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Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Distributor STM Bags Selects NetSuite OneWorld For Business Operations

STM Bags, a global designer and distributor of laptop bags, tablet and phone cases, has announced that NetSuite OneWorld has been implemented to run its entire business operations. NetSuite OneWorld is managing core processes including financial consolidation, customer relationship management (CRM), demand and supply planning, inventory management, order management, document management, warehouse management, invoicing and payroll. NetSuite OneWorld also provides STM Bags with multi-subsidiary, multi-country taxation compliance and multi-currency support (AUD, USD, NZD, SGD, HKD and CNY).

Founded in Sydney in 1999, STM Bags is run as two separate entities for taxation and reporting purposes with one headquartered in California responsible for the U.S., Canada, Central and South America and the other headquartered in Sydney responsible for all other global regions, including its two offices in the U.K. and India. The company also utilizes 10 third-party warehouses, three in Australia, three in Asia, three in the U.S. and one in the U.K., from where it manages its distribution activities.

STM Bags undertook an exhaustive search of solutions to replace their outdated systems but quickly realized that NetSuite OneWorld was the best solution that could accommodate all of its global and cross entity requirements, as well as providing anywhere and anytime access for its employees.

As a result of the implementation, STM Bags has experienced the following benefits:
•Real-time analytics and business intelligence
•Easy global subsidiary management
•Superior order and inventory management
•Sophisticated warehouse management
•Single view of the customer
•Global tax compliance
•Eliminated significant IT cost and complexity

To read more about the STM Bags implementation, as well as additional white papers and case studies, visit the NetSuite Newsroom.

New Software Research Guides Available Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.

Read our 2015 Mid-Year Supplements

Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.

Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.

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Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Jotron AS Selects IFS Applications 9 for Global Operations

Norwegian manufacturing firm Jotron AS has recently announced that it will implement IFS Applications™ 9 to standardize and streamline processes across five regions for over 200 users. IFS™ is a globally recognized leader in developing and delivering enterprise software for enterprise resource planning (ERP), enterprise asset management (EAM) and enterprise service management (ESM).

Jotron AS is Norway’s leading manufacturer of professional communication systems for land, sea and air safety, with offices in Norway, the US, the UK, Singapore and Lithuania, and manufacturing facilities located in Norway and Lithuania. Following a thorough evaluation, the company decided to implement IFS Applications 9 to unify key processes within the company, creating a more effective and transparent supply chain and building a closer connection to the customers. This will be achieved by using the powerful High-tech Manufacturing, Finance and Supply Chain modules within IFS Applications.

Jotron AS will be using several of the new IFS Applications 9 features, including a preconfigured IFS Lobby for manufacturing, IFS Streams for receiving automated updates from the system and Embedded CRM to connect the CRM capabilities seamlessly to the ERP system, improving sales process effectiveness.

To read more, visit the IFS Newsroom.

New Software Research Guides Available Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.

Read our 2015 Mid-Year Supplements

Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.

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Wednesday, December 16, 2015

VAI Named To Software Magazine’s Software 500 List

VAI, an independent mid-market ERP software provider, recently announced its inclusion in Software Magazine’s Software 500 ranking of the world’s largest software and service providers. VAI was recognized for product excellence and customer adoption on the annual list of the top high-growth companies for the third straight year. VAI’s S2K ERP software facilitates customer communication, inventory accuracy, and operational efficiency for mid-market companies. “We are thrilled to once again be recognized by Software Magazine for our continued commitment to advancing the ERP market,” said Bob Vormittag, CEO of VAI. “At VAI, we strive to deliver the best customized analytic, mobile, and cloud capabilities to help our mid-market customers succeed and grow their businesses."

Now in its 33rd year, the Software 500 is a revenue-based ranking of the world’s largest software and services suppliers, targeting medium to large enterprises, their IT professionals, software developers, and business managers involved in software and services purchasing. The ranking is based on total worldwide software and services revenue from the 2014 fiscal year. This includes revenue from software licenses, maintenance and support, training, software-related services, and consulting.

