tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86984715325529407692012-02-16T09:38:16.362-06:00Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05404771737666659831noreply@blogger.comBlogger671100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-36190855579750699882011-10-04T16:02:00.000-05:002011-10-04T16:02:44.914-05:00

Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazines, and the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group, these 14 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Readers will find detailed software company information, which vertical markets the software packages serve, highlights of functions and technology

Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05404771737666659831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-19002734831497949052011-07-11T16:00:00.005-05:002011-07-11T17:33:46.338-05:00

We have seen in several sources (Modern Materials Handling Blog, Logistics Management, and Manufacturing.net) Venkat Rajaji's (global product manager for Infor) theory of the next big push for technology in the supply chain will probably come about because of government regulation. He is watching the recently passed Food Safety Modernization Act. This bill aims to make food safer by giving the

Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05404771737666659831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-43522937080994481062011-06-27T13:30:00.002-05:002011-06-27T13:46:10.058-05:00

Smart companies build risk management into their day-to-day supply-chain management processes and prepare contingency plans. By Mark Humphlett, director, Enterprise Resource Planning Product Marketing, Infor Triggered by Japan's natural disaster, skyrocketing oil prices, tornadoes, floods and other global upheavals,

Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05404771737666659831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-58518555701830152792011-06-01T14:30:00.002-05:002011-06-01T14:54:24.602-05:00

Good Clouds and Bad CloudsRecent weather events including flooding along the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, tornados from Northern California to Oklahoma, thunderstorms from Illinois to New York, and heat alerts in the Southeast have demonstrated the impact of ‘bad clouds’ on business and data availability.I’ve often heard the phrase “you have to fight fire with fire.” Today many businesses are

Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05404771737666659831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-8887556766753447082011-05-03T14:30:00.005-05:002011-05-03T14:57:39.082-05:00

by Trevor B. CainThe debate over whether the recession has ended may continue, but most industry watchers agree that conditions over the past two years have created a new climate in business – a climate where caution reigns, and increased customer service will be a key differentiator between competitors.I hear almost every day from Activant clients and prospects that they need better tools and

Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05404771737666659831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-89611220604060886952011-04-20T09:00:00.002-05:002011-04-20T11:18:33.705-05:00

PRESS RELEASEJewelry wholesaler J.Goodin joins other companies that switched from NetSuite to Acumatica to gain better performance, eliminate vendor lock-in, and integrate with on-premise systems.BETHESDA, Md., April 20, 2011 – Acumatica, a provider of Cloud ERP software today announced that more mid-sized business customers have upgraded to modern web-based software without losing control of

Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05404771737666659831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-42102620591727847122011-03-08T09:40:00.003-06:002011-03-09T10:16:02.746-06:00

Every week articles from various analysts and other ERP research companies arrive in my email inbox. Some of them are worth reading and some of them are clever marketing gimmicks to get your contact information. These blogs posts will direct you to the ones worth reading.I received "ERP To-Do Checklist: Thing to Ask Before you Write That Big Check to a Vendor" from Inside-ERP. What a great

Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05404771737666659831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-19979952468045511312011-02-23T11:16:00.001-06:002011-02-23T11:16:56.018-06:00

An article published by SandHill, a investment firm specializing in the enterprise software market, analyzes financial results from the last quarter to identify ERP software providers that have increased revenue along with their stock price since the recession has ended.Click here for the article: http://www.sandhill.com/opinion/editorial.php?id=348

Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05404771737666659831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-89221336477912781092011-02-04T13:23:00.005-06:002011-02-04T15:50:00.871-06:00

Tablets have taken the US market by storm. 10 million tablet devices (e-readers like the Kindle and Nook and the Apple iPad and newly announced Google Android platformed called Honeycomb) were sold in 2010 and sales are projected at 24 million units for 2011 and 35 million for 2012.Tablets are already impacting the way we do business. A slide show at IT Business Edge (www.itbusinessedge.com)

Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05404771737666659831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-43136251345737546342011-02-02T15:12:00.002-06:002011-02-02T15:31:30.707-06:00

