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Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Point 6 Runs Mission-Critical Business Processes with NetSuite Cloud

NetSuite, a provider of cloud-based financials, ERP, and omnichannel commerce software suites, recently announced that Point6, a manufacturer, distributor and retailer of performance-oriented socks for hiking, running, cycling, skiing and other outdoor activities, has successfully deployed NetSuite for supporting its fast-growing business.

The Colorado based company is utilizing NetSuite cloud to run its core business operations including financials, inventory management, order management, fulfillment and warehouse management. This result of this implementation is that Point6 has streamlined the order to cash business process, improving visibility and control over its fast-growing business, with products distributed across hundreds of retail locations in the U.S. and 17 countries worldwide.

Prior to implementing NetSuite cloud, Point6 was struggling with:
•Problems accessing and interpreting key business data.
•The rising costs for licensing and third-party IT consultants.
•Delays in financial and operational processes that hindered Point6's ability to react quickly to challenges and opportunities while impacting productivity.
•No real-time visibility into key business performance indicators.

With NetSuite in place, Point6 is realizing the following benefits:
•Accelerated monthly financial close time.
•Real-time analytics that has given Point6 new insights into financials.
•Configurations and customizations that carry forward automatically with no need for hardware.
•More efficient channel distribution.
•Better inventory and fulfillment.
•Improved capabilities with material sourcing and contract manufacturing.
•New CRM and marketing capabilities.

To read more about the Point 6 implementation of NetSuite cloud, visit the NetSuite Newsroom.

The Brown Smith Wallace 2014-15 Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides are currently available for download. Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.


 
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Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Fence and Deck Connection Implements Mincron’s SmartDistributor ERP For Fabrication Business Management

Mincron Software Systems, a full-service provider of ERP software systems for wholesale distribution, recently announced the successful implementation by Fence and Deck Connection, a Maryland-based distribution businesses for fencing, decking, railing and fabrication, of Mincron’s SmartDistributor ERP System and Mincron’s FabSmart™ Complementary Application for Light Manufacturing Services.

Fence and Deck selected SmartDistributor for its multi-company processing and accounting capabilities and is also leveraging SmartDistributor enhancements for time-saving automation for enhanced consolidated project invoicing. Taking advantage of Mincron’s suite of Complementary Applications, Fence and Deck also implemented Mincron’s FabSmart for Light Manufacturing Services. FabSmart streamlines Fence and Deck’s in-house fabrication process with features for tracking raw materials and reporting the cost of finished goods.

“With Mincron’s ERP solutions, we’re automating our multi-company functions for transfers, invoicing and reporting to streamline our business management and operations,” said James Rubush, Co-Owner and President, Fence and Deck Connection. “These new capabilities are crucial to our plans for growth and expansion, and with the system’s integrated tracking and reporting tools, we’re able to maximize our margins while we offer great service and the best pricing to our customers.”

SmartDistributor is Mincron’s core solution for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) with tools for distribution business management, monitoring, and analysis. SmartDistributor offers a flexible Windows-based Graphical User Interface (GUI) with dynamic point-and-click navigation. A workbench-like design gives users a one-screen view of customer details, product information, inventory status, orders, contracts and bids.

To read more about the Fence and Deck implementation and Mincron's ERP solutions, visit the News Center.

The Brown Smith Wallace 2014-15 Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides are currently available for download. Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.



 
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Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Encompass Group Experiences Fast ROI With Demand Solutions

Encompass Group, a manufacturer of reusable textiles, professional apparel, therapeutic support surfaces and disposable medical products, needed a planning tool and selected Demand Solutions forecast management software.

In less than 30 days from the start of the implementation, Encompass Group began to experience the following:
  • Inventory reduction by 10%
  • Increase in inventory turns by 20%
  • Boost in global fill rates by 5%
  • Return on investment achieved within five months
Said Barry Hiett, Sr. Director of Inventory Planning, “We could no longer plan with an unsophisticated system as its lack of accuracy was beginning to cost us. We invested in Demand Solutions because of its trusted reputation of increasing forecast accuracy and profits.”

Demand Solutions has a single focus: to help businesses produce goods more efficiently and move beyond the traditional supply chain. They allow companies of all sizes - large and small - to build online social environments where expertise and information can be shared to keep inventory moving forward. Utilizing a "social supply chain" helps lower costs, enhance productivity and stimulate cash flow. As a result, a business can react more quickly to market changes from a position of strength.

To learn more about Demand Solutions supply chain software, and read additional implementation case studies within the distribution and manufacturing industry, visit the Demand Solutions newsroom.

The Brown Smith Wallace 2014-15 Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides are currently available for download. Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.

 
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Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Absolute Value Yields Tremendous Results For Phoenix Mecano

Phoenix Mecano Inc. operates three distinct distribution divisions and associated profit centers in the United States.

