tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50807123851321999962023-11-16T03:29:12.014-08:00Formula Manufacturing BlogBlog dedicated to discuss matters important to process manufacturers. These companies include paint, chemcial, food, beverage, flavorings, inks, brewery, dairy, bakery and any other company that uses a formula or recipe in the manufacturing process.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08147862378995714635noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080712385132199996.post-56578786005624514402016-03-01T10:30:00.001-08:002016-03-01T10:41:01.309-08:00When should you go to the cloud? Vicinity Manufacturing's story. <div>
There are a a number of arguments to be made about transitioning to "the cloud." I wanted to share our story on how we went to the cloud to help give some perspective on what the cloud is an why it is an option to consider.</div>
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I was trying to remember when we went to the cloud. Was it when we moved GP into the cloud in 2014 or when we changed our phones from an on premise PBX to the cloud in 2013? Maybe it was when we moved our <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/crm.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Microsoft Dynamics CRM</a> from our server in the office to the Microsoft Cloud in 2012 and got rid of our Exchange Server for Office 365 around the same time? No, I would argue it was at inception when we put our web site in the cloud in 2001 and have been refining it ever since.</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>You see going to the cloud is not a moment in time. It happens when it makes sense as a solution.</i></b></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMP0lNperezRZA_y-haWRKaFC998eBrMglgHi2KgasNYuxm4YeN9umoTrcHuIXgpUW_X32p0SNtr28B7GvJK6vz634WrGs93L59oifzw4GGh7g-ohsqG0KyFsZiis4pBOybPvIgp7p5GcL/s1600/picjumbo.com_HNCK1959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMP0lNperezRZA_y-haWRKaFC998eBrMglgHi2KgasNYuxm4YeN9umoTrcHuIXgpUW_X32p0SNtr28B7GvJK6vz634WrGs93L59oifzw4GGh7g-ohsqG0KyFsZiis4pBOybPvIgp7p5GcL/s320/picjumbo.com_HNCK1959.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For us I never even thought to host our web site in our offices. I could have. It just did not make sense. We rely on <a href="http://www.godaddy.com/%E2%80%8E" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GoDaddy </a>for our hosting and have been satisfied. It is has gone through many server upgrades as well as redesigns. Some of that we were involved with and some of it we were not. In the end it has grown and changed with us over the years.</div>
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I remember a time where our users were having trouble getting their email from our in-house Exchange Server. If I re-booted the server they were fine. But 24 hours or so later they would be kicked off. Instead of sitting down and figuring out the problem I would set an alarm every morning and reboot the server remotely. Sounds crazy today but that is what I did for a few months. Eventually I decided to end the non-sense and looked into <a href="https://outlook.office365.com/owa/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Office 365</a>. We transitioned all our email over the weekend and our email issues were solved. A month later I destroyed the Exchange Server and sent it for recycling.</div>
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Similarly an upgrade of our on premise CRM required that we change our CRM server hardware. Faced with a $5,000 or more expense I took the opportunity to move it to the Microsoft Cloud. We were able to upgrade immediately and have never looked back. A side benefit is that we are now able add bolt on solutions for CRM in a snap. We don’t have to worry about being on the most recent version or if our hardware can support it.</div>
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We went through a CRM upgrade a couple months ago and have another one scheduled for a couple months from now. Our users will not know that it happens and all we had to do was approve the upgrade. That cannot be more simplistic.</div>
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One day our phones went down. We rebooted the PBX and things were fine for a while. They went down again. We have a service person come out and look at the box. The PBX had not been touched in a few years and it was old and out of date. The technician was not able to resolve the issue beyond what we already did. Frustrated I contacted the developers of our existing PBX. They had a cloud offering. In about an hour we had all users back up using phones and our clients never missed a beat. Today our PBX is in the cloud and I cannot tell you the last time I accessed it – nor cared about it.</div>
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Finally, when we decided to move <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/erp-gp-overview.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dynamics GP</a> to the cloud it allowed for a great test environment. We setup GP on the new version we desired. We used that process to test the migration and allow users to play with the integration. I happened so fast that we decided to just stay on the cloud as our live environment and never looked back. The original plan was to perform the migration again when we were ready. But we were ready immediately – so we just stayed in the cloud.</div>
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So for us going to the cloud happened when events made the decision really easy. The transition is still ongoing. But to this day we do not own a server. </div>
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<i>We work with interconnected hosted solutions and we spend more of our time helping clients, solving problems and making the best software we can. We do not spend time configuring, upgrading and disposing of servers.</i></h4>
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For us it has been great. I hope this help and we look forward to seeing you in the cloud.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08147862378995714635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080712385132199996.post-36116659111255067512016-02-03T10:16:00.000-08:002016-02-03T13:02:01.236-08:00To Yield or not to Yield?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIfN6zJ1WWriB4mnLQ1-FIVnzuhwoNwAlQgHj76WVfA5RUVZowtK17Q0HQ542eAyM5so14R7qwkAZw1ZdE_X5KH4NBtEtpIo7O7ujI_CDPb3pMKkPh95zM6ID4L43PL1U73B_fOzqDiav/s1600/9PYY07X93T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIfN6zJ1WWriB4mnLQ1-FIVnzuhwoNwAlQgHj76WVfA5RUVZowtK17Q0HQ542eAyM5so14R7qwkAZw1ZdE_X5KH4NBtEtpIo7O7ujI_CDPb3pMKkPh95zM6ID4L43PL1U73B_fOzqDiav/s320/9PYY07X93T.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Formula manufacturers need to keep a keen eye on the yields they experience by formula. It is easy to be lulled into sleep by average yields and not realize a potential for significant profits or significant losses.<br />
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If a company typically experiences a high yield when measuring raw material input vs finished goods output it is hard to see that certain products may be achieving far less than standard. These differences can be masked by total production averages - total usage vs total production. <br />
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Identifying yields by formula over time provides the following benefits:<br />
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/r_and_d.php" target="_blank">Efficient use of R&D</a></strong> - allows a an R&D department to focus on those few formulas that experience an lower than normal yield on a regular basis</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/finance.php" target="_blank">Reduce Inventory</a></strong> - permits the reduction in finished goods inventory by reducing the likelihood of finished good shortages because the scheduler is not being caught off guard by not achieving expected results - many companies hold excess finished goods inventory to buffer from these variations</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/finance.php" target="_blank">Improve Costing Accuracy</a></strong> - provides accurate costing data to calculate finished goods selling prices - if a formula yield drops from 90% to 80% that has the effect of reducing the selling price up to 10%</li>
</ul>
The address this issue a formula manufacturer should routinely compare actual production yield (raw material input vs finished goods produced) at a batch level. If the company is running a manual batch management system this can be done on a sample basis. <br />
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Newer manufacturing systems can notify specified users when any formula experiences a lower than anticipated yield. This allows immediate action to be taken if necessary.<br />
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In summary, potential profits are easily masked by neglecting to observe yields at a formula level. By relying on total production yield calculations the details are lost in the averages.<br />
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Take a look today at some of your highest moving formulas. Is the yield what you expect? Could the yield be better? The time spent may have a dramatic impact on your bottom line.<br />
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<em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333f4d; font-family: 'PT Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;">Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in November 2011 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.</em>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08147862378995714635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080712385132199996.post-27637535478085640902015-07-24T08:06:00.000-07:002015-07-24T08:06:20.820-07:00Understanding the Importance of Lot Traceability in the Food and Beverage Industry <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRL7IO21SBk36o0Y3am0yhxNgd20O7XWF1ZGbq_0GK7N9pdS2Nr_5ttmJ0KL2WFhsK-8IACsjc3WTD5lB7cFvOXfNP0gkxD8AGokHoDH50r-SNhvpySQ6rJdJ5EEB7EFtgD3KYeL71f4f/s1600/sh_173282483_plant.tif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRL7IO21SBk36o0Y3am0yhxNgd20O7XWF1ZGbq_0GK7N9pdS2Nr_5ttmJ0KL2WFhsK-8IACsjc3WTD5lB7cFvOXfNP0gkxD8AGokHoDH50r-SNhvpySQ6rJdJ5EEB7EFtgD3KYeL71f4f/s200/sh_173282483_plant.tif" width="200" /></a></div>
Food and beverage manufacturers rely on consumers’ faith that the food they eat is safe. Most manufacturers consider living up to that expectation a solemn duty, and they take every possible step to ensure that, in addition to being nutritious and delicious, their products are worthy of that trust and that their manufacturing methods <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/compliance.php" target="_blank">comply with federal laws</a> such as the FDA <a href="http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/default.htm" target="_blank">Food Safety Modernization Act</a>. Lot traceability in your <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">ERP system</a> is one of the most effective ways of meeting those expectations.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ensure Quality and Safety</span></b><br />
Consumers are increasingly interested in knowing the <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/compliance.php" target="_blank">origins of the ingredients</a> in their food, as shown by the rise in popularity of limited ingredient goods and the “Farm to Table” movement. At the same time, global supply chains have introduced new sources that may not have the same dedication to quality standards. Using <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/compliance.php" target="_blank">lot traceability,</a> manufacturers can know exactly where every lot of every ingredient came from, and easily verify that it met quality specifications. The increased visibility into sources helps both manufacturers and consumers feel confident that the food they eat was manufactured with care.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Optimize Inventory Usage</span></b><br />
Many ingredients are natural foods, so flavor, freshness and potency may vary. Using lot tracking, manufacturers can ensure that they use older <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/production_planning.php" target="_blank">inventory</a> first to prevent spoilage. Lot tracking also helps with balancing the characteristics of ingredients used in each batch to ensure that product flavor and texture are consistent from batch to batch to help ensure customer expectations are always met.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Prevent Counterfeiting</span></b><br />
