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Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Astrapak Standardizes Systems With SYSPRO ERP

Astrapak manufactures and supplies a wide range of plastic packaging products grouped into three divisions: Films, Rigids, and Flexibles. They have manufacturing facilities in all the main centers of South Africa and a joint venture operation in Mauritius. The products are supplied to the food, beverage, confectionary, agricultural, consumer, cosmetic, personal care, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, textile and industrial markets.


The Challenges
Astrapak recognized that one system across its enterprise was necessary for future success. Of the 23 business units, three were already running SYSPRO.


The Solution
It was decided to standardize on the SYSPRO solution, and to decentralize IT to the business units based on the highly entrepreneurial nature of each unit. The intention was to follow a single overall strategy, using standard SYSPRO functionality and the concept of strategically sourcing the additional suppliers required. As the various sites were implemented, each business unit acquired the necessary SYSPRO knowledge and took ownership of running the system. With SYSPRO, Astrapak was able to fulfill a critical requirement: for each sales person to act as though he was running his own business. The intention was for the sales person to order the raw material, control it in the warehouse, schedule production and see that the product gets made. The finished goods item was then to be kept in the warehouse and distributed to the customer under the salesman’s control. Finally, the salesman was to be responsible for the debtors’ book of his customers and ensure the money was collected. Using standard SYSPRO functionality and the SYSPRO Report Writer, a small development was undertaken to provide the sales people with the relevant reports.


The Outcome
New barcoding equipment which interfaces directly into SYSPRO has resulted in a more streamlined, robust solution. The three business units which were already running SYSPRO have been upgraded to SYSPRO 6.0 and are able to leverage off the strategic sourcing relationships now in place. Thanks to Astrapak’s single overall strategy, standardization on SYSPRO and the concept of strategic sourcing, the company achieved a successful implementation result unique to each business unit.








Learn more at the SYSPRO Newsroom.






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Also, read our 2017 Mid-Year Supplements
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Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services, 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, August 22, 2018

Ever-Bloom Grows Business With Floral Computer Systems

Ivan Van Wingerden of Ever-Bloom Inc. in Carpinteria, California had this to say about the implementation of Floral Computer Systems' SMARTGrown system, "The SMARTGrow software from Floral Computer Systems has been a game-changer for us at Ever-Bloom. We nervously waved goodbye to our old FAS system and jumped head first into this robust sales and accounting system and haven’t looked back since. The system was nearly turn-key for a lot of the features we needed, and the tricky custom requirements were able to be added in and have worked seamlessly. The best part about the system is its ability to adapt and improve as the industry changes. We’ve added features as customer requirements or operational procedures have changed, which has added a lot of value to the system and kept it up to date and relevant.  We’re very pleased with the SMARTSystem and have enjoyed working with its dedicated team of programmers and problem solvers."


Read more at the Floral Computer Systems Newsroom.


New Software Research Guides Available
Finding that you cannot keep up with all the changes in the latest software?
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Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.

For 2017 Distribution Software Guide: http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2017_Distribution_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadInteractive&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2017DSG 

For 2017 Manufacturing Software Guide: http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2017_Manufacturing_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadInteractive&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2017MFG 

Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services<http://www.software4distributors.com/> and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard<http://www.software4distributors.com/compare/default.aspx>.
 
Also, read our 2017 Mid-Year Supplements. http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2017_Mid_Year_Supplement.pdf

Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services, 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 Advisory Services and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.

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Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Anglo Stainless Enhances Management Information With K8 Manufacturing

Anglo Stainless is a manufacturer of stainless steel fittings. The privately-owned company serves around 400 active customers, predominantly in the chemical, oil, gas, brewing and food sectors. From its base in West Yorkshire, England, Anglo Stainless is a well-established supplier throughout the UK, with export sales planned to grow.


Anglo Stainless realized their computer systems were no longer suitable. Duplicated effort was necessary in many areas and although checks and balances were in place, the risks of error had to be reduced to fulfil the need for accurate real-time information. Steve Brooke, operations director said, “We had to increase productivity, make the business run more efficiently and improve traceability of every product. Without investing in IT, growth and development of our business would be much more difficult to achieve.”


A key requirement for Anglo Stainless was a system that could support the company’s combined distribution and manufacturing activities - including a direct, seamless interface between the two. “Ticking all the important boxes, we chose K8 Manufacturing for its rich functionality for all areas of our business, including inter-company trading as standard.” K8 Manufacturing went live and the benefits of giving the business much greater control, accurate management information and improved decision making tools were soon apparent.


Gains and benefits:
  • Shop Floor Data Capture capability
  • Intercompany trading facilities
  • Improved decision-making tools
  • Exception reporting for cost control
  • Electronic invoice submission
  • Control of customer forward orders
  • Full product/order traceability
  • Consistent sales quotation pricing
  • Time savings allow focus on priority areas


To learn more, visit the Kerridge Commercial Systems 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.