Rose+Bopla Enclosures manufactures an extensive line of off-the-shelf enclosures, machine control enclosures, and suspension arm systems. RK Rose+Krieger provides frameworks, linear products, and clamps for another group of customers that use those components to assemble their final products. PMI Dewert, the third division, manufactures a full range of single and dual linear actuators, handsets and control systems used in motion furniture(beds, tables, chairs), medical, long-term care, physical therapy, and industrial applications.

Each division has its own unique customers with different business and software needs. Because of long lead times when purchasing from sister companies overseas, customers were often left dissatisfied due to insufficient resource planning.

When the collaborative team at Phoenix Mecano determined the current limitations were hindering growth, they identified core problem areas and chose to address them with a software solution from Absolute Value. Like most companies, PM USA saw a decline in their sales during the 2009 global economic downturn, but by using Absolute Value to stock more appropriate inventory, the team was able to take their inventory value down by 35%. Within a few months of the implementation the team was able to realize the additional following benefits:

• Reducing stock inventory part numbers from 4,000 to 2,900 items, while increasing customer satisfaction.
• Eliminating costly off-site storage space, while opening up 30% of their existing warehouse space to be able to re-engineer the formerly congested traffic flow in the warehouse.
• Reducing warehouse staff by 55%.
• Significantly reducing air freight bills, previously caused by not being able to accurately predict key component needs on a timely basis.

Absolute Value has roots in the Distribution Software Industry that are extensive, with specific strength in Forecasting and Replenishment. To read more about the implementation, and learn more about their products, visit the Absolute Value Case Studies section of their website.

The Brown Smith Wallace 2014-15 Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides are currently available for download. Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.
 
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Saturday, August 23, 2014

2014 Top 100 Logistics IT Providers

Inbound Logistics’ annual logistics IT research survey uncovers the latest trends powering the supply chain, and reveals the Top 100 sector leaders.  Read more here: http://www.inboundlogistics.com/digital/lit_top100_2014.pdf

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Save Money, Improve Service with I.B.I.S. Transportation Management Systems (TMS)

Transportation Management Systems (TMS) are becoming a necessity as companies of all sizes face increasing demand for faster delivery, unpredictable costs, and complex options available from transportation providers.

These day, smaller shippers are able to take advantage of the convenience and efficiency of electronic bidding and tendering and participate in TMS-based transportation management endeavors right along with their larger competitors thanks to TMS packaged software especially designed and priced for the mid-sized market.

Cloud-based TMS can be coupled with optional services that can supplement a company’s own shipping department, adding ‘big company’ capabilities on a as needed basis without having to hire and maintain full-time staff.

Companies that use TMS typically experience the following:
• Reduction in overall transportation costs
• Faster selection, tendering, and delivery
• Increase in operations effectiveness – doing more with less time
• Enhanced transportation options, resulting in better service
• Reduction in unexpected costs and billing disputes
• Improved customer service and delivery performance

To learn more about the features found in TMS solutions, and how I.B.I.S. can positively impact your business, visit the I.B.I.S., Inc. News Blog

The Brown Smith Wallace 2014-15 Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides are currently available for download. Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.
 
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Tuesday, August 12, 2014

CMP Cuts Costs and Powers Growth With NetSuite

Based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, CMP Corporation is the world's largest independent manufacturer of aftermarket compressor parts for refrigeration and HVAC units.

Implementing NetSuite was a core component of CMP's lean manufacturing initiative, aimed at eliminating waste. Since the initiative began in 2009, CMP has netted a 26% increase in revenue while growing the business across 95 countries. NetSuite was selected as the Cloud ERP solution of choice for several reasons:

1) NetSuite aligns with CMP's Kanban system for inventory optimization, which resulted in a 90% reduction in back orders, worth over $300,000.

2) NetSuite's flexibility allowed CMP to work with partners, Centricity Systems and Intente, to create a unique "Compressor Configurator" which enabled customers to complete entire orders online with automated order processing.

3) NetSuite's cloud infrastructure enabled CMP to reduce its server count from 10 to two while trimming staff and eliminating reliance on third-party IT consultants.

4) The NetSuite Cloud environment eliminated risk of data loss from severe weather or other on-site disasters.

5) NetSuite's inventory management offered the best control over more than 3,000 part types and CMP's 160,000-square-foot manufacturing facility.

One example of near immediate improvement NetSuite provided was that CMP was able to slash its crankshaft production lead time from 85 to 10 days while reducing costs 25%. In addition, NetSuite's Manufacturing Edition enabled CMP to both streamline production and enhance the company's capabilities to efficiently produce work orders, bills of material, assembly management and requirements planning.

To read more about the CMP Corp. implementation, visit the NetSuite Customer Newsroom.

The Brown Smith Wallace 2014-15 Distribution and Manufacturing Software Guides are currently available for download. Please contact snelson@bswllc.com for more information about these latest editions.
 
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2014 Manufacturing Software Guide: 
 
 
 
 
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