VAI is headquartered in Ronkonkoma, NY with branch offices in Florida, Illinois and California. To read more, and learn about their mid-market ERP solutions, visit the VAI Newsroom.

New Software Research Guides Available Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.

Read our 2015 Mid-Year Supplements

Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.

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Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Clampitt Paper Chooses IBS For Managing Price Complexities, Sales Process and Customer Experiences

Dallas-based Clampitt Paper, a family owned and operated paper merchant since 1941, has selected IBS Business Suite 2015 to take the company to its next level of growth. Clampitt Paper sells directly to large- and small-scale printers, creative designers, end users, and retail customers. With 22 locations, Clampitt Paper converts rolls of paper, weighing several tons, into cut sheets of paper, varying in texture and dimensions, to meet the needs of its customers. The company will leverage IBS Enterprise, an ERP platform, to replace a 15-year-old IT system and improve its operating efficiency.

“We selected IBS for its attractive total cost of ownership and the capabilities of its software platform to help us manage growth,” said Gary Klusman, CFO at Clampitt Paper. IBS Business Suite 2015, a second generation supply chain platform, helps companies manage inventory levels and cost throughout their distribution channels, minimizing operating cash requirements and enhancing customer service for improved revenues.

One of the key attributes of IBS Business Suite 2015 is the configurability of the software to a company’s business processes leading to the ability to automate complex pricing in a myriad of ways to address the immediate business needs. This will be an immediate benefit to Clampitt Paper, as they sell paper in quantities from pallet to carton to individual sheet.

In addition, the use of IBS applications will result lower IT cost through fixed monthly fees, reduced business risk, faster time to value and greater flexibility.

To read more about IBS's ERP and WMS distribution software, and read additional customer testimonials and cases studies, visit the IBS Newsroom.

New Software Research Guides Available Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.

Read our 2015 Mid-Year Supplements

Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.

Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.

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Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Aaron & Company Sees Large Returns On A Small Investment With Phocas

Aaron & Company is a leading plumbing-heating-cooling supply wholesaler in New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania, with six branches throughout the Garden State. Aaron & Company employs over 175 people at its six locations.

Prior to installing Phocas, Aaron & Company did not have a bolt-on software package that would easily work with its existing systems. As a result, it was not always easy to access the right data. After the implementation of Phocas, it became easy to quickly look at data in various ways, whether it was product specific or customer specific.

The Phocas system also allowed for instantaneous answers to ‘what if’ questions such as when drilling down into sales activity and customer activity. For a small investment, Aaron & Company quickly discovered that Phocas really made a difference on ROI and allows everyone involved to make better business decisions. By having the data to recognize what competitive advantages are, Aaron & Company can now be more efficient and better analyze customer promotions with specific products, manufacturers, and product lines.

To learn more about Phocas and read additional customer case studies and white papers, visit the Phocas Newsroom.

New Software Research Guides Available Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.

Read our 2015 Mid-Year Supplements

Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.

Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.

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Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Midwest Wheel Selects Infor To Help Modernize Distribution

Infor, a provider of business applications specialized by industry and built for the cloud, recently announced that Midwest Wheel Companies has selected Infor Distribution SX.e 10.3, to help strengthen daily operations and heighten customer service.  As an industry leader of quality automotive and truck parts, equipment, and service, Midwest Wheel sought to implement an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that could help bolster growth and safeguard business processes.  Midwest Wheel will replace an outdated legacy system with Infor's business platform that is specifically designed to help distributors manage end-to-end operations.

"Infor Distribution SX.e 10.3 represents forward thinking technology with the intuitive user interface and functionality that makes it easy for all of our users to do their daily tasks no matter what department they may be in, while keeping everyone in the organization informed as to what is happening." said Steve McEnany, vice president, Marketing & Technology, Midwest Wheel Companies.

With Infor, the company gains a highly adaptable solution that offers built-in core processes that are based on modern technology standards. Infor Distribution SX.e can help automate and streamline the processes for recording and tracking transactions. The system can provide users with access to straightforward information to help manage or help process an order or request, including detailed summaries of customer sales history and specifications. Features such as these can make it easier to follow processes from beginning to end, adding another level of convenience for users. Infor is able to extend the value it provides by delivering simple, easy-to-use, and beautiful visuals displays. The user experience enables personalization by user and profile, affording a critical level of added value.