An article published in CIO magazine cites studies by Gartner and Forrester Research that spending on IT in 2011 will increase over 2010 by roughly 7%. Citing strong financial results reported by Microsoft, Oracle and IBM, the article discusses a growing confidence that the technology sector has recovered for the lows experienced during the recession. On the software application front, spending

Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05404771737666659831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-47568944946186970872010-10-07T14:00:00.001-05:002010-10-07T14:00:01.135-05:00

Developed through a partnership with Industrial Distribution, Industrial Supply, Contractor Supply Magazines and the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group, these 20 page Supplement Guides provide valuable, independently researched information. Readers will find detailed software company information, which vertical markets the software packages serve, highlights of functions and technology features

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-76970718237015272092010-06-16T11:00:00.004-05:002010-06-16T11:00:01.326-05:00

To learn more about PCI Compliance Review:http://www.software4distributors.com/resource/default.aspxTo learn more about IT Security and Privacy:http://www.software4distributors.com/evaluation/registration.aspx PCI Compliance PrimerAs consumers rely more on debit and credit cards as opposed to cash, merchants are facing increased risk exposures if they don’t have proper security measures in place.

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-19310746829106950342010-05-31T16:30:00.010-05:002010-10-08T14:53:46.168-05:00

To request a copy of our Guides, visit:http://www.software4distributors.com/resource/default.aspx To compare software packages side-by-side, visit:http://www.software4distributors.com/evaluation/registration.aspxAre you and your management team getting the information you need to make the right decisions at the right time for the right situation? Is the information you get from your computer

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-29716260305707504572010-04-12T14:00:00.004-05:002010-04-12T14:00:00.600-05:00

Written by Jeff Gusdorf, CPA: Jeff is a Principal in the Brown Smith Wallace’s Consulting Group. He is the managing consultant and is responsible for IT strategic consulting, software research and evaluation. Jeff has more than 20 years’ experience as a financial manager and technology consultant in the manufacturing, distribution and service sectors.I attended a program presented by a local

Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05404771737666659831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-60809447630394904892010-04-01T11:00:00.006-05:002010-04-01T11:00:01.499-05:00

This Whitepaper will be broken into two sections. To read it in its entirety visit our Media Center for the Getting It Right the First Time Is All About People PDF.Recap:Yesterday People Factor One (Who Makes The Selection?) and People Factor Two (Creating "Buy-In" For Change) was presented.People Factor Three: Did you ensure the converted data is accurate and complete?The third area relates to

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-29402740655892346702010-03-31T11:00:00.010-05:002010-03-31T15:06:03.596-05:00

This Whitepaper will be broken into two sections. To read it in its entirety visit our Media Center for the Getting It Right the First Time Is All About People PDF.Intro:There is an old joke that says there are only two steps to software selection. Step one is to select a solution and step two is to throw it out. With forethought and a little effort – you can make a successful software selection,

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-29424374910480335972010-02-22T14:00:00.001-06:002010-02-22T14:00:00.281-06:00

Through attending a webinar hosted by Safari Books Online from author, David Linthicum, titled “Cloud Computing and SOA Convergence in Your Enterprise,” we find that most of the Cloud Computing discussions take on the overtones of the Mac vs PC debate. Those who are in favor of Cloud Computing and Software as a Service view it as the answer to all problems and anyone who disagrees with them is

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-4656317473392618382010-02-12T11:00:00.001-06:002010-02-12T23:26:24.186-06:00

There are many factors that must be taken into consideration when buying new technology. It's important to have a checklist or framework to use in order to be confident that you are making the "best" decision. The SIFT framework can be used for purchasing technology and helping you to organize all of the factors so that alternative choices can be compared. Suitablity, Investment, Functional

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-81207604335587170812010-02-01T15:00:00.007-06:002010-02-01T16:01:04.559-06:00

Documenting your current processes can be a waste of time and money.When we are preparing the project plan for conducting a selection project, one topic that is always discussed is whether the client needs to document the existing processes before starting the selection engagement. We believe that the answer to this question is “NO”. Let me explain why:Our research indicates that clients who