Another side effect of more complex supply chains is that there are more opportunities for counterfeit goods to mingle with authentic supplies. Using lot tracking and tracing, manufacturers can help ensure that all goods reaching the consumer are authentic. When counterfeits do make their way to store shelves, tracking and tracing can pinpoint the location where the counterfeits entered the supply chain, enabling the manufacturer to take steps to prevent future issues.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Validate Deals, Deductions and Rebates</span></b><br />
Retail and distribution supply chains rely heavily on rebates, deals and deductions to promote sales and consumption. The complex nature of these promotions makes it hard to know whether deductions are derived from legitimately qualified sales. Using lot traceability helps to validate that the business claiming the rebate actually purchased qualifying goods.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Manage Cost of a Recall</span></b><br />
Despite their best intentions, manufacturers must occasionally <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/customer_service.php" target="_blank">recall</a> their products, often because of problems with a specific ingredient or an issue that occurred in the manufacturing process during a specific time. Knowing the affected lots and tracking them to the retail or distribution centers can help to limit the scope—and the cost—of any required recalls. Since recalls have cost up to $600 million, according to <a href="http://v1.aberdeen.com/launch/report/research_report/10422-RR-ERP-process-discrete.asp" target="_blank">Aberdeen Research,</a> it’s in a company’s best interest to use every tool to limit the scope of a recall. Lot tracking and tracing is the most effective tool available for managing recalls.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Prevent Damage to Your Brand</span></b><br />
Adulteration, recalls, counterfeit goods can all erode the trust that consumers place in your brand. An <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">ERP system</a> that includes effective lot tracking and tracing capabilities can help prevent damage to the brand by ensuring the quality and purity of all the ingredients you use and everything you produce. When the unthinkable happens, you will look more in control if you can immediately identify the lots that must be recalled. Track and trace are essential functions for every food and beverage manufacturer.<br />
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Source: http://v1.aberdeen.com/launch/report/research_report/10422-RR-ERP-process-discrete.aspAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08147862378995714635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080712385132199996.post-15931484521820745802015-07-20T13:12:00.000-07:002015-07-20T13:12:01.714-07:00How an ERP Implementation Can Go Off The Rails There is very little that has a greater effect on a company’s success than it’s ERP system, which functions as both the memory and conscience of the business and forms the backbone of every business process. Yet many companies fall prey to the same common implementation errors, which may cause the project to fail or be less effective than it could have been, Here’s a look at those common traps and tips on how to avoid them.<br />
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No Full Time Project Leader</h2>
An ERP system has tendrils in every part of the business, and it is a complex project involving multiple people from every department and many decisions that affect them all. Most companies wouldn’t plan to build a new brewery without a project plan and a strong project leader, yet companies neglect to develop a plan and to appoint a full time project leader with the authority to arbitrate decisions. The project is too complex and too time consuming to be done as an additional task along with an already full plate. It can’t be done effectively by an external consultant or a person with no organizational clout. Without a full time in house project leader reporting directly to the project steering committee, the project will not do as well as it should.<br />
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<b>Selecting the Wrong Software</b></h2>
There are hundreds of ERP software applications. Some are broad in scope, designed to fit many industries; others are unfocused and don’t fit any industry well. The best solution, especially for small or mid-sized companies in less than mainstream industries—craft breweries, for example—are <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">ERP systems designed specifically for that industry</a>. By selecting a solution designed for your industry, you can be assured that the business processes reflect industry best practices and you will minimize the number of customizations and workarounds you need.<br />
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<b>Lack of Goals</b></h2>
If you don’t know why you are implementing a new ERP system, you will never know if you have been successful. Take the time to define your goals and express them in measurable ways. “Reducing order cycle time to less than 1 day” is a better goal than “entering orders faster.”<br />
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<b>Scope Creep</b></h2>
Without goals and a strong project lead, many companies drift through the implementation process and add new processes, customizations or departments to every phase of the project. Resist the temptation by sticking to your goals.<br />
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<b>Lack of Training</b></h2>
Companies have limited resources, and training often seems like an easy place to cut costs. Training a few people who are then tasked with training everybody else seems like a good idea until you realize that most people only retain about 25 percent of what they’ve learned after a few weeks. Your team will not know what your new ERP system is capable of, and you will not achieve the ROI you expected because of it.<br />
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<b>Treating ERP Like an IT Project</b></h2>
ERP supports your business. It may run on computers, but that doesn’t mean it’s an IT project. You need to make the line of business people responsible for its success, or it won’t succeed.<br />
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<b>Management Commitment</b></h2>
If many of these points of failure sound like they stem from lack of management commitment, you get the point. Without management commitment, the project is doomed. Make it the top priority for people charged with the implementation, and take the time to get involved. With management commitment, an ERP implementation has a good shot at success. Without it, ERP is doomed to failure.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08147862378995714635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080712385132199996.post-8156109675421123732015-04-30T08:56:00.000-07:002015-04-30T08:56:43.576-07:005 Must-Have tools for first-class R&D<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnmkiTnk8dinxXoWL5JG_d2Dx6Y8x73bjlX-odcdto7t_WkeDCJaCblcyE4rhRn_EusHnX3gwhtMJaZja-Ud2BVxnOkIpus7lR1VaRvukCkcwHYmlJQV3UyF1_T5GSYNS4bXloan9L-bA/s1600/Laboratory1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnmkiTnk8dinxXoWL5JG_d2Dx6Y8x73bjlX-odcdto7t_WkeDCJaCblcyE4rhRn_EusHnX3gwhtMJaZja-Ud2BVxnOkIpus7lR1VaRvukCkcwHYmlJQV3UyF1_T5GSYNS4bXloan9L-bA/s1600/Laboratory1.jpg" height="177" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ask anyone in my family or in my company they will tell you
I am not “Mr. Do-It-Yourself”. I am what
you might call “skills challenged”. My
grade in Jr. High shop class was “Absent”.
My 5 year old once asked me if I needed help with a repair project. I think you get the idea.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So for this blog post we are going to use the word “tools” a
bit loosely.<o:p></o:p></div>
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From my observations
in working with R&D labs over the years there are a few common elements
that differentiate the truly gifted from … well … me with a hammer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">Sophisticated Lab Notebook</span></b>- Most R&D labs have some form of Lab Notebook. They take many
shapes and forms. Many are still
literally notebooks – you know – pad and paper.
Others have progressed to excel.
Yet others have created a custom Access database via a once employed lab
intern who is no longer employed by the company. The star students however have taken their
game to the next level. All the project
work is in a database that is searchable and archived for easy access. User fields are able to be added without
programming and all this data is available to all members of R&D without
complex copy & paste or band-aides and sneaker net. The time saving is just shy of miraculous.
Imagine an environment where marketing supplies an electronic requirements
document. Data from that request is passed
into R&D where similar projects results are evaluated. A large list of potential formulations are
filtered to a manageable number. A
sample batch ticket is generated and samples are submitted for evaluation and
are all tracked and measured as a routine KPI.
Utopia? Well that is a reality
today and more and more R&D companies have that vision at their fingers.<br />
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<b><span style="color: white;">Access to historical,
current and future RM costs</span></b> – Most companies today have integrated access
to the current cost of materials within formula development. The ERP purchasing system automatically
maintains the last purchase costs and little effort is spent on tracking these
costs. Fewer clients can look backwards
and analyze formulation costs based on historical material costs. This is helpful to understand why profits for
a formulation may be eroding in time.
The real goal however is to incorporate anticipated material costs
changes into the R&D formulation activities and selling cost analysis. Where do you fit in this spectrum? If you spend your day looking up current
costs then you are 10 years behind the times.
If you can compare current formulation costs to 3 months, 6 months and
12 months ago you are better than average.
If you can use material cost predictors to estimate upcoming material
costs and identify the current production formulations most affected by these
changes – well you my friend are firing on all cylinders.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">Ability to search
historical formulations</span></b> – why recreate the wheel if you have already solved
the problem. You would be amazed at how
often companies formulate for the same requirements without even realizing they
are doing it. Once you have centralized
your formulations out of excel and in a searchable database you next need a
tool to query the database without adding programming staff. Some of the key elements to search are
existence of specific raw materials, quality specifications, material and labor
costs, suppliers of raw materials and physical properties of materials such as
allergens or hazard properties. The
search engine should also weigh the formulas by whether you current make these
products and what some of the yields you have achieved during production. Imagine your life if you had this
information. Well there are tools out
there that are affordable and integrated that can help deliver this vision to
your organization today.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">Feedback look from
Production to R&D</span></b> – This is one of the simplest tools to implement but
rarely is it done consistently. Every
commercialization process should include a review of all new formulations
immediately after the first batches and then again after the formulas have been
running for a while. A focused informal
meeting between production, quality and R&D on a routine basis can change
the trajectory of your company. First
and foremost discuss yields. Are there
ways to improve the process? Every %
saved in yield is profit. Consider quality additions. Should we change the process or the formula
to eliminate or reduce the need for a second pass through quality? Every time a
batch has to go through quality a second time it costs the company money. Are there alternate ingredients or physical
processes that could make the processing more efficient? Getting three people in a room once per week
to discuss 5 products is not difficult to do.