Midwest Wheel will also utilize Infor Ming.le™, a comprehensive social collaboration platform, which is integrated with Infor ION, a purpose-built middleware. Each application is designed to help heighten the functionality obtained through the core ERP, while helping to further solidify the day-to-day decision-making processes.

To read more about Infor Distribution SX.e 10.3 as well as additional customer testimonials, visits the Infor NewsRoom.

New Software Research Guides Available Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.

Read our 2015 Mid-Year Supplements

Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.

Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.

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Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Hardwood Manufacturer And Distributor Yoder Lumber Optimizes Inventory With Epicor

Yoder Lumber manufactures and supplies top-quality Appalachian hardwood products. Their two state-of-the-art sawmills in Buckhorn and Charm, Ohio produce green and kiln-dried lumber, S4S and dimension lumber for internal consumption in their millwork and moulding facilities in Buckhorn and Berlin, Ohio, as well for regional distribution and domestic and export wholesale.

Yoder Lumber has used Epicor LumberTrack software since 2000 to keep track of the wide variety of hardwood products they sell, and to manage their inventory control at each location and through each stage of production. In addition, Yoder Lumber experiences better customer service as a result of real-time sales, customer, and inventory information.

Buckhorn location manager Trent Yoder says they’re continuing to find ways to take advantage of the evolving platform and functionality advancements of Epicor LumberTrack software. “We’re implementing Epicor LumberTrack FiberTrack to track log inventory in our log yards at Charm and Buckhorn. And we’re undertaking a Business Process Review in the coming months, which will help identify the most beneficial enhancements for us.” With over 12 MMBF of production, in a wide range of species, grades and dimensions, having detailed inventory and bundle information visible to all Epicor LumberTrack software users makes planning and sales personnel more efficient and effective.

Yoder commends the Epicor team that develops and supports the LumberTrack product and its user base. “The people that support the Epicor LumberTrack software have been great. More than a working relationship, we’ve developed friendships over the years.”

To read more about the Yoder Lumber implementation, and review additional case-studies and client-testimonials, visit the Epicor Newsroom.

New Software Research Guides Available Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.

Read our 2015 Mid-Year Supplements

Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.

Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.

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Wednesday, November 11, 2015

WayPoint Analytics Helps Johnston Paper Increase Operating Profit

In an interview with Tom Lewis, CFO of Johnston Paper, learn how the company used information from WayPoint Analytics to identify the break-even point in their sales process with one of their largest clients, a chain of restaurants in upstate New York.

When the company shared this valuable information with the client, they saw that they would be able to receive a more competitive rate, and increased their order sizes on the most competitive items. The long-term results of using WayPoint Analytics? More operating profit for Johnston Paper, a more competitive rate for the client, and a big edge over Johnston Paper's #1 competitor for the account. A win-win situation!

To watch the full video interview, and learn more about WayPoints Analytics, visit the WayPoint Newsroom.

New Software Research Guides Available Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.

Read our 2015 Mid-Year Supplements

Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.

Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.

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Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Cosmetics Manufacturer Charlotte Tilbury Selects NetSuite OneWorld to Expand Global Presence

High-end cosmetics manufacturer and retailer, Charlotte Tilbury, has recently announced that is has selected NetSuite OneWorld to transform its business operations and expand its global presence.

Charlotte Tilbury plans to implement NetSuite OneWorld for financial consolidation, order management, inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), multi-currency, multi-language, and multi-country tax compliance—all from within one single system. Charlotte Tilbury is also planning to leverage NetSuite’s SuiteCloud development platform for its customization needs and integration with other third-party systems. This modernization gives the brand the scalability, flexibility and agility it needs to achieve business efficiency and support its aggressive expansion plans.