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-62017602437830821172010-01-27T15:30:00.001-06:002010-01-27T15:34:10.963-06:00

CIO Magazine recently published an interesting article about why legacy ERP systems need to be managed differently. Though this article uses examples from very large ($1B+) companies running SAP the author made several observations that are true for the typical wholesale distributor:1. ERP packages that have been heavily customized can't be upgraded.2. Maintenance investments are wasted as you

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-82419885467056007472009-10-30T10:00:00.003-05:002009-10-30T11:22:39.757-05:00

The Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group would like to congratulate our show prize winner for attending the Virtual Tech Fair on October 14 and 15, 2009. Suzanne M Lomas from The R.M. Wright Company Inc. received a Nikon CoolPix S630 Camera, Camera Bag, and 2 year warranty.Suzanne first heard about the Virtual Tech Fair event from an email sent by the Consulting Group and decided to register

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-39823966040633006532009-10-13T14:00:00.002-05:002009-10-13T14:29:13.635-05:00

The Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group will present their fourth virtual trade show on October 14 and 15, 2009. The show will be staffed from 8am to 6pm central time. For more information on the show or to register visit www.virtualtechfair.com.The Virtual Tech Fair® takes the most successful elements of a live trade show and translates them into the virtual world of the Internet - - all at no

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-18593239141848395392009-08-07T16:30:00.007-05:002009-08-11T16:44:09.362-05:00

Everest® Software, the award-winning provider of a fully integrated business operating system for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), today announces their acquisition by Versata Enterprises, a leading provider of enterprise software solutions.Founded in 1994, Everest Software developed the first all-in-one small business management solution for small and mid-sized businesses. Designed

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-56066917009775113032009-07-15T16:00:00.001-05:002009-07-17T18:40:49.634-05:00

Enhanced User Interface Drawing Rave ReviewsActivant Solutions Inc. announces the availability of Activant® Prophet 21® software version 12.0."Before we began writing code for Prophet 21 version 12.0, we did an in-depth analysis of industry trends, including having extensive conversations with our customers, to determine what features to include," said Kevin Roach, executive vice president of

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-26087848233009752892009-07-14T15:00:00.004-05:002009-07-14T18:17:55.729-05:00

This webinar presented by Jeff Greenberg, CEO at Ergility Smart Process Solutions, on July 29, 2009 at 2:00pm EST, will discuss both how a strategy guides operations and how an incomplete strategy misguides operations. It will also cover developing an operational strategy, setting strategic priorities, and embedding strategy into EVERY operation and task. To learn more about this free webinar,

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-89158751771210763822009-05-28T14:00:00.004-05:002009-06-01T14:08:34.887-05:00

A unified business strategy will push results to the bottom line and provide advantage over the competition by strengthening ties to customers and suppliers and promoting efficiency and cost prudency by replacing manual and paper-based processes with digital counterparts.Exact Software's Gary Chervitz was recently featured in Supply & Demand Chain Executive where he discusses four tips to

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-65445419774633990482009-05-21T11:00:00.007-05:002009-05-21T13:11:41.183-05:00

Infor ERP SX.enterprise to Improve Inventory Management and Transparency for Electrical DistributorInfor announced Teche Electric Supply, a Lafayette, La.-based wholesale distributor of electrical appliances and equipment, has selected Infor ERP SX.enterprise, a robust enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution with powerful warehousing capabilities, to manage growth and operations across 17

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-76288100866845529402009-04-25T13:30:00.001-05:002009-04-26T16:50:37.761-05:00

Battered by consistent reports of bad economic news? Winning distributors and manufacturers are seizing opportunity in the downturn by optimizing operating processes and investing in their business as others cut back, expanding while their competitors shrink.In this educational Webcast, sponsored by Microsoft Dynamics and Industrial Distribution Magazine, learn some ways distributors are gaining

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-64033110637943436512009-04-17T16:00:00.004-05:002009-04-21T15:55:30.425-05:00

