 WebProWorld Marketing Forum |
GM Talks Blogs, Podcasting and RSS
A few hours ago, Shel and I had the pleasure of an 18-minute conversation with Michael Wiley, Director New Media, GM Communications, at General Motors.
Serious Podcasting For Business
It's been interesting reading some of the reactions by business bloggers to General Motors' first experiment with podcasting last week.
All About Podcasting
Podcasting, the practice of making downloadable broadcasts for the iPod (or other mp3 players), is growing in popularity.
|
 |
| Recent Articles |
Microsoft Business Solutions
Microsoft Business Solutions has good combination of ERP, CRM, Retail Management applications to cover all the needs for small, mid-size and even large company.
Microsoft Great Plains Integration Manager – Working with Text File
Microsoft Business Solutions main middle market ERP application - Microsoft Great Plains has multiple integration options: MS SQL Scripting (stored procedures and views), ADO.Net programming
Small and Mid-Sized Manufacturers' ERP Opinions
Most small and mid-sized manufacturers view potential cost-savings as the top reason to implement an enterprise resource planning (ERP) application, along with industry and regulatory compliance and customer service.
AmericanERP's AFP Enterprise 2005
Larger retail chains have begun auditing their vendors to ensure they have in place HACCP and the corresponding "prerequisite" programs, including an effective recall program, or one up/one down product traceability, hence eliminating most small- to mid-size food processors from the marketplace.
|
| 03.02.05
Inventory Management: Move It Or Lose It!
 By Chris Hayden
When it comes to inventory management, you are either effectively moving your products or you're losing money. It's that simple!
Ask yourself these questions:
How are you determining which products to stock and at which location?
Are you keeping accurate track of on-hand inventory quantities?
Do you have accurate and effective inventory forecasting processes?
Are you organizing your warehouse by product line or by product demand?
Is your technology managing this process effectively or are you just managing to get by?
 The successful management of your inventory is often times a challenge. But, as your inventory is most likely the largest monetary investment a company will make, it is important to keep your products moving in as efficient a manner as possible.
Getting a firm grasp of your inventory and managing your investment requires you to put your virtual arms around it. Using an ERP system that has the tools you need to manage your inventory will provide a solid return on your investment.
There are a few must-have functions you should look for within any ERP system you consider to manage your inventory investment:
Bin Locations
This provides the ability to place your inventory in specific locations in the warehouse for use in picking routines, restocking and inventory counting.
Replenishment Control
Your buying strategy must insure enough of an item is on hand, but without being overstocked. A replenishment control system will provide you the ability to calculate the optimum quantity to have on hand, including safety stock, on an item by item basis. It will then provide you information on when to order and from whom.
Cycle Inventory
Counting Physical inventories often result in ever able-bodied employee, including the receptionist, to show up bleary-eyed early in the morning and count every piece of inventory in the warehouse. The result is not an extremely accurate, or time efficient, valuation of what's on hand. Cycle inventory counting provides the ability to count parts of the inventory every day, with the fastest moving items being counted more frequently that those items that haven't sold since 1985.
| Web Customer Support - Complete solution automates email, FAQs, ticket tracking, more -->try it now |
|
Reporting
It's in the system somewhere; you should be able to get it out. You need flexibility to slice and dice your inventory and selling patterns so you can make intelligent business decisions. Sometimes you need it graphically, sometimes in test. It might be easiest if it was automatically emailed to you, or available online. You should look for an ERP system that provides a variety of reporting opportunities as well as a database that doesn't restrict you to a proprietary report writer.
Depending on a company's needs and complexity, there are many other elements of an ERP system to consider. The bottom line is to find a system that provides you the ability to satisfy your customers while managing your inventory sensibly.
For more information on ERP Systems or any of the other services offered by ICS Advantage email info@icsadvantage.com or visit www.icsadvantage.com/GreatPlains.asp or www.icsadvantage.com/navision.asp
About the Author:
Chris Hayden is a Microsoft Great Plains implementation specialist for ICS Advantage, LLC. He started his career in accounting and had over 15 years of accounting experience for various companies before becoming a Great Plains specialist for ICS. Chris is also certified in FRx Forecaster and is a 3-time member of the Microsoft Business Solutions 100% club.
|