The results are amazing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><b>Track samples
generated by R&D and measure conversion rates</b> </span>– How much time and
effort does your company spend from sales through marketing into R&D and
shipping to process just one new formulation sample? It is VERY expensive. How much time and what systems are in place
to track the conversion of that sample into a sale? My bet is there is 10 times the effort to
make a sample as there is in tracking the conversion to sale. How many samples turned into sales? What customers have the highest (and lowest)
conversion rates? What is your cost of
creating a new formula and how long will that formula be sold? All these are valid questions to ask and
there are tools available today to answer those questions. Quite literally for $60/month the samples
could be tracked using Microsoft Dynamics CRM.
It can be stand alone and hosted so the setup is literally minutes and
it can make the world of difference to your company.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So those are some of the tools I see in the ideal R&D
tool box. Some are simple to implement and others are more challenging. All can have a positive impact on your
company and all are available today. If
you are interested give us a call at Vicinity and see how we can implement some
or all of these tools for you today.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The real question is – are you a do-it-yourself kind of
person? Or are you more like me? I know my limitations and I have no issue
asking for help. Well many a little
issue, but as I age I own my shortcomings a bit easier and call in a
professional.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Happy hunting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08147862378995714635noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080712385132199996.post-81082785757551965552015-04-24T06:24:00.001-07:002015-04-24T06:24:54.054-07:00The Zen of Formulation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYaqOrgSPb8ly0MYp57TshrJ-hKJo6q51k7brZFjekqs-HtR8XfVsvfj3BqbQyRHQIUWH2w8OwvzwjPiMmBrJmNguuw_96umSK8yHKs1hEoa318GJM1N5_mXFi2w4sfWirUCNcA7DC-Ww/s1600/1280-zen-steve-jobs-innovation-silicon-valley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYaqOrgSPb8ly0MYp57TshrJ-hKJo6q51k7brZFjekqs-HtR8XfVsvfj3BqbQyRHQIUWH2w8OwvzwjPiMmBrJmNguuw_96umSK8yHKs1hEoa318GJM1N5_mXFi2w4sfWirUCNcA7DC-Ww/s1600/1280-zen-steve-jobs-innovation-silicon-valley.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
The process to <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/r_and_d.php" target="_blank">develop a new formula </a>or recipe is a unique as the research chemist. However there are some key elements that could make the process more productive and more efficient. I will share some of my insights in this article.<br />
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<b>Define the R&D Process</b> - A standard process for the R&D department should be identified, communicated and tracked. Following a standard process or workflow will reduce miscommunication and missed steps.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Create a tracking system for the project. This should include a unique project identifier, description, customer/contact, due dates and key milestones.</li>
<li>Document requirements from marketing or the customer. This can be as simple as an email request or as formal as a structured form completed by the customer</li>
<li>Store notes on the R&D process including formulas and versions considered and responses from the customer</li>
<li>Track samples sent to the customer this is a great use of Microsoft Dynamics CRM</li>
<li>Communicate resolution of the project to interested parties. This includes sales, marketing, production and procurement.</li>
</ul>
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<b>Utilize a centralized database to track activities</b> – <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/crm.aspx" target="_blank">Microsoft Dynamics CRM</a> is a terrific tool to organize the workflow of the R&D process. An opportunity can be created and linked to a customer or contact. It can manage the steps of the process ensuring key steps are not overlooked and shares key data with relevant contacts. One of the most important parts is to store the data in a sharable, searchable and reportable platform. While this could be done in Excel for the prices of Microsoft Dynamics CRM at $45/month it seems silly not to utilize this tool.<br />
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<b>Leverage the formula database to support queries</b> – Most <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">formula manufacturers</a> today have access to formulas in their production system. Batch tickets are often created from these production formulas for commercialized formulas. A far fewer number of R&D departments use their formula database for R&D.<br />
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This is a shame and should be changed. Many of the same tools used to make product are needed for R&D. This includes item lists, current costs, available inventory and usage data.<br />
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If your company does not have a comprehensive <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">production formula database</a> or if it is not flexible enough to support experimental formulas and ingredients you should really reevaluate your current system. <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">Vicinity software</a> supports <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/production_control.php" target="_blank">production</a> and <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/r_and_d.php" target="_blank">R&D </a>formulas in the same databases. This allows R&D to search and select from the entire list of formulas to meet a specific project requirement and to create new formulas from existing formulas for versions of formulas.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRXY6WNsz1_naRsfCmmBfQ35uunXJLO5mAkTtnBjm3JJcFjIZvm79BSw116DQo77yKKVqFJf2KrLTZTJZ6dyCetJL_ba4P_BAw9oEyUIi3VjQmXKTACdteqvV9aVfsKo2XpY2ZH0Pv5pg/s1600/project+entry.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRXY6WNsz1_naRsfCmmBfQ35uunXJLO5mAkTtnBjm3JJcFjIZvm79BSw116DQo77yKKVqFJf2KrLTZTJZ6dyCetJL_ba4P_BAw9oEyUIi3VjQmXKTACdteqvV9aVfsKo2XpY2ZH0Pv5pg/s1600/project+entry.png" height="400" width="313" /></a></div>
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<b>Obtain feedback from procurement,
quality and production as a routine process</b> – When a new formula is
introduced into production a review process including members from procurement,
<a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/r_and_d.php" target="_blank">R&D</a>, <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/quality_control.php" target="_blank">quality</a> and <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/production_control.php" target="_blank">production </a>should be present. You should be discussing
unique elements of the new formula, special processing requirement and specific
quality concerns that may exist. This
review should also be performed after the first few batches are produced and
then again after 10-20 batches are produced.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This information could be critical to each department and
getting ideas on how to address processing challenges is likely to occur. Multiple heads is often better than just a
few.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My hunch is that most R&D departments do some of these
items but very few do all of them. The
key is structure and to leverage tools available to your organization. If the
tools do not exist in your organization then look around. They exist and are less expensive and more
powerful than you may imagine.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08147862378995714635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080712385132199996.post-7538324089633102052015-04-20T11:19:00.003-07:002015-04-20T11:19:51.648-07:00Essential Advice for Lab Management<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzxub2lEdszNeskGx00t2PSVCjqC0D7DRMWG9BfZxeblHHJm0bru8nGMVgpL9HqMn9PrXb8U9Blzb7mfclVubyKXGPeSQxpZApaxo4W0ZgoMFtZQo3171uqnaoap1u5DYkZwxNVvdFCK-/s1600/labwomanblack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzxub2lEdszNeskGx00t2PSVCjqC0D7DRMWG9BfZxeblHHJm0bru8nGMVgpL9HqMn9PrXb8U9Blzb7mfclVubyKXGPeSQxpZApaxo4W0ZgoMFtZQo3171uqnaoap1u5DYkZwxNVvdFCK-/s1600/labwomanblack.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
<i>“No man is an island”</i> is certainly a true axiom for R&D efforts. I have a few observations that you might find helpful in reviewing R&D activities.<br />
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1) <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/r_and_d.php" target="_blank">Integrate R&D</a> in the production process – For most manufacturers one of the goals of the R&D department is to develop formulas or processes that can be performed by production. The feed back loop is critical in the evolution of a formula and a company.<br />
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R&D understands the functional requirements of a formula and ways to deliver to the customer. Production understands how to make that vision. The most successful R&D labs evaluate formulations based on the impact to production while still keeping the creative and problem solving element alive. Not giving too much emphasis on either theoretical development or actual implementation can make for a nice balance.<br />
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Producing a feed back loop is the key. R&D should be reviewing metrics like- how many part numbers/ingredients are they adding to inventory? Are there ways to use equipment that is not part of a bottle neck rather than processes using sought after devices? How many QC modifications are being made by formula? What materials are experiencing the highest cost increases in the next 12 months? Is is possible to adjust existing or future formulas to account for these questions.<br />
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So meet with Production on occasion to discuss formulas that are
working well and those that need adjustment.
Identify those formulas often run on the most active equipment and see
if there are changes to be made to uses other equipment. Get your system to report significant yield
variance and QC adjustments by formula.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Once it has been brought to your attention look for ways to solve
the problems. The changes could really affect the profitability of your
company.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Link CRM data to R&D
data - With the advent of <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/crm.aspx" target="_blank">Microsoft Dynamics CRM </a>(and others) the ability to
record and track customer activity is not only cheap it is easy to implement. One of the fastest ways to gain insight to
your customer is to watch their patterns.