Activant Summit Attracts More than 1,300 attendees"Shift happens," announced Kevin Roach, executive vice president and general manager of Activant Solutions Inc., at Summit 2009, Activant's annual conference for wholesale distributors.Quoting Alvin Toffler -- "Change is the process by which the future invades our lives." -- Roach told the more than 1,300 professionals assembled in Nashville, TN,

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-887584405715082972009-04-06T16:00:00.000-05:002009-04-06T17:28:17.523-05:00

By Jeremy Nulik, Small Business MonthlyMany people believe that there is no such thing as true altruism. To those folks, this year’s Heroes in Business present quite a quandry. Refusing to buy in to the laws of scarcity, this pack is changing the business profile of our region by selflessly giving their time and talent to other businesses.These unsung heroes create the environment necessary for

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-77919565808558201962009-03-26T10:30:00.002-05:002009-05-04T14:36:33.712-05:00

No signal of a recovery yet:Various forecasts continue to project reduced spending on IT initiatives for 2009. A survey published by Computer Economics (http://www.computereconomics.com/) projects IT operational spending for 2009 to be at 1.5% of revenues which is the lowest level since the 2001 recession. Another survey conducted by SearchCIO (searchcio.techtarget.com) reports that 1/3 of the

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-75739442322294398652009-03-17T13:00:00.010-05:002009-05-04T14:32:02.160-05:00

By Steve EpnerThese are difficult and unprecedented economic times. For the vast majority of businesses, the economic downturn will be painful, but not fatal. Success will depend on being able to respond proactively to the many regulatory and market changes that are coming. It will require the ability to take successful practices from the past and adjust them for new realities. The successful

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-80706585647910496622009-03-04T10:00:00.007-06:002009-05-04T14:30:07.390-05:00

By Steve EpnerIn the current tough economic times, Industrial Distributors must use every advantage to improve operations, reduce costs and ultimately increase returns for stakeholders. Organizations that have access to and are willing to make better use of specific ERP applications can integrate the concepts of metrics and segmentation into the business for outsized results.An important element

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-67882578971503298212009-02-26T12:33:00.000-06:002009-02-26T13:46:42.429-06:00

By Tim ReynoldsPresident, Tribute, Inc. and President, COSE (Council of Smaller Enterprises - Cleveland)Well it’s official. Our economy is in a recession. Of course, economic conditions will affect different businesses in different ways and some of you may be having a great year. But for those of us that have seen our business volume turn down, it’s time for some clear thinking. This will be

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-45664147265727448432009-02-17T15:00:00.001-06:002009-02-17T21:38:37.619-06:00

Food and Beverage manufacturers and distributors face complex challenges that few outside the industry appreciate – inconsistent raw materials, quickly changing demand patterns, and intense regulatory compliance just to name a few. And while you’re meeting all of those challenges, you still have to produce and deliver top-quality products.On March 11, 2009 at 2:00pm EST, Evan Garber and Jeff

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-12279710222277100822009-01-12T15:30:00.003-06:002009-01-12T15:30:00.428-06:00

ERP packages cost a lot of money - not just the initial investment but ongoing expenses for support, maintenance, training, new modules and consulting services. Every executive who is considering buying new software should have a plan for maximizing the value generated by their ERP package. The plan should recognize that the risk of failure exists and create the appropriate safeguards. This

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-44097252515695146062008-12-25T10:00:00.003-06:002008-12-29T16:15:18.359-06:00

It was the night before Christmas, when all through the warehouse,Not a forklift was stirring, not even a mouse;There were no stockings hung, only safety signs that read,Pedestrians beware, or you could end up dead;As I looked around I noticed, the inventory was not nestled where it was supposed to be,The warehouse was out of space and all the world could see;The supervisor in his ‘kerchief, and

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-27295328627328828352008-12-17T12:00:00.006-06:002008-12-29T16:05:02.669-06:00

Activant Solutions Inc. users know the power that Activant's business analysis tool gives them to help make smarter decisions about their operations. Now Activant has introduced its next generation of business analytics -- Activant Business Analyzer -- to give distributors an even greater advantage.The Activant Business Analyzer solution includes features and functionality that provide

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-4127893887752283822008-12-10T16:00:00.000-06:002008-12-29T16:07:14.329-06:00