With support for 190 currencies, 19 languages, and automated tax compliance in over 50 countries, NetSuite OneWorld will help the company achieve:
•Real-time global financial consolidation.
•Rapid expansion.
•Flexible and powerful customization and integration capabilities.
•Significant savings in IT costs, over-heads and complexity.
•Real-time analytics and reporting to monitor, report and analyze each animation, event and product launch.

“The speed at which we’re developing is incredible. We needed a business platform that could keep up with and help drive our business. NetSuite OneWorld is that platform,” said James Houston, Operations Director for Charlotte Tilbury.

To read more about the implementation with cosmetics manufacturer and retailer, Charlotte Tilbury, and learn about NetSuite OneWorld, visit the NetSuite Newsroom.

New Software Research Guides Available Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.

Read our 2015 Mid-Year Supplements

Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.

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Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Australasia's TAE Implements IFS Applications 9 To Integrate ERP

IFS, a global enterprise applications company, recently announced that TAE, Australasia's leading provider of turbine engine maintenance, repair and overhaul services, is implementing IFS Applications™ 9 to integrate the TAE group of companies under a single enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution.

TAE had previously purchased IFS Applications as an engineering management solution to comply with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). However, the company had different ERP systems at its Brisbane and Adelaide facilities. Replacing these two systems with IFS Applications will enhance business visibility with real-time reporting to support growth and reduce costs.

“The functionality was key—IFS is in our market and knew what we needed at a maintenance level,” said Andrew Sanderson, CEO of TAE. “We spoke with other users—some of them are our customers—and IFS had the reliability and the credibility we were looking for.”

Complete visibility across its operations will quickly benefit TAE with the IFS Lobby, a configurable and role-based dashboard environment facilitating real-time business reporting. IFS Applications will also lower TAE’s financial reporting costs and reduce the effort and delays involved in manually combining information sources using Excel spreadsheets. IFS Applications will also support TAE’s growth as it looks to develop its business in South East Asia and the U.S. with better customer communication and coordination of activities across different locations.

TAE will initially implement IFS Applications for financials, human resources, maintenance, manufacturing, supply chain, and sales and service. Later, it will deploy IFS project management capabilities within the integrated ERP solution. TAE also plans to use IFS Applications to underpin new mobile apps to streamline customer operations and interactions.

To read more about the TAE implementation, visit the IFS News blog.

New Software Research Guides Available Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.

Read our 2015 Mid-Year Supplements

Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.

Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.

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Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Retail Ready Foods Gains Flexibility with Blue Link

Founded in 1996, Retail Ready Foods Inc. distributes meat products to independent retailers throughout Ontario, consolidating the distribution of products from manufacturers and meat packers throughout North America. Inventory is over 3000 items, including fresh beef, pork, poultry, processed meat and deli products, with approximately 500 items in use at any one time.

RRF had an in-house system that was cumbersome for report generation, inefficient for inventory tracking, and was generally out of date for the company’s growing business needs.

RRF needed a flexible new system to track inventory (including at one 3rd party warehouse), invoicing, and reporting processes. It had to be flexible enough to administer the multiple units of measurement used by RRF, including shipping by the case, and invoicing by weight; promotional pricing; and occasional incentive offers.

The company wanted a system to replace the one it had, to speed-up reporting and inventory management, but also to reduce the risks associated with having an outdated system. The company wanted the flexibility to allow for temporary special pricing to assess sales changes, and volume discounts to increase sales as well as a system that would manage and control inventory, allowing accurate invoicing in one system.

After much consideration, the Blue Link solution was determined as the best fit for the business as it was a system customizable to suit the flexibility and inventory tracking needs. Blue Link worked with Retail Ready Foods Inc. to customize and integrate all their out-dated systems into one efficient application. As RRF went live on their new business management software, Blue Link helped RRF to set up the network, easing implementation.

According to Marc Jones, IT Manager, the implementation was extremely successful in achieving Retail Ready Foods Inc.’s objectives of streamlining time-consuming business processes, providing accurate and timely information to management and staff, and ensuring secure, timely updates and troubleshooting processes for the entire system. “Blue Link is very client-focused, and has always been concerned about our unique needs. Blue Link will seek out viable solutions for any ERP issue or need that arises… and provides timely and effective support by people who know the system inside out.”