CRM can do that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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An effect R&D department will track the progress of a new
formulation from the time a request is made, through preliminary development
all the way to commercialization.
Hooking up your formulation/R&D database to a CRM opportunity
management system makes this a simple task.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Imagine seeing the current R&D project backlog, customer history of requests vs sales and new requests statistics by product type. These are simple queries once the data is joined in a logical manner.</div>
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Microsoft Dynamics CRM and <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">Vicinity</a> can do just that. Add the opportunity in CRM and link it to a Vicinity Project and now all the related data in either CRM or Vicinity is forever joined. Analysis of history and trends becomes a by-product of the normal day to day activities.</div>
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3) Leverage your formula database for new formulations – few R&D departments start from scratch with a new formula request. Most R&D labs scan through test formulas in excel or manual lab notebooks to get started. Once they have a base to work from they add or take away ingredients or processes to achieve a desired result.</div>
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Why all the manual effort? Imagine a system where all historical work was in a database that was searchable by user defined attributes. The results could be compared and a potential candidate(s) reviewed further for consideration. Now that would be helpful.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2sel6Hb2wLAxL3zs32d3s_-2MYajmHpgrfn2k3aFXBefC5kxft4bmdGfO-AF449d6DI8ncCm_LTzZZw5jIlt6Z3MtmKqzEMkTlC81_wl43ssTE7rCWr2uNdYiyoOuaK3oiHiv-0vrE7d/s1600/formula+search.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2sel6Hb2wLAxL3zs32d3s_-2MYajmHpgrfn2k3aFXBefC5kxft4bmdGfO-AF449d6DI8ncCm_LTzZZw5jIlt6Z3MtmKqzEMkTlC81_wl43ssTE7rCWr2uNdYiyoOuaK3oiHiv-0vrE7d/s1600/formula+search.png" height="326" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">Vicinity software</a> allows you to do just that. Store all formulas, experimental trials and results in Vicinity. The next time you are looking for something similar it is will be right there.</div>
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If you are not yet ready for <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/r_and_d.php" target="_blank">Vicinity</a> and are forced to use Excel make sure to use a standard format for your formulas. Leave room in your design for user definable and validated data. This will make a search across spreadsheets possible – I never said it would be easy.</div>
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Get started today – get your work in an electronic format and use the right tool to get the job done. The result will pay for the investment in short order.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08147862378995714635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080712385132199996.post-41001465793162542132015-04-09T09:31:00.000-07:002015-04-09T09:31:59.359-07:00Three Critical R&D Mistakes and How to Fix Them <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mGZccyiGRNRoTZl02W_pyOu4Iw6rLzje5jJXrhCOr7Nt0dliAf74AsFf836CxWjpqXnRp6ICFRSdekr-8WvvXV3N4JJu98v2o0YO8MKCeXMOQNkUjdWtvFcAihITfk-15VWA1BjZoM1s/s1600/labguru_rookie_mistakes.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mGZccyiGRNRoTZl02W_pyOu4Iw6rLzje5jJXrhCOr7Nt0dliAf74AsFf836CxWjpqXnRp6ICFRSdekr-8WvvXV3N4JJu98v2o0YO8MKCeXMOQNkUjdWtvFcAihITfk-15VWA1BjZoM1s/s1600/labguru_rookie_mistakes.gif" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
This blog is going to talk about the three most common and critical R&D mistakes and how a software system like <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">Vicinity</a> can help correct them or avoid them altogether.<br />
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<b>1)</b> <b>Overuse of Excel</b> - As I travel to clients and prospects I find one of the most used R&D database tools is Microsoft Excel. Everyone has it and everyone knows how to use it. The problem is that what once was an efficient method to track R&D products soon grows to an administrative nightmare.<br />
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Excel was never designed to store significant amounts of data nor was it designed to share information outside of the spreadsheet. YES you can do it but with a tall enough hill and enough speed a car can fly. It is not the take-off that is the challenge, it is the landing.<br />
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So come out of Excel and get that data into a database. When you do that you can mine that data and share information and insights with those around you.<br />
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<a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">Vicinity</a> provides <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/r_and_d.php" target="_blank">formula management</a> as well as version control. Any data you want to track about a formula is filed for easy access. Once the formula is placed into production R&D can track the effectiveness of that formula via batch tickets that are tied directly to the master formula. Subsequent adjustments to the formula become a snap once the data is centralized in a database and outside of Excel files with varying formats.<br />
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<b>2) Too much reliance on history to predict the future </b>– When developing R&D formulas it is typical for research chemists to obtain the latest <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/r_and_d.php" target="_blank">material prices</a> from purchasing. They ask for a list of current prices to ensure their formulas are costed adequately.<br />
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While this is a terrific improvement over keeping an external list of items in R&D with costs from the 1990s it is still far from ideal.<br />
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Incorporating future costs along with current costs and the review of trends is a more accurate view of the formulation costs.<br />
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So keep talking with procurement but instead of asking for the last cost go one step further. Look at the cost over the past 12 months as well as the trend in the upcoming months. This change will result in a more realistic cost estimate and better project profitability for the proposed product.<br />
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Vicinity <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/r_and_d.php" target="_blank">formula costs</a> are automatically tied to current the prior cost of each material. There is no need to contact purchasing for this data. Instead you can ask them to provide a view into future costs. Vicinity supports an unlimited number of proposed costs for a component. This allows a research chemist/nutritionist the ability to cost a formula based on current inventory values but also anticipated trends into the future.<br />
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<b>3) Sticky notes won’t cut it</b> – Unless you just like working from scratch most research chemists will leverage work already performed to help build a basis for a <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/r_and_d.php" target="_blank">new formulation</a>. If you have already done something similar why recreate the wheel?<br />
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The challenge is remembering (or finding) what the R&D lab has worked on before, the results of bench tests and acceptance by the customer market. If only you had that data available to search.<br />
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Well it never gets built unless you start building it today. <br />
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It is not practical to think you can archive all the work you have ever done. But you can start archiving today. Make a list of the key search criteria and get that data into a structured format (NOT EXCEL) so you can search on that data in the future. Before you know it you will have quite the database of formulas to choose from. In all your spare time you can work backwards entering old formulas into your new data goldmine.<br />
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<a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">Vicinity</a> out of the box has the ability for a user to define an unlimited number of search fields. We call these attributes. These attributes help you describe the formula in way that will help your future-self find the formulas you created in the past. All this without a bit of programming.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08147862378995714635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080712385132199996.post-28121002808526244102015-03-30T08:24:00.001-07:002015-03-30T08:24:26.408-07:00Spotlight On Microsoft Dynamics GP Users' Group (GPUG)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bld9FSR3sNTFduIpzjhqvA-JMSGJd_SjyZ30FwLpSdroQOOMjVE0CM2tcie3C2LlWS9rlXGh6NtO4H-p3Tnl2EPgzXU1P6eEiNSRhTl3yQKrrcpxwLgsarQjs08fLH4-tNGM4PI85pAw/s1600/download.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bld9FSR3sNTFduIpzjhqvA-JMSGJd_SjyZ30FwLpSdroQOOMjVE0CM2tcie3C2LlWS9rlXGh6NtO4H-p3Tnl2EPgzXU1P6eEiNSRhTl3yQKrrcpxwLgsarQjs08fLH4-tNGM4PI85pAw/s1600/download.png" /></a></div>
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As we wrap up our conversation on Microsoft Dynamics
resources available to end users, we will take a look at one of the most
vibrant Microsoft Dynamics Users’ Groups, <a href="http://www.gpug.com/home" target="_blank">GPUG</a>. In this article, we will be learning
more about GPUG with an interview from the Director of GPUG, Kim Peterson. The
vision for GPUG is to engage every individual and company using <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/erp-gp-overview.aspx" target="_blank">Microsoft Dynamics GP</a> in value-added networking and knowledge sharing and to be the
single most important communication channel for Microsoft to see guidance on
future development of Dynamics GP.<o:p></o:p></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: white;">Kim Peterson</span></b> is the Director of GPUG, the Microsoft Dynamics GP
Users’ Group. Kim has over 32 years’ experience in building and supporting the
Microsoft Dynamics GP community by working with Microsoft, Partners and
Customers. For the first 21 years of her career she was employed by Great
Plains Software and then Microsoft Dynamics after the acquisition of Great
Plains Software by Microsoft in 2001. During her tenure at Microsoft and Great
Plains Software, Kim held roles covering different aspects of the business
including Account Management, Sales Management, Business Development, and
Marketing. Since 2010, she leads GPUG as the director, responsible for its
offerings and building a greater GP community.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">What is GPUG?</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">Kim:</span> </b>The idea for
the Dynamics GP User Group (GPUG) grew from the vision of a few Microsoft
Dynamics® users - to connect with other Dynamics users and learn firsthand the
best way to leverage the software they used every day. From that initial vision
to the official founding of the Dynamics GP User Group (GPUG), and continuing
today, our mission has never wavered: to maximize the value to individuals and
companies using Microsoft Dynamics GP.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">Why is it important
for Microsoft Dynamics users to get involved with these user groups such as
GPUG, NAVUG, and CRMUG?</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">Kim:</span> </b>Being a part
of the user group community provides all Dynamics users an opportunity to a
part of the community, learn from their peers, build their professional skills,
and participate in the largest source of GP educational content. A membership provides your entire
organization access to hundreds of virtual and face to face learning
opportunities.<b> <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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We do this in many ways, some highlights of Member Benefits include:<o:p></o:p></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">Access to Hundreds of Live Educational <a href="http://www.gpug.com/engage/webinars"><b><span style="color: white;">Webinars</span></b></a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><a href="http://www.gpug.com/engage/recordings"><b><span style="color: white;">Recorded Webinars</span></b></a> Available On-demand
24/7 to fit your schedule<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">Access to<b> </b><a href="http://www.gpug.com/engage/ask"><b><span style="color: white;">Discussion Boards</span></b></a> to Ask Questions of
Your Peers and Get Answers<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><strong>FREE</strong> </span>Attendance to <a href="http://www.gpug.com/engage/chapter"><b><span style="color: white;">Local Chapter</span></b></a> Meetings to Meet Other
Users and Exchange Ideas<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">Learn From Others Like You Through<b> </b><a href="http://www.gpug.com/engage/sig"><b><span style="color: white;">Special Interest Groups</span></b></a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><b>50% Registration Fee Discount</b> </span>on <a href="http://www.gpug.com/engage/academy"><b><span style="color: white;">GPUG Academy</span></b></a> Deep Dive Distance Learning Courses Through Virtual
Classrooms<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><a href="http://gpugsummit.com/"><b><span style="color: white;">GPUG
Summit 2015</span></b></a>
in Reno, NV – October 12-16, 2015 where GP Users Network & Learn<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">Earn <span style="color: white;"><b>CPE Credits</b> </span>for GPUG Academy Courses and
GPUG Summit Conference Sessions<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><a href="http://www.gpug.com/engage/academy"><b><span style="color: white;">Professional Certificate Programs</span></b></a> for Accounts Payable,
Accounts Receivable, System Administrators & Business Intelligence<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="color: white;">Tell us about the upcoming GPUG
Summit 2015.</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">Kim:</span> </b>This year our <a href="http://www.gpugsummit.com/gpugsummit/home">Summit</a>
will be held October 13<sup>th</sup> -16<sup>th</sup> at the Atlantis Casino
Resort and Spa in Reno, NV. <a href="http://www.gpugsummit.com/gpugsummit/home">GPUG Summit</a> provides content for both beginners and experts in all
functional and technical roles. The
event is three-and-a-half days of unparalleled learning, sharing and networking.
