Made2Manage ERP White Papers

ERP Selection Process Survival Guide

This guide provides an overview of the steps for conducting an effective and successful enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution evaluation. The process can be challenging because of the level of detail that must be addressed, ensuring that key steps are not overlooked. Recognizing exactly what these steps are, preparing for them and following a predetermined evaluation plan can help ensure an efficient and successful selection process. An informed, educated and prepared organization can enjoy the many benefits of an ERP solution faster than one that simply reacts to situations as they arise. Keep in mind that, above all else, knowledge and communication are the key elements to a successful evaluation.

Six Steps To A Successful ERP Implementation

The process of implementing a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution is challenging, sending your organization down a long road of beneficial, although sometimes demanding, change. The good news is, if it is done right, you’ll gain lasting benefits for your company’s operations. The key question then is how do you do it the right way? Because of the sometimes overwhelming volumes of minute detail to be addressed during this process, it is all too easy to lose sight of the larger goals of a successful systems implementation and a positive organizational change. The key to doing it “right” is staying focused on the big picture and staying focused involves following six considerations.

Implementing Kanban Alternatives In Lean Manufacturing

A textbook Lean implementation can be quite daunting—value stream mapping, intense training and implementation, radical changes in processes and company culture. But you don’t have to do all that to take advantage of Lean thinking and gain Lean benefits. All it takes is openness to new ideas, trust in the knowledge and experience of the workers, and a willingness to make changes. You can adopt Lean practices incrementally and continuously in a gradual, extended journey toward improvement. Download this Made2Manage ERP white paper now to learn more!

Aberdeen Report: Benchmarking ERP in Small Manufacturing

For many years small to midsize manufacturers and ERP software providers struggled with the notion that full system implementations included more complexity, not to mention cost, than could be incurred by organizations with limited resources. Fortunately, drastic improvements in price performance, enhancements to underlying technologies and introduction of new forms of delivery have made ERP solutions viable and affordable to manufacturing companies of all sizes. This report focuses on the decision-making process in SMB manufacturing companies to install and/or upgrade ERP software and ways to maximize return on investment in those systems. Download this special report now and start getting the most out of your ERP!

Understanding Service-Oriented Architecture and Its Impact on Small Manufacturers

Service-oriented architecture (SOA) continues to emerge as the dominant technical platform for building next generation business applications. The potential of SOA to transform enterprise software applications has been well documented within leading industry trade publications. This white paper will attempt to cut through the hype surrounding the technology by (1) examining the manufacturing pains that are driving the conversion to service-oriented business applications, (2) breaking down the essence of SOA, (3) focusing on the relevance of SOA as a tool for continuous business process improvement, and (4) comparing and contrasting the Made2Manage SOA product development strategy with that of other ERP vendors.

Process Efficiencies and Cost-Cutting Measures for Industrial and Commercial Machinery Manufacturers

Industrial and commercial machinery manufacturers are turning to enterprise software to remain competitive in the modern marketplace. This white paper addresses some of the key operational challenges facing industrial and commercial machinery manufacturers including monitoring production costs over the life cycle of an individual order, synchronizing product demand with production capabilities and controlling cash flow. In addition, the reader will discover how the Made2Manage Enterprise Business System is well suited to the unique needs of industrial and commercial machinery manufacturers.