Activant®, the leading software and services provider for wholesale distributors, announces the addition of functionality to Prophet 21® specific to petroleum distributors. "Petroleum distributors have unique needs due to the variable nature of supply and demand for our products," said Bob Crouch, CFO of PetroLiance, LLC. "Activant’s product development teams have spent the time to understand our

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-37844005883004757512008-11-26T15:00:00.001-06:002008-11-26T17:31:15.760-06:00

The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) is a collaborative effort by manufacturers and retailers to provide a uniform food safety management system that streamlines the certification process for complying with regulatory requirements while reducing the cost of doing so.The effort to create a global system of compliance has been underway in Europe for several years. In the US, Wal-mart announced

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-53520143860409607942008-11-13T14:30:00.005-06:002008-12-29T14:38:50.201-06:00

Activant Solutions Inc. announces the availability of Activant B2B Seller version 5.5, an integrated Web-based storefront solution. "The new version of B2B Seller is remarkably stable and reliable," said Shelby Scanlan, IT manager for Cascade Orthopedic Supply, an early adopter of B2B Seller 5.5. "The feedback we have received from customers is extremely positive."Activant analyzed users’

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-56093564598493767522008-11-03T12:00:00.001-06:002008-12-29T14:25:38.908-06:00

We encourage you to take a look at the link below, to view our Endorsing Association's annual distribution software guide.This guide helps to paint a better picture of the computer systems used in the industry. One of the surprising things found, is that there are still a lot of distributors running their businesses with off-the-shelf programs like QuickBooks and Peachtree. There are a variety

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-57097030045625248182008-10-06T13:30:00.003-05:002008-10-15T14:10:48.612-05:00

To learn more about researching, evaluating, analyzing and comparing software request the 2008 Progressive Distributor Supplement Guide released this month.To order a complimentary copy visit http://www.software4distributors.com/pdsupplementguide/default.aspxA sagging economy has forced distributors to search for ways to streamline their businesses. One way distributors can become more efficient,

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-28247513296563734182008-09-03T15:30:00.003-05:002008-09-08T15:43:47.286-05:00

In the face of global, multi-channel markets and increasingly tough economic conditions, are traditional inventory management and supply chain practices becoming obsolete? In this special Insight Report, Aberdeen identifies the key inventory and supply chain technology initiatives planned by distributors for 2008 and beyond. The report also details the strategic action distribution should take in

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-4294544036288441802008-08-20T13:00:00.000-05:002008-08-20T13:28:06.882-05:00

NetSuite Inc. (NYSE: N), a leading vendor of on-demand, integrated business management software suites for the mid-market enterprise and divisions of large companies, today announced a new vertical suite for manufacturing companies. NetSuite for Manufacturers, which includes new functionality for Assembly, Work Order and Bill of Materials, takes aim at SAP's core market and seeks to exploit the

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-77312350120978653152008-08-13T17:00:00.003-05:002008-08-13T17:17:30.755-05:00

To learn more about researching, evaluating, analyzing and comparing software request the 2008 Industrial Distribution Supplement Guide released this month To order a complimentary copy visit http://www.software4distributors.com/supplementguide/default.aspx. In a recent survey conducted by Industrial Distribution, distributors told us that one of their top concerns was soaring operational

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-42830621261812297652008-08-04T15:30:00.002-05:002008-08-04T15:30:07.655-05:00

It seems clear our economy is slowing down. Although 1st quarter GNP grew at a slow rate, our newspapers are filled with stories on a troubled economy. The sub prime loan “crisis” has shaken the stock market. Oil prices have increased well beyond previous record levels. Food prices, metals prices, and other commodities have also seen dramatic rises. The Fed has acted aggressively to support

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-33859536907352571752008-07-22T11:00:00.002-05:002008-08-04T16:06:14.274-05:00

Despite the struggling economy, distributors continue to invest in software to better position their business for long-term success. "While initially, the thought of investing in a new ERP solution in a down economy may seem daunting, if you think about it, there really is no better time," said Steve McLaughlin, senior vice president and general manager of Activant. "With things slow,