For 2017 Distribution Software Guide: http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2017_Distribution_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadInteractive&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2017DSG 

For 2017 Manufacturing Software Guide: http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2017_Manufacturing_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadInteractive&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2017MFG 

Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services<http://www.software4distributors.com/> and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard<http://www.software4distributors.com/compare/default.aspx>.
 
Also, read our 2017 Mid-Year Supplements. http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2017_Mid_Year_Supplement.pdf

Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services, 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 Advisory Services and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.

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Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Epicor Enables Auto Parts Distributors To Easily Research, Place, and Track Special Orders

Epicor Software recently announced a new feature that enables users of Epicor® Vision® automotive aftermarket distribution software to quickly and easily research, place, and track special orders and drop-ship orders through their suppliers. This new capability—available through integration of the Vision solution with the GCommerce Virtual Inventory Cloud (VIC)—eliminates the need to call a manufacturer for pricing and availability and automates processing of special orders.


The VIC integration enables Vision software users to look up, price, place, and track special orders and drop-ship orders through the Vision solution’s electronic sourcing form. Electronic purchase orders are automatically generated and transmitted to the manufacturer through Epicor Parts Network connectivity, while purchase order numbers, advance shipping notices, and invoices flow back to the user’s Vision software, eliminating time-intensive paperwork.


By dramatically reducing the time and labor commonly associated with special orders, the new Vision software feature can help distributors increase revenue, save time, and provide a better customer experience, according to Jim Scrivner, president of Al’s Automotive Supply, a 14-location distributor serving the St. Louis metropolitan area. “Using the VIC integration on Vision software saves our counterpeople valuable time and helps us make more sales. With this integration, special orders happen seamlessly and get tracked inside Vision software all in one step. We look forward to transitioning to this feature for all major vendors."


Epicor Vision software is a next-generation solution for parts distributors targeting increased operational efficiency, stronger sales and margin growth, and exceptional customer satisfaction and loyalty. The software, which can be deployed either on premises or in the cloud, features world-class customer relationship management (CRM) tools, a centralized database, highly advanced price management and inventory capabilities, accounting, and comprehensive "central services" functionality for businesses that serve both company-owned and independent stores.


To learn more about the Epicor Vision solution, 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.

For 2017 Distribution Software Guide: http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2017_Distribution_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadInteractive&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2017DSG 

For 2017 Manufacturing Software Guide: http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2017_Manufacturing_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadInteractive&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2017MFG 

Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services<http://www.software4distributors.com/> and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard<http://www.software4distributors.com/compare/default.aspx>.
 
Also, read our 2017 Mid-Year Supplements. http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2017_Mid_Year_Supplement.pdf

Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services, 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 Advisory Services and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.

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Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Pequot Tool & Manufacturing Fuels Growth With ECi's M1 ERP

Ask Mark Shervey what he likes about M1 software from ECi Software Solutions and the answer you get is deceptively simple. “Since we moved to M1, we’ve never been down except for planned updates or server maintenance and we’ve never lost data once. And when you need something, they take care of you.”  

When Shervey came on board in 2000, sales at Pequot stood at around $4.5 million. Today, they’re running at $18 million and growing, with a customer base that extends literally from coast to coast. The company operates out of some 83,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space that houses state of the art machining and fabrication equipment. And they recently added another 12,000 sq. ft. to the operation.  

With the exception of some specialized CAD software for programming machines and another program for inspecting parts to eliminate paper on the shop floor, Shervey and his team use M1 to manage just about every aspect of Pequot Tool’s operations—from the initial quote and order through job tracking and scheduling activity on the shop floor to the final invoice. 

Pequot Tool made a commitment to go paperless several years ago and now, thanks to M1, the company is about 90% there, Shervey reports. “We’ve got terminals at every work center and if there’s an issue with a particular part or process, our people can flag it in the system so that it automatically shows up the next time it’s used,” he explains. “Everything is scanned and archived electronically and while we still have a few filing cabinets around the plant, about the only thing our people keep in them any more is their lunch!”

Remarkably, the entire IT department at Pequot Tool consists of one full-time and one part-time employee, supported by an outside consulting company that spends about 30 hours a month on the job, Shervey reports.

“M1 has been a valuable partner for us,” says Shervey. “The software consistently exceeds our expectations and the results speak for themselves. I can’t imagine where we’d be without it and I certainly can’t imagine any reason why we would change.”



Learn more at the ECi 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.

For 2017 Distribution Software Guide: http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2017_Distribution_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadInteractive&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2017DSG 

For 2017 Manufacturing Software Guide: http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2017_Manufacturing_Software_Guide.pdf?utm_source=DownloadInteractive&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=2017MFG 

Visit our website to learn more about the Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services&lt;http://www.software4distributors.com/> and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard&lt;http://www.software4distributors.com/compare/default.aspx>.
 
Also, read our 2017 Mid-Year Supplements. http://www.software4distributors.com/downloads/2017_Mid_Year_Supplement.pdf

Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazine and Brown Smith Wallace Advisory Services, 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 Advisory Services and to use our Software Features Comparison Wizard.

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