This is the only Dynamics GP conference designed and led by users, for users. In
addition to great session content, there is also an Expo featuring software and
services to enhance and complete company’s GP investment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">How
many attendees are you expecting?</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">Kim:</span> </b>GPUG is expecting close to
1200 Members, while the whole conference with all 4 groups will be over 4000
from the Dynamics community.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">What does Summit offer to
attendees?</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Kim:</span> In addition to over 200 educational sessions there are many
structured and unstructured opportunities to meet with other Dynamics users, explore
ISV products, and provide input into future direction of the Microsoft Dynamics
partners.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.gpugsummit.com/">www.gpugsummit.com</a><span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span>lists last year’s content… from here you can
see the depth of content GPUG Summit offers in sessions, classroom training,
expo and more. This is the richest content education for Dynamics users
in the industry. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">Why should companies
encourage their employees to attend Summit 2015?</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">Kim: </span></b>Companies
should encourage their employees to attend Summit if they are looking for real
life, practical ideas they can take home and immediately put to work to get
more value of Dynamics and to improve their business processes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We have a spot on our website that tells you just that! <o:p></o:p></div>
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15 Reasons: <a href="http://www.gpugsummit.com/event/why-attend"><b>http://www.gpugsummit.com/event/why-attend</b></a><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">What is Dynamic
Communities, Inc.?</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">Kim:</span> </b><a href="http://www.dynamiccommunities.com/home?CLK=55d54847-8f02-4617-96d7-5085075e5767" target="_blank">Dynamic Communities, Inc.</a> (DCI) is the supporting organization behind GPUG and our
sister global user groups - the Dynamics AX User Group (AXUG®), the Dynamics
CRM User Group (CRMUG®) and the Dynamics NAV User Group (NAVUG®) - as well as
our Dynamics partner group Dynamic Partner Connections (DPC). Dynamic
Communities is independent from Microsoft; however, our close working relationship
positions our groups to be a collective voice to Microsoft on user concerns,
needs, and requests.<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08147862378995714635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080712385132199996.post-24629776745445890532015-03-27T15:54:00.001-07:002015-03-27T15:54:17.254-07:00A Closer Look at Dynamic Partner Connections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.dynamicpartnerconnections.com/home" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4Ntb00xcsxdQQccNczCS1Fqb75DMJZ2XYAGa42HH2bfNSxNfrT5sjZYhUUN5I3lJrCvF1G5bIV2aWrH5aGQq1ciyeVz86IgKWoCTFLDI5YWfkYWBoJVXUba06aWI85T7j4LHCNbSo4uo/s1600/logomain-dpc.png" height="68" width="320" /></a></div>
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This month’s blog has focused on Microsoft Dynamics
solutions and the resources available to partners and end users. In this
article, we will be diving deeper into a vital part of the Microsoft Dynamics
ecosystem with an interview from the Program Director of <a href="http://www.dynamicpartnerconnections.com/home">Dynamics Partner
Connections</a>, Joe Carroll. Joe’s organization is one of many resources
available from <a href="http://www.dynamiccommunities.com/home">Dynamics
Communities</a>. This resource is particularly valuable to Microsoft Dynamics
partners.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5lvvuT2Go5fT4KQgq_ncgBw3MaDSef3m5N2kzSfW0mA1pr510bfaoj6fYlegkhf7nw8B4RDfi98_dffFEZssWC5nZJQKBpbVPlXoUhfqkSltDllPGDXIGaYefOXC47gHVXR_vdGimTu2/s1600/joesmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5lvvuT2Go5fT4KQgq_ncgBw3MaDSef3m5N2kzSfW0mA1pr510bfaoj6fYlegkhf7nw8B4RDfi98_dffFEZssWC5nZJQKBpbVPlXoUhfqkSltDllPGDXIGaYefOXC47gHVXR_vdGimTu2/s1600/joesmall.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">Joe Carroll</span></b> is the
Partner Connections Program Director. Joe is a versatile and disciplined
channel sales and marketing leader. Accomplished in creating and implementing
channel programs to recruit, develop and manage business partners in diverse
B2B environments. Recognized for establishing and managing multi-million dollar
partnerships, producing market differentiation and consistent revenue growth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">What is Dynamics
Partner Connections (DPC)? </span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">Joe:</span> </b><a href="http://www.dynamicpartnerconnections.com/home">Dynamic Partner
Connections</a> is the global community for Microsoft Dynamics® GP, AX, CRM and
SL partners. Our mission is to improve the success of Dynamics partners through
community. Our mantra is ‘raising the tide for all’ in the Dynamics partner
ecosystem. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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DPC is part of Dynamic Communities, Inc. the organizing
group of the Dynamics user groups of <a href="http://www.axug.com/home" target="_blank">AXUG</a>, <a href="http://www.crmug.com/home" target="_blank">CRMUG</a>, <a href="http://www.gpug.com/home" target="_blank">GPUG </a>and <a href="http://www.navug.com/home" target="_blank">NAVUG</a>. <b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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In addition, we just announced the formation of the
Association of Dynamics Professionals, <a href="file:///C:/Users/JOSEPH/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/9XIEY0O6/www.DynamicsPro.org">www.DynamicsPro.org</a>,
which will expand our partner offerings. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Association of Dynamics Professionals is an independent,
not-for-profit membership organization devoted to the Microsoft Dynamics
community. The Association exists to serve its members and to improve the
community as a whole through education and the establishment of competency standards
and assessments. This association will formally commence in September, 2015.
The Association of Dynamics Professionals is an individual membership
organization, open to any professional (consultants and users) seeking to
better themselves and the Dynamics community. Many members are also seeking
certification test to their level of expertise and ability to participate in or
lead projects related to the Microsoft Dynamics family of products.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">Who is eligible to
join Dynamic Partner Connections?</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">Joe:</span> </b>Everybody
(or nearly so <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>)!
Every product -Dynamics AX, CRM, GP, SL and NAV-, every role–consultant,
developer, sales, marketing, operations and leadership– and every organization
–VAR, ISV and independent consultant- within the global Dynamics ecosystem is welcome
to join. There is no charge to join DPC today. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">What are some of the
key benefits of DPC?</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">Joe:</span> </b>DPC offers
many ways to increase the effectiveness of individuals and organizations in the
Dynamics ecosystem. This includes educational and informational webinars,
speaking opportunities to act as a subject matter expert in the partner
community, partner-to-partner networking to learn from like-minded business
professionals and access to Microsoft teams and individuals. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The events and programs are organized around community,
competency and advocacy.<strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> </span></strong><o:p></o:p></div>
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<strong><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span></strong></div>
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‘Community’ is about bringing together folks from the
Dynamics ecosystem: resellers, ISVs, consultants and Microsoft. We all have a
vested interest in making the Dynamics community grow and thrive because a
diverse, healthy and growing community helps everyone. DPC's is to focus on
what we have in common. We recognize that our biggest competition is outside of
the Dynamics community, and ignorance and lethargy within it. When the community
comes together we talk about common challenges and come up with new solutions.
