as well as Global 1000 conglomerates. Novus’ products are designed to organize and expedite scientific research processes in the biotechnology field. Novus has implemented Epicor ERP in the hopes of facilitating and sustaining profitable business growth.
Novus is based in Colorado with operations in the UK and over 170,000 products. Before settling on Epicor 9, the company used a legacy system. As Novus began to proliferate, the company realized they needed a more efficient ERP solution. Novus selected Epicor ERP to streamline their front and back end processes to optimize workplace efficiency. Novus Biologicals was keen on implementing Epicor ERP because it would provide the biotech company with a single system record and promote enterprise-wide visibility.
Scott Osgood, VP of IT for Novus explains: “Selecting Epicor’s highly scalable and flexible ERP solution was critical to supporting our expansion plans and consolidation strategies. As a result of our substantial product line growth, Novus Biologicals is expanding into new markets and geographies prompting us to invest in a modern enterprise-class system that can support our global business requirements. Epicor will automate tasks, streamline business processes and synchronize backend operations allowing us to focus on strategic activities that will help us facilitate profitable growth.”
Novus is keen on overseas expansion and leveraging Epicor 9’s ERP solution to make it happen. Unlike the legacy system, Epicor ERP helps businesses delegate resources in efficient ways. “The opening of our UK office was the tipping point which led us to search for a global business management solution,” said Osgood. Epicor 9 is equipped with multi-currency, country and language options, thereby making global expansion feasible.
Novus looks forward to leveraging Epicor 9 to decrease inventory costs as well, due to efficient planning. With Epicor ERP, Novus can better manage tracking, scheduling and supply chain management. “Understanding the position and availability of our products throughout the world allows us to deliver our products and services faster and at a lower cost to our customers,” said Osgood. Epicor ERP is also helping Novus improve their customer interactions by expediting and managing customer demands more efficiently.
“We are excited to provide Novus Biologicals with a flexible business solution that will scale with the company as they grow now and in the future,” said Epicor VP, James Norwood. “Epicor will allow Novus Biologicals to focus their attention on strategic growth activities by enabling them to be more efficient in the management of their business operations and responsivie to the needs of their customers on a global basis.”
No commentsSAP attracts SMBs with Business ByDesign 2.5 redesign
SAP today announced the availability of Business ByDesign feature pack 2.5, as well as three new predefined starter packages. BusinessByDesign is an on-demand business management suite. The feature pack is now available in China, France, Germany, India, Great Britain, and the United States.
The new update includes additions such as real-time in-memory analytics, mobile device support, and a customizable user interface. On-demand deployment has also been made easier.
As listed in SAP’s public release, The BusinessByDesign starter packages are:
Customer relationship management (CRM) start package – The CRM starter package provides customers with best business practices for sales force automation (SFA), enabling them to efficiently generate leads, manage all stages of the sales process and close deals, while laying the foundation to expand to the entire order-to-cash process. The CRM starter package can be implemented in approximately three weeks at a fixed implementation price of $13,500 (EUR 9,900) and a special subscription price of $89 (EUR 79) per user.
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) starter package – The ERP starter package provides customers that have outgrown accounting-only systems with the integrated financials, accounting and analytics capabilities needed to manage the next stage of growth.. The package can be implemented in approximately six weeks or less and is available at a fixed implementation price of $37,500 (EUR 24,900) and the usual subscription price of $149 (EUR 133) per user.
Professional service provider (PSP) starter package – The PSP starter package is designed to give small businesses and midsize professional services firms affordable access to the world-class business process management capabilities they need to not only manage their businesses end to end, but also to level the playing field against well-capitalized competitors. Designed to go live in approximately eight weeks, the PSP starter package is available for a fixed implementation price of $45,000 (EUR 34,900) and the usual subscription price of $149 (EUR 133) per user.
SAP intends on attracting SMEs with these new product additions (starter packages are available for as few as 10 users). However, the listed prices, especially for the ERP and PSP packages, look too hefty for businesses that tiny.
“With the general availability of feature pack 2.5 we have achieved a major milestone,” says Peter Lorenz, executive vice president at SAP. “By providing this new release, we deliver substantial innovation to support our customers’ business needs today and tomorrow. The on-demand services for SAP Business ByDesign are operated on the most modern cloud infrastructure and allow for true volume business. We also expect the new starter packages to enable our customers to quickly adopt the services and realize immediate results on their path to an integrated on-demand suite.”
No commentsOracle’s E-Business Suite 12.1 Implemented at Macsteel Holdings
Last week, Oracle announced that Macsteel Holdings, a leading metals processor and distributor, implemented the Oracle E-Business Suite 12.1 to modernize its technology system. Macsteel wanted to improve its North American operations, standardize business processes, and increase sales. Macsteel was in great need of an updated business and finance system, which is why it turned to Oracle to help it deploy the E-Business Suite 12.1.
Macsteel Holdings is on of the largest private metals service centers in the world, as it distributes metals all over North America and Puerto Rico from its 30 branches. Previously, Macsteel processed financial data and tracked orders through an outdated legacy system. It could not provide the insight or information that Macsteel needed to prosper, so last May Macsteel decided that it was time to make some changes.
The Oracle E-Business Suite 12.1 helped the company standardize its IT department and IT systems. During the deployment of the E-Business Suite, Macsteel created software extensions so that it could easily upload other Oracle applications. Macsteel installed Oracle’s inventory optimization, supply chain planning, financial management, and Oracle Transportation Management applications.
Now, with the implementation of Oracle’s E-Business Suite 12.1, Macsteel has a complete view of its sales operations, inventory, pricing, and even insight on upcoming business trends. Macsteel’s financial processes have been improved with the help of the Oracle Landed Cost Management application. Also, Macsteel was able to merge process manufacturing with manufacturing inventory into one application which gives its employees a holistic view of inventory costs. Transportation, management and organization processes were all improved, as well. Macsteel’s competitive edge has been strengthened as well as its return on investment because of Oracle’s E-Business Suite.
Stuart Patsos, the Vice President of IT at Macsteel Service Centers USA, commented on the implementation of Oracle’s E-Business Suite 12.1. He said, “As a leader in the highly dynamic global steel market, our success is contingent on the ability to make educated and fast decisions based on rapidly changing market conditions. Having real-time insight from sales and procurement data enables us to understand and gauge changes in our supply and demand, as well as the trends in the overall marketplace. With the Oracle E-Business Suite, we benefit from a flexible solution that provides the visibility to efficiently optimize our inventory, reduce waste and increase profitability- now and in the future.”
The deployment of Oracle’s E-Business Suite was such a success at Macsteel Holdings, that it plans to implement another Oracle business software solution- the Oracle Business Intelligence Suite Enterprise Edition. Macsteel wants this software to automate its data collection and analysis processes.
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