To read more about Blue Link solutions, visit their customer case studies.

New Software Research Guides Available Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.

Read our 2015 Mid-Year Supplements

Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.

Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.

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Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Pret A Manger Selects NetSuite For International Financial Management

NetSuite, a provider of cloud-based financials / ERP and omnichannel commerce software suites, recently announced that international food and coffee brand, Pret A Manger has selected NetSuite OneWorld for finance management. Pret A Manger will utilize OneWorld to manage mission-critical business processes across the UK, US, France, Hong Kong and China, including procure-to-pay, credit-to-cash, global financial consolidation, multicurrency management for five different currencies, including the Euro, US dollar, and British pound, and multi-language capabilities for English, French, Cantonese and more.

Founded in 1986, Pret A Manger has 390 shops in five markets, serving over 450,000 customers a day. The company needed a financial management system that could support growth and expansion into new markets.

With support for 190 currencies, 19 languages and automated tax compliance in more than 100 countries, NetSuite OneWorld delivers the following key features and benefits to Pret A Manger including:

•Agility to adapt to market changes.
•Real-time global financial consolidation with NetSuite OneWorld will provide real-time visibility across all of Pret A Manger’s operations with one single unified financial system of record and consolidates financial reporting across the entire enterprise.
•Multi-currency transactions and reporting in 10 currencies including the British pound, the Euro and more.

“As we continue to grow both in the UK and internationally, we need a system that can scale with us while ensuring that we have the currency, language and tax compliance features we need,” said Andy Chalklin, Group Director of IT at Pret A Manger. “NetSuite will give us what we need, without the investment in IT that an on-premise system would require.”

To read more of the Pret A Manger implementation and learn about NetSuite OneWorld, visit the NetSuite Newsroom.

New Software Research Guides Available Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.

Read our 2015 Mid-Year Supplements

Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.

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Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Wholesaler ICCONS Accesses Big Data with Phocas

ICCONS is an Australasian wholesaler providing a range of construction supplies including fastening systems, power tools and accessories.

According to ICCONS Managing Director Phil Rose, ICCONS selected Phocas to give the business a quick and simple way to manage sales and inventory data. “We use Phocas to measure our sales activity, our margin performance and our product group performance. These metrics are what’s really important to us. We want to get our stock moving and Phocas gives us a clear view into our business."

ICCONS National Sales Support Manager, Theo Hatzis, needed to access business data quickly and easily. Using Phocas allows him to get the data he needs efficiently, particularly through mobile. “We brought in Phocas and reporting has been instant. The ability to use Phocas on your mobile phone has been great. It makes things much easier to track.”

Both agree it’s the simplicity of using Phocas that makes it useful to many in the ICCONS organization. This simplicity also extended to the implementation process. Said Rose, “Phocas is low cost, very fast, very effective and has a painless integration. We haven’t had to spend more on capital equipment. Often when you introduce reporting systems, you need additional support and HR to drive it. That’s not the case with Phocas.”

To learn more about Phocas, watch their demo videos by visiting their Customer Case Studies page.

New Software Research Guides Available Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.

Read our 2015 Mid-Year Supplements

Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.

Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.

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Wednesday, September 30, 2015

J.R. Watkins Strengthens Optimization With Infor CloudSuite

Infor, a provider of industry specific business applications built for the cloud, recently announced that J.R. Watkins has successfully implemented Infor CloudSuite™ Food & Beverage to enhance operations. J.R. Watkins is a natural product company that provides home care, personal care and gourmet products and needed to modernize its IT portfolio to optimize customer delivery, while maintaining quality management. By implementing Infor CloudSuite Food & Beverage, the company was able to achieve a noticeable improvement in functionality and performance value. By upgrading from the existing on-premise enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to a cloud-based model, J.R. Watkins was able to enhance daily operation without sacrificing business continuity.