We do this through formal and informal networking events. This year, we are
hosting three formal events: <a href="http://www.dynamicpartnerconnections.com/pregame" target="_blank">PreGAME to Convergence</a> and <a href="http://www.dynamicpartnerconnections.com/home" target="_blank">PreGAME to Summit</a> for
all Dynamics partners, and <a href="http://reimagine2014.com/" target="_blank">reIMAGINE</a>, specifically for Dynamics GP partners. <o:p></o:p></div>
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‘Competency’ refers to a structured approach to increase the
skills and experience of members. Pick a topic, train and talk. VARs, ISVs and
Microsoft all share their experience and knowledge to increase the value and
competitive position of the ecosystem. Two things about DPC make our approach
unique in this regard. One, the community delivers most of the courses and
content, not Microsoft; and two, the delivery is not simply a lecture but a collaborative,
didactic approach. <o:p></o:p></div>
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‘Advocacy’, which isn’t about lobbying. We don't take lots
of actions on 'your' behalf. We don't write about issues and publish papers,
BLOGs or 'letters to the editor.' We don't take and publish the results of
polls or use these results to draw conclusions of our own. Rather, we provide
the forum to bring the community together and have a collective voice for
change. We collect the views of many individuals to form a single, combined
voice for the community. Our voice is really your voice. We then share this
with Microsoft and others to bring about changes for the good of all. Think:
focus groups, conduit sessions, question and answer sessions, executive
briefings.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">How did you get
involved with DPC?</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">Joe:</span> </b>My entire career
has revolved around working with and for partners in the business solutions
software industry. Last year Dynamic Communities decided to create a single
Dynamics partner entity, Dynamic Partner Connections. Joining DPC allows me to apply
25 years of experience to help increase the success of Dynamics partners by
bringing together like-minded individuals for learning, sharing and networking.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">What makes you
passionate about your role within the organization?</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">Joe:</span></b> Microsoft
Dynamics channel is the best in the industry, all things considered. We just have to see, believe and act like it.
What I really love doing is bringing together like minded individuals for
peer-to-peer sharing and community involvement to help others to succeed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08147862378995714635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080712385132199996.post-42654543728897931402015-03-23T07:05:00.000-07:002015-03-23T07:05:46.175-07:007 Essential Resources for Microsoft Dynamics® Customers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The great thing about <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/erp-gp-overview.aspx" target="_blank">Microsoft Dynamics</a>® is the wide
variety of customer resources available their software users. In this blog we
will discuss seven essential resources that I find to be very helpful for any
Microsoft Dynamics user no matter which product your company is currently
utilizing. Whether you are using Dynamics GP, SL, NAV, or AX you will find
answers to the questions within these websites.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=2057697&trk=anet_ug_hm"><b>Dynamics World-Microsoft Dynamics Reference
Library</b></a>: This is a private LinkedIn Group, so you must request
permission to join. This group is exclusively for the Microsoft Dynamics
channel. The community has been established by an alliance of skilled IT
professionals in the Microsoft Dynamics channel and they are building and
promoting the interest to those within this environment. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
6. <a href="http://www.erpsoftwareblog.com/"><b>The ERP Software Blog</b></a><b>: </b>If you a looking to make a buying
decision, this blog is a fantastic resource. Microsoft Dynamics vendors provide
comparisons and opinions to professionals in the ERP/Accounting software
selection process. You will find comprehensive articles on both the Microsoft
Dynamics suite of products, but also Independent Software Vendors (ISVs)
horizontal and vertical solutions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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5. <a href="http://dynamicsuniversity.com/"><b>Dynamics University</b></a>: Dynamics
University is an association of premiere Microsoft Dynamics Partners and
Trainers focused on providing exceptional learning opportunities to Microsoft
Dynamics customers. Their mission is to increase your satisfaction and return
on investment related to your Microsoft Dynamics solutions. The site has access
to excellent knowledge based articles, op-ed blogs, and training courses.<o:p></o:p></div>
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4. <a href="https://mbs.microsoft.com/customersource/northamerica"><b>Microsoft Dynamics CustomerSource</b></a><b>: </b>This is an essential website that
every Microsoft Dynamics user should save to their bookmarks. Here you find
information directly from Microsoft. You can do everything from log a support
case, register for online training, search the knowledge based articles, find
current Microsoft events, and download information on your service plan. <o:p></o:p></div>
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3. <a href="http://msdynamicsworld.com/"><b>MS Dynamics World:</b></a><b> </b>MSDynamicsWorld.com is the leading
global independent authority covering the world of Microsoft Dynamics. They are
dedicated to publishing the leading integrated content for Dynamics users,
partners, independent software vendors (ISVs), and consultants around the
globe. MSDynamicsWorld.com is the Microsoft Dynamics community's resource for
news, expert advice, tips, best practices, white papers, case studies, and
analysis. Keep up to date on the latest developments and information relating
to Microsoft Dynamics applications and breaking news. <o:p></o:p></div>
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2. <a href="http://www.dynamiccommunities.com/home"><b>Dynamics Communities Inc.</b></a><b>: </b>Dynamic Communities Inc. is the
organization behind professional associations and software user groups such as
the <a href="http://www.axugsummit.com/home" target="_blank">Dynamics AX User Group </a><b>(AXUG)</b>, the<a href="http://www.gpug.com/home" target="_blank"> Dynamics GP User Group </a><b>(GPUG)</b>, the
<a href="http://www.crmug.com/home" target="_blank">Dynamics CRM User Group</a> <b>(CRMUG)</b>, and the <a href="http://www.navugsummit.com/home" target="_blank">Dynamics NAV User Group </a><b>(NAVUG)</b>, and
the partner community Dynamic Partner Connections (DPC). Their vision is to
engage every individual and company in value-added networking and knowledge
sharing. This includes local, regional, and national User Group meetings,
webinars, and annual Summit & Expo.<o:p></o:p></div>
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1. <b><a href="http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/marketplace-partners/findpartner.aspx/en-au/" target="_blank">Your Reseller</a></b>:
A Microsoft Certified Partner is always a reliable way to get the answers you
need. Not only do you have an established relationship with you Microsoft Dynamics
partner, but they also have been with you along the way to help guide you
through your implementation and training. Microsoft partners also have 24-hour
access to Microsoft Support, which enables them to give better customer
relations and support to a customer. Many resellers will hold customer events
and educational webinars.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Never before have we had such a vast array of resources and
information readily available to users. If you have an answer to a Microsoft
Dynamics question, one of these seven sites will most certainly have what you
need.<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08147862378995714635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080712385132199996.post-68747682260431599302015-03-05T08:19:00.000-08:002015-03-05T08:19:05.697-08:00What the heck is Microsoft Dynamics®?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjip4TShTafEQJbyrXjdQvCAseGrqPecaG4h25SoXcQkS98YOAKYfTfSPTSFEFJV9aGGOE1ua4fnwkwpIBMlXgiR7Gd1oDK06Zuh7xGb5QvHZiLfdKuKJfkmSkLRT8-AyD8f1hhRyou5t98/s1600/what-is-erp-350x324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjip4TShTafEQJbyrXjdQvCAseGrqPecaG4h25SoXcQkS98YOAKYfTfSPTSFEFJV9aGGOE1ua4fnwkwpIBMlXgiR7Gd1oDK06Zuh7xGb5QvHZiLfdKuKJfkmSkLRT8-AyD8f1hhRyou5t98/s1600/what-is-erp-350x324.jpg" height="185" width="200" /></a></div>
If you are running a successful business, you know that you need an accounting/distribution system to keep your company going. You need a software system to manage financials, reporting, and daily operations.<br />
<br />
In 2001, Microsoft® entered the ERP software market through acquisition of four premier applications in that market at that time. Microsoft then re-branded them all under the name Microsoft Dynamics and took control of all development efforts. Since that time Microsoft grown to become as a significant player in the market. With cloud and mobile options already available, they are in it for the long run. Each of the four applications have strong and extensive installation bases of customers. Microsoft has become a dominant player in the ERP industry.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/default.aspx" target="_blank">Microsoft Dynamics</a> is the brand name for the accounting and distribution solutions. Vicinity software integrates exclusively with Microsoft Dynamics providing specific manufacturing functionality to process manufacturing companies.<br />
<br />
At Vicinity Manufacturing, we integrate with three of the four accounting solutions offered by Microsoft Dynamics. Specifically, <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/default.aspx" target="_blank">Microsoft Dynamics </a>GP, SL, and NAV.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
<ul>
<li><b>Microsoft Dynamics GP </b>(formerly Great Plains Software) - <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/erp-gp-overview.aspx" target="_blank">Microsoft Dynamics GP</a> is widely used in the United States and was developed in Fargo, ND. Since 1985 Microsoft Dynamics GP has lead the US market with easy to implement and core out of the box functionality. It has a rich tradition of involving a diverse set of Independent Software Developers (ISVs) and Value Added Resellers (VARs) to address very specific challenges customers address. Microsoft Dynamics GP is the gold standard in ERP software in North America for companies or divisions of companies from start up to $100 million in sales.</li>