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-18714339975685511432008-05-29T09:00:00.003-05:002008-09-14T20:17:24.532-05:00

The Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group would like to congratulate all of our show prize winners for attending the Distribution Virtual Tech Fair on April 30 and May 1, 2008. Tom Noonan from AP Wagner received an Apple ipod Touch, David Hays from Teche Electric received a Garmin Nuvi 350 GPS and Don Griffith from Denney Electric Supply received a Sony Playstation 3.All three winners first heard

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-70551430787307034432008-04-28T09:00:00.004-05:002008-04-28T12:23:24.186-05:00

It is not very often that a whole organization can take advantage of trade show education. Normally, only the top executives get to go and listen. This time it is different. Every company can attend the education sessions at the Virtual Technology Show (www.virtualtechfair.com) for free, right from your own office. Here is the chance to spread the education around your whole organization. On

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-9139646688335110422008-04-22T09:00:00.001-05:002008-04-25T20:54:41.862-05:00

Does your technology system have trouble keeping up with your business? Knowing where you were yesterday does not help with the speed of business today. You need business intelligence about your operations, suppliers and customers at your finger tips. No matter how many work-arounds you develop or how many repairs to your system you make, your competitors are already passing you by. So in essence

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-46215785866789727272008-03-12T13:30:00.003-05:002008-03-13T10:33:06.815-05:00

Plumbing Wholesalers to Benefit from Access to TechnologyEmbassy Group Ltd., a limited group of premier plumbing, HVAC, and PVF wholesalers, has selected Activant Solutions Inc., a leading enterprise software provider, as a new recommended resource for its members."This partnership is further proof of Activant's commitment to the plumbing, HVAC, and PVF wholesale distribution industry," said

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-9115428181036943232008-02-27T16:00:00.000-06:002008-02-11T16:22:03.606-06:00

Activant Solutions Inc. introduces Automated Backup Solution (ABS) for Activant Prophet 21™. ABS provides real-time, off-site data backup storage in Activant's secure location. "Even more than inventory, the data gathered by a distributor's enterprise software solution is the most valuable asset in their business," stresses Steve McLaughlin, senior vice president and general manager of

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-17050568485726574592008-02-04T11:09:00.000-06:002008-02-04T12:36:54.246-06:00

Good Luck What does it take to be successful in business? One thought that comes to mind is luck. Lots of people scoff at the idea. They are into planning, strategies, and MBA type learning. For some reason, they treat luck like a bad four letter word. All of those things you can learn in school do help. But, never, ever, discount the value of luck. You may not be able to plan for it, or make

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-22655085422158535142008-01-22T15:00:00.000-06:002008-03-13T10:23:09.703-05:00

Scott Pugmire from Sage Software explains what you need to think about when implementing software and gives you questions to ask yourself. The steps in a typical software implementation are to decide on the requirements, pick the best method of software setup and determine the critical path for training. He explains in detail what the consequences are for not analyzing and preparing before you

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-8197450945229776832008-01-10T11:30:00.001-06:002008-03-13T10:18:42.327-05:00

Briarcliff Solutions Group, LLC (BSG) announced that its acquisition of Mincron SBC Corporation was completed on Friday, December 21st, 2007.Based in Houston, Mincron is a premier supplier of distribution and warehouse software solutions for clients such as Groupe Deschenes, HD Supply Waterworks, Beacon Sales Company, Baker Distributing Company, Gemaire Distributors, Ryan Herco Flow Solutions,

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-35298504066762441812007-12-18T13:00:00.000-06:002008-02-04T12:56:39.999-06:00

Is the Supply Chain a viable method for moving products in the twenty first century? It was developed so long ago, I am not sure anyone can pin point the exact beginning. The chain represents a linear process that moves raw materials and resources from extraction through a manufacturing capability through logistics and warehouses to an end user. The traditional supply chain is like an old

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-28500332580715810622007-11-05T12:00:00.000-06:002008-02-04T12:38:07.415-06:00