Infor CloudSuite Food & Beverage created a direct path for enhancing the way customers are serviced and as a result, J.R. Watkins was able to deploy one month ahead of schedule, improve process performance, deliver greater functionality and reduce long-term expenses. The company is also lowering capital IT investments by utilizing Infor's strategic relationship with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to achieve a high quality, secure hosting environment that promotes a competitive total cost of ownership. Cloud-based hosting has also been advantageous for J.R.Watkins by allowing them to better allocate IT staff. Infor CloudSuite Food & Beverage allows the company to resolve modification or patch based issues while foregoing server maintenance. As a result, the IT staff is able to refocus attention toward providing customer service and business continuity.  

Said Mike Edgett, industry & solution strategy director, Process Manufacturing at Infor, "Before upgrading to Infor CloudSuite, J.R. Watkins relied upon a heavily patched and modified ERP, which while capable, had become difficult to manage with age. By upgrading to a cloud-based solution, they are better able to improve certain processes while reducing the ongoing costs of an on-premise deployment."

To learn more about Infor CloudSuite and the J.R. Watkins case study, visit the Infor Newsroom.

New Software Research Guides Available Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.

Read our 2015 Mid-Year Supplements

Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.

Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.

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Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Sunroc Building Materials Mines Epicor BisTrack For Profits

Sunroc Building Materials serves contractors, commercial builders, and retail clientele from nine locations in eastern Idaho and Utah. When Jeremy Hafen took the reigns as president and CEO in 2010, his priority was to garner the business intelligence that would allow the company to operate profitably in the new economic reality.

Says Hafen, “We put Epicor BisTrack in place to display our key metrics on dashboards that help us fine-tune operations,” says Hafen. “Having those dashboards has been very valuable.”

“Our margins went up three points within the first month after implementing Epicor BisTrack,” recalls Hafen. “We used Epicor BisTrack to introduce commissions and pricing programs that require complex computation. We never would have been able to do that with our previous system.”

With continued fine tuning, margins have risen almost four points from previous levels. However, equally impressive is the increase in sales revenue and market share. Sales have risen almost 20% over the prior year, and gross margin dollars are up over 30%.

Hafen credits a new commissions program enabled by Epicor BisTrack for helping increase sales and margins: “The sales reps have dashboards that show them up-to-the-minute calculations of committed sales in the month, by product group, and their estimated commission,” says Hafen. “They can see in real time exactly where they need to be to get those next hurdles. It has made a huge difference to the top and bottom lines.”

One of the other benefits of upgrading to Epicor BisTrack was being able to integrate more business software into a single platform. Epicor BisTrack integrated the functionality of 10 separate software packages the company had used previously, including reporting, dispatch, document imaging, CRM, and a customer portal. “We were able to fully eliminate and save licensing fees on some of them by consolidating it all into Epicor BisTrack,” elaborates Hafen.

To learn more about Epicor BisTrack and the Sunroc Building Materials case study, visit the Epicor Newsroom.

Epicor Software Corporation provides business software solutions to the manufacturing, distribution, retail, and service industries. With more than 40 years of experience, Epicor has more than 20,000 customers in over 150 countries.

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Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.

Read our 2015 Mid-Year Supplements

Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.

Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.

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Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Mayflex Makes Connections With IBS

British-based distributor Mayflex is a successful, privately-owned distributor with a respected name and a proven track record in partnering installers and integrators. Mayflex needed to find supply chain software for its complex distribution network and systems. The business had grown at such a rapid rate that it became necessary to consolidate all the old software into one new integrated solution.

The company also found it very difficult to trace financial transactions that originated from sales orders. Other problems included the lack of an integrated warehouse management system with links to radio-frequency bar code readers and the ability to cope with the company’s complex pricing and discount structures. The old software was unable to handle customer queries and supplier claims.

Mayflex evaluated six different software solutions before selecting the integrated supply chain software solution, IBS Enterprise. Since the initial implementation, state-of-the-art automated storage devices have been installed with interfaces to IBS Enterprise, providing a 100 percent automated pick and pack process. Sales orders are picked quickly, correctly and efficiently. Consignment stock warehouses are easier to maintain, and reconciliation of customer returns is streamlined. Credit control information such as customer status, transactions and payment details make the process of resolving customer debt more visible and easier to control. Financial postings derived from transactions within distribution can be traced back through to the original transaction, resulting in ease of reconciliation and/or investigation.