</ul>
</h4>
<h4>
<ul>
<li><b>Microsoft Dynamics NAV</b> (formerly Navision) – <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/erp-nav-overview.aspx" target="_blank">Microsoft Dynamics NAV </a>was acquired largely due to its market position in Europe. It is the most customizable of all Dynamics ERP products in which Vicinity integrates. That makes sense when you consider in Europe a business must deal with far more financial reporting variations than in the US. Multi-currency and flexible customization tools makes Microsoft Dynamics NAV a natural fit in industries that have very unique requirements that can only be addressed via customization.</li>
</ul>
</h4>
<h4>
<ul>
<li><b>Microsoft Dynamics SL</b> (formerly Solomon IV) – <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/erp-sl-overview.aspx" target="_blank">Microsoft Dynamics SL</a> has largely been relegated to project management and costing since its acquisition by Microsoft. While Microsoft Dynamics SL has a loyal reseller, consultant and install base its market share has decreased significantly over the years. With that said it remains a terrific inventory and distribution system with surprisingly robust customization capability.</li>
</ul>
</h4>
<br />
<a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">Vicinity’s</a> role in the Microsoft Dynamics community is to address the unique requirements of formula/batch manufacturers. From formula management to batch ticket processing – from quality to scheduling <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">Vicinity</a> provides what is needed to address the operational concerns of process manufactures and integrates identically well with each of the Microsoft Dynamics offerings.<br />
<br />
While Microsoft Dynamics AX is a member of the Dynamics brand we at <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">Vicinity </a>find that the cost of implementation and ongoing maintenance of that platform far outpace the cost of the other software solutions in the Microsoft Dynamics brand. For that reason we find adding Microsoft Dynamics AX to the integration stack is not warranted at this time.<br />
<br />
Microsoft Dynamics as a brand is scalable which allows companies to start with what you need now, and easily adapt as your needs change—in the cloud or on your servers. The key is to identify the flavor of Dynamics that is right for your business.<br />
<br />
Rest assured that not matter your choice <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">Vicinity Manufacturing</a> works with these great accounting and distribution offerings to build a complete, industry specific ERP solution.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMmGxjdd7HQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN46rI2TP-ryrEaAX1edQgq4islL-iihNbOao_nvZ1DwELU79hosnrOwRBJOzPAxP8h3LFEKGPGKzhBSv8bCv4ZcsNyoyktMLvWZX5bJeJ5MrwWs3QkJ4FW9I3t-NTBIWoB52A7YyHD6G5/s1600/2015-03-05_11-07-06.png" height="190" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out this short clip from Microsoft Dynamics.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08147862378995714635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080712385132199996.post-41011756819735166722015-02-26T13:36:00.000-08:002015-02-26T13:36:09.134-08:00Spotlight on Solver’s BI360 Business Intelligence Solutions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJRPcJBcS02r0ewtPU32aJnvhEb_ZFJSVh9Qzva4S5gwGy3SvY7OVw5JH0kcTRGevHJFaY22hg0EGY88ccT8hoRITco_wOvU1pNg9w59wO4MKYzFkMrE9veboU3coBACa6H5FhArzNtvw/s1600/Business-Intelligence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJRPcJBcS02r0ewtPU32aJnvhEb_ZFJSVh9Qzva4S5gwGy3SvY7OVw5JH0kcTRGevHJFaY22hg0EGY88ccT8hoRITco_wOvU1pNg9w59wO4MKYzFkMrE9veboU3coBACa6H5FhArzNtvw/s1600/Business-Intelligence.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>In this article, we’ll
discuss financial report writing, budgeting, and forecasting demands specific
to the manufacturing industry that can be met by today’s premier BI solutions,
like Solver’s BI360. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the modern era of business, Business Intelligence (BI)
analytics are solidifying their place in decision-making processes, utilizing
company data to plan for the future.
However, if your job doesn't typically involve researching and comparing
BI software solutions, it is likely that you can get lost in the sales and
marketing language, especially in regard to finding the right features and
functionality to address your industry-specific data management and analytics
goals. Therefore, this article will
discuss the top features and functions you should be familiar with in regard to
today’s financial reporting and budgeting software, using Solver’s BI360 as an
example of a premier offering to assist you in flexibly accessing, managing,
and analyzing your manufacturing company data.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There a few major elements to consider when seeking to
implement a modern, powerful BI tool.
First of all, you will want to decide if you would like to query data <a href="http://www.solverusa.com/blog/2014/05/live-reporting-for-microsoft-dynamics-vs-data-warehouse-and-olap/">live
from your accounting system</a> (or other data sources), rely on a high
performance integration that a BI data store, like an online analytical
processing <a href="http://www.solverusa.com/blog/2014/04/data-warehouse-vs-olap-cube/">(OLAP)
cube or a data warehouse</a>, or a hybrid approach to pulling your data for
analysis. You’ll also want to consider
what platform you would like to regularly interact with, whether that’s an
Excel add-in, a web portal or interface that you can access from anywhere you
have access to the internet, a proprietary platform that can be either
on-premises or hosted in the Cloud, or a combination of a couple of these
options. You should evaluate how
easy-to-use, how collaborative, and how secure a particular product is before
you decide to implement.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When it comes to BI reporting and budgeting for manufacturing, you’re going to seek financial and operational modules for
analysis. You’re likely going to need a
product that at least offers a financial reporting module, a sales module, a
purchasing module, a survey data module, an inventory module, and a
manufacturing/production module that produces a Build of Materials (BOM)
report. When it comes to budgeting and
forecasting, your manufacturing organization can benefit from a payroll module,
a capex module (for your capital expenditures), an inventory manufacturing
module, and an expenses module, to professionally and efficiently structure
your planning processes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s a lot to consider, and <a href="http://www.solverusa.com/products/">Solver</a> offers
Excel, web and/or mobile-based reporting and budgeting as stand-alone tools or
as part of the comprehensive suite of BI modules and would be happy to
generally answer questions and review BI360’s easy-to-use solution for
collaborative, streamlined decision-making capabilities for manufacturing
organizations.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/SolverUSA" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8gdQb8rKxwGsb34vVaPJhNVNa1DDEUI8Lra4-9LtF8AS0Ac2YH_eyr_B4RdgqLzPZBcUpWKuBadwhZgd3WrI7_XjX2njISvuX6YAr70oLERRUqqEAOUc7RTtcTHHXiEZjeZE-JwkA2uc/s1600/2015-02-26_16-30-41.png" height="182" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08147862378995714635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080712385132199996.post-35849551041675998162015-02-19T07:43:00.000-08:002015-02-19T11:57:10.060-08:00Microsoft Dynamics Business Analyzer<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTaZIvpuZaASmS261J87c_ae7mKp-kgZ5KPD_E5QXSY8lT_TAtud3QVFYHv8hTyyoM01mRLs4XkKcBS5b4RuapY1K3P_J6LRWgiGClI9uXy_7XpkyVD7pc4OLU64-YL7kIri_g43rRfgbQ/s1600/business-Intelligence.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTaZIvpuZaASmS261J87c_ae7mKp-kgZ5KPD_E5QXSY8lT_TAtud3QVFYHv8hTyyoM01mRLs4XkKcBS5b4RuapY1K3P_J6LRWgiGClI9uXy_7XpkyVD7pc4OLU64-YL7kIri_g43rRfgbQ/s1600/business-Intelligence.png" height="133" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not all BI tools are for every user. Each have their
own purpose and each have their own strengths.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have found <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/demo-videos/DynamicsGP/BusinessAnalyzer.html" target="_blank">Microsoft Dynamics Business Analyzer </a>a tool
that I cannot live without. With a quick review of 5-6 key metrics I can
bring myself up to speed on the key levers I use to run the business.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For me cash is king. So a metric of cash on hand and
aging receivables is a graph I use daily. Without complicated reports or
loads of detail I can get that executive view to keep me on task for other
important issues in my day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I once heard a Microsoft executive explain it this
way. <i>“On the drive into the office I looked at 5 key measures to help me
get to the office.” </i> Of course I was thinking <i>“How reckless looking at
reports on the commute to work.” </i> She continued and said <i>“I checked the
gas level, the speed, the overall performance of the engine and the temperature
of the cab.”</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So BI is not about reports. It is about getting the
information in a format and at the level of detail that is not too much but
also enough to make decisions. Whether you are looking at financial,
sales, quality or scheduling data you can make a significant change to the way
you make daily decisions with the right tool. For me it is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3fjhxNK6KQ" target="_blank">BusinessAnalyzer</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Microsoft Dynamics Business Analyzer is a free download on
all the major platforms (Windows, IOS and Android). Check out the
appropriate store and take a look. It comes with sample data so you can
see what I am talking about prior to hooking it up to <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/default.aspx" target="_blank">Microsoft Dynamics</a> and
<a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">Vicinity</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you do choose to utilize this tool you already own
everything you need. Microsoft Dynamics ships with the connector to
access the data and the graphs are created in SQL Server Reporting Services
(SSRS). So there is only a bit of configuration and you are off and