What is available to promise? Available to promise (ATP) simply means that a product is in stock and can be promised to a buyer. The Available to Promise (ATP) function provides a response to a customer order with a quantity and delivery date commitment. It helps businesses with supply and demand. Available to Promise is important in delivering fast access to vital inventory information,

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-16243002283826991272007-10-08T09:40:00.000-05:002007-10-08T10:02:00.200-05:00

Exact Software, one of the world’s leading providers of business software solutions and Longview Solutions, a leading provider of Corporate Performance Management (CPM) software solutions, jointly announced the signing of an agreement for Exact to acquire Longview on September 17, 2007.This strategic acquisition will strengthen Exact’s business empowerment software portfolio by adding

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-55108088586877628712007-09-24T09:00:00.000-05:002007-08-17T17:22:47.627-05:00

The advantage of Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) is to make complex software systems simpler. Albert Einstein once said, "Things should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler." Unfortunately software systems do not work that way, some are made too simple to carry out the duties they are supposed to perform. While others are made too complex and the costs of building and maintaining

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-14165384975370948152007-09-03T10:00:00.000-05:002007-08-17T16:52:55.974-05:00

Peter De Jager of Technobility explains that regardless of what technology, your role or where you work, you are going to be faced with the same kind of challenges when it comes to change. There are 3 stages you will be faced with. The first is resistance, the second is incompetence or chaos and then finally if you are lucky you will reach status quo. There is a huge misconception with

Sara Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12027724061368137119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-83511436743567949122007-08-10T08:47:00.000-05:002007-08-06T08:48:49.386-05:00

By Steve Epner, Founder Brown Smith Wallace Consulting GroupAn easy way to identify new opportunities for your computer systems is to get your staff people involved. They know a whole lot more than most executives are willing to admit. These people keep the company operating in spite of rules, policies, and procedures that were often designed to cover up or eliminate the possibility that some

Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05404771737666659831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-61460872592736861712007-08-03T08:45:00.000-05:002007-08-06T08:46:43.279-05:00

By Steve Epner – Founder, BSW Consulting, Inc. A key element in the best companies is an attitude that computer system implementations are a continuing process, not a one time project. It is one of the often repeated complaints about IT departments: “they never get anything done!” Well, that is true. Your business never stops changing, evolving, even morphing into something new. If the systems do

Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05404771737666659831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-10030173234459180902007-07-27T08:42:00.000-05:002007-08-06T08:44:03.830-05:00

By Steve Epner – Founder, BSW Consulting, Inc.Top companies use technology to gain a competitive advantage. These companies are willing to treat it as a strategic resource instead of a simple shared process. It is integrated in what they do, not just added on as a necessary evil. Their IT leaders are part of the long range and strategic planning. IT is active in assisting the company to reach its

Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05404771737666659831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-87429125156773279622007-07-20T08:39:00.000-05:002007-08-06T08:43:52.023-05:00

By Steve Epner – Founder, BSW Consulting, Inc.What makes the best companies the best? It is sometimes common sense. It is sometimes a competitive secret. It is always something done well. The next four entries will explore some of the ideas I have seen over the years.The best companies all have a clear vision of who they are and what they are all about. It has nothing to do with technology, but

Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05404771737666659831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-36085395499030020512007-07-13T08:36:00.000-05:002007-08-06T08:44:43.651-05:00

By Steve Epner – Founder, BSW Consulting, Inc.Last time I described collaborative technology. This time, I want to talk about its use in the real world. When collaborative technology is used correctly, everyone wins. A simple example is the elimination of paper invoices. In industries that use Evaluated Receipts Settlement, there are no invoices. The customer pays for product as it is received on

Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05404771737666659831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698471532552940769.post-85815884770578471702007-07-06T11:41:00.000-05:002007-08-06T08:44:28.371-05:00

By Steve Epner – Founder, BSW Consulting, Inc.Collaborative Technology describes how companies in the future will share information without human intervention. Actually, the technology is already in place and fully operational. Accountants, regulators, and even the IRS agree on how they are to be operated, how monies are reported, and how audits or tax documentation are to be completed.Delays in

Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05404771737666659831noreply@blogger.com0