To read more and watch a video interview with Mayflex decision-makers, visit the IBS Case Studies webpage.


New Software Research Guides Available

Can not keep up with all the changes in the latest software? Want to know how the software's features and functions can assist you? Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.

Read our 2015 Mid-Year Supplements

Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group, these 12 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Each Guide details software company information, identifies vertical markets, highlights functions and technology features, new developments to the software package, shows graphs of the user range, basic entry price point, sales channel (how and where the software is sold), along with company contact information. The Supplement Guides provide everything you need to know when beginning your software selection and evaluation process.

Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.

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Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Eleys North America Navigates Manufacturing Complexity With I.B.I.S.

Elesys is a leader in the development and manufacturing of automotive safety electronic controls and committed to delivering the highest quality products while simultaneously improving the company’s performance.

Elesys North America was operating on an outdated version of SAP that exposed them to numerous business risks and limitations. Elesys’ goal in implementing a new solution was not just to replace the old system but to focus on implementing a solution that could help drive significant business improvement, improve user efficiency, increase automation, improve quality, and improve customer responsiveness.

I.B.I.S. and the Microsoft team suggested Dynamics® AX as the clear leader in helping Elesys accomplish their goals with a new system. Elesys was confident that I.B.I.S. is the premier partner for implementing AX in complex manufacturing environments like theirs. “The I.B.I.S. team is made up of manufacturing experts. They really knew our business and helped us achieve our goals with the implementation of Microsoft Dynamics® AX. We have a scalable, supported solution and a true partner in I.B.I.S.,” said Mike Price, Vice President of Administration at Elesys North America

As a result of the implementation the follow benefits were realized:
◾Improved user efficiency.
◾Process Automation.
◾Higher Quality Products.
◾Improved Customer Responsiveness.

To read more about I.B.I.S. and their solution for the manufacturing and distribution sectors, visit the I.B.I.S. Client Success blog.

The Brown Smith Wallace 2015-16 Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides are currently available for download. Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.

Click to download the: 2015 Distribution Software Guide
Click to download the:  2015 Manufacturing Software Guide
 
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Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Singapore-based Budget Airline Fuels Business Growth with NetSuite

NetSuite Inc. a leading provider of cloud-based financials / ERP and omnichannel software suites, recently announced that Scoot, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, has deployed NetSuite as its core financial management platform in a two-tier ERP model aligned with an on-premise SAP ERP application in place at the parent Singapore Airlines.

Since the implementation, NetSuite has supported Scoot in its network growth across Asia and Australia, enabling Scoot to attain cost-efficiencies and speed to market. Business agility through NetSuite has been critical in helping Scoot drive its exponential business growth while expanding its network across 15 destinations in China, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.

NetSuite gives Scoot a versatile platform for efficient end-to-end financial processes, including vendor payments, revenue reporting and fixed asset management with automated depreciation covering its fleet of Boeing Dreamliners worth well over 2 billion Singapore dollars. Multi-currency capabilities in the NetSuite International Edition enable Scoot to book revenue and costs in between 10 to 15 currencies, most often in Chinese Renminbi, Japanese Yen, Australian Dollar, Korean Won and the United States Dollar. Automated vendor payment processes help to save nearly one-third of full-time resources at Scoot's business process outsourcing (BPO) partner, while on-demand reporting capability provides management with an instant access to key business metrics to drive the business.

NetSuite has enabled additional benefits for Scoot, including: personnel savings, ease of use, and extensibility for growth.

To read more, and learn about upcoming webinars and other events, visit the NetSuite Press Room.

The Brown Smith Wallace 2015-16 Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides are currently available for download. Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.

Click to download the: 2015 Distribution Software Guide
Click to download the:  2015 Manufacturing Software Guide
 
To copy and paste into a browser, use the following:
 
2015 Distribution Software Guide: 
 
2015 Manufacturing Software Guide: 
 
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