running.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
For what it is worth – I don’t think I would have as much
insight to the running of <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">Vicinity </a>without Business Analyzer. It gives me what
I need when I need it and nothing more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take a look at a walk through of Business Analyzer and
download your own copy and see for yourself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JR4c_Tefisc" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkKD6a-4PL_xjEOESZ3zaA2h7InxgpF5SpZ11WF2MqPv5q6qFo65_VWgcx10pHRkNhGTnExzUTdtQRqQyc27Er8KsJ8ZEy-twout09xf6eyCdmSCejSNlIha7KwFRLARj6SOyibclVmTF/s1600/2015-02-19_14-54-52.png" height="190" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JR4c_Tefisc" target="_blank">Check out this short video on Business Analyzer</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08147862378995714635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080712385132199996.post-70994889400924471792015-02-11T08:44:00.000-08:002015-02-11T08:44:21.294-08:00Making Intelligent Decisions with Your Data<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Using Excel Report Builder with Dynamics GP</span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPuJ_6OFI1AiAUXEYfxRgN-Jb7kGHTPj8-9ih_wjMkBztHj3u04MqwPnQJ1LFR0nYmKHRsKBKiMfeuNQnzrYQ4TAWP9Yym8Ci1tIz0kkYTuIlbN9sLHrzkdvJfSSxYh1PQljhfqg_Y3fo/s1600/Salud-Visual-Cataratas-Glaucoma-Ceguera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPuJ_6OFI1AiAUXEYfxRgN-Jb7kGHTPj8-9ih_wjMkBztHj3u04MqwPnQJ1LFR0nYmKHRsKBKiMfeuNQnzrYQ4TAWP9Yym8Ci1tIz0kkYTuIlbN9sLHrzkdvJfSSxYh1PQljhfqg_Y3fo/s1600/Salud-Visual-Cataratas-Glaucoma-Ceguera.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
</span></h2>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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Imagine making an ERP report such as “Inventory Stock
Status” available to be viewed and formatted in Excel? All a user needs to
do is open Excel and there is the data refreshed real time. All this done
from the comfort of Excel.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://mbs.microsoft.com/downloads/public/GP10Docs/SmartListBuilderUsersGuide.pdf" target="_blank">Microsoft Dynamics GP Excel Report Builder</a> is one of a
variety of reporting tools that that can make this happen today. No programming,
no configuration – just send the report to excel and format the report to look
the way you want to see it. No fuss no mess.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Excel Report Builder generates an Excel report with live
data connections automatically. These connections link back to <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/erp-gp-overview.aspx" target="_blank">Microsoft Dynamics GP</a> without the user having to configure servers or authentication. If
the user has rights to view the report they have rights to format it in
Excel. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So think of the possibilities you can use today. List
of <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/purchasing.php" target="_blank">purchase orders</a> needed from the <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">Vicinity</a> MRP or truck routings for delivery
by day. <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/production_control.php" target="_blank">Raw material usage </a>with costs and production schedule data.
All within excel and easy for the user to consume.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So start using Excel as a reporting tool rather than a
databases. You will wished you have found this a long time ago.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
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If you are currently using Microsoft Dynamics GP contact
your reseller or give us a call. We are always here to help. If you
are new to the Microsoft Dynamics community take a look at what you are missing.
Before no time you will be up and operational wondering how you lived without
<a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./how/for_manufacturers.php" target="_blank">Microsoft Dynamics.</a> <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4WYysgko3M" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" Vicinity & Dynamics GP with Excel Report Builder" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMfYZh14fnSdN3TLRbDWkpfvRc3mLYSort-34Jr9V5QEgwwevZGzxDaf0uwVjHhZI1cAD_GCtanG5ucTUpxvcmOEIig3N-tFoX0ldUi-76Mb6IG_LnVgANSRx-S0ye01T-MhnpamJIHhu/s1600/2015-02-05_9-26-50.png" height="187" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out this video featuring Vicinity software with Dynamics GP using Excel Report Builder.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_507567572"></span><span id="goog_507567573"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08147862378995714635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080712385132199996.post-45901582162479567782015-02-05T06:50:00.000-08:002015-02-20T13:31:58.236-08:00Business Intelligence for Beginners<h2>
Excel Pivot Tables</h2>
<h2>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihO47m-6LLGfqZJfi4kIsbAZnpKtlO0u2Kmto1oQZSQ2__JkL255u_FIa1TYscl992-lkqxSirhl3MfwVteKrKQPkmtKKW0zciypW3hMvmcLbfzvkPmUPm3l7knAN0S7UpyqM6zM8kt2Zn/s1600/intelligence-collective-jeux-video-games-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Vicinity Software" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihO47m-6LLGfqZJfi4kIsbAZnpKtlO0u2Kmto1oQZSQ2__JkL255u_FIa1TYscl992-lkqxSirhl3MfwVteKrKQPkmtKKW0zciypW3hMvmcLbfzvkPmUPm3l7knAN0S7UpyqM6zM8kt2Zn/s1600/intelligence-collective-jeux-video-games-2.jpg" height="218" title="Vicinity Manufacturing" width="320" /></a></div>
</h2>
<div>
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By utilizing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_intelligence" target="_blank">Business Intelligence </a>(BI), manufacturing
operations will have increased visibility, improved efficiency, and most
importantly the ability to turn data into actionable information.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So let’s begin by looking at your options for bringing BI
into your manufacturing organization.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The most basic way to begin with BI is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pivot_table" target="_blank">Excel Pivot Tables</a>.
This is a free tool that anyone with <a href="https://products.office.com/en-US/" target="_blank">Microsoft Office</a> already owns via Excel.
Pivot tables are one of Excel's most powerful features. A pivot table allows
you to extract the significance from a large, detailed data set.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Excel Pivot Table help manufacturers look at KPIs such as:</div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">What products are we getting the <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/production_control.php" target="_blank">best yield</a>?</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">What products are <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/finance.php" target="_blank">costing </a>me more or less than
it significantly should?</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">How much labor do I think I am consuming versus
actually consuming?</span></li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Manufacturers are looking at exceptions rather than static
pieces of data. Production by month, by formula over time is an example.
Trends and outliers can be identified easily.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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How can you access data that you did not key into Excel? You
can use a data connection to connect to a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_SQL_Server" target="_blank">Microsoft SQL</a> Server database
from a Microsoft Excel file. All you need are rights to read the database and
the tables within the database which you probably already have.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So while I don’t encourage using Excel as a replacement for
a database it is a terrific tool to analyze data you already own with a tool
you already use. If you need assistance in using Excel Pivot tables to
access <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">Vicinity software </a>or <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/default.aspx" target="_blank">Microsoft Dynamics </a>data don’t hesitate to reach out. Once you
have created your first data connection and pivot table you will truly see the
power in this starter BI tool.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here is a quick <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZhY3UKEHMs" target="_blank">video</a> example. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZhY3UKEHMs" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhC5a-4lNAy_6IxflXLYrrGGu8orD_c6tVCoBihBQnRmGtKzBJNW6-KRmzxVBcJz23Jpx3VRD3fdBXUKJGw65n39qGCIxCMxd97pauUYSwbye6L-rs1rMK_heCnWFlNLgKTDuTqVlP54SH/s1600/2015-02-05_9-26-50.png" height="187" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple BI with Vicinity and Excel Pivot Tables</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08147862378995714635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080712385132199996.post-29183877155110306902015-01-29T12:52:00.001-08:002015-01-29T12:52:01.978-08:00Improving Operational Efficiency: Part 4<h2>
Labor Resource Planning</h2>
<h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzQiUOZ0Lzb68KWOOX3ZQhOB1guZwYJqfJ0A_45zJwv-rGahcWdRLpHoRrpe0vloZ4TT3GX_-lt175aiBG17wBzfMMP_A5PbgoIbSWXf02JGH-lQNbovgZcemwkr1rYlA2ptWIL3UHB-k/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Vicinity Software" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzQiUOZ0Lzb68KWOOX3ZQhOB1guZwYJqfJ0A_45zJwv-rGahcWdRLpHoRrpe0vloZ4TT3GX_-lt175aiBG17wBzfMMP_A5PbgoIbSWXf02JGH-lQNbovgZcemwkr1rYlA2ptWIL3UHB-k/s1600/download.jpg" height="209" title="Vicinity Manufacturing" width="320" /></a></div>
</h2>
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Every organization is constrained by the resources available to them. Utilizing those resources effectively is a key to success. </div>
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Manufacturing is constrained by labor, raw material availability and equipment scheduling. The ability to optimize any one of these can make a big difference in helping your company’s bottom line. Labor is often overlooked in the planning process but a key element.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Gaining insight into how much labor is needed to complete a job, enables your scheduler to match labor resources to <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">production requirements</a> efficiently. </div>
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Key questions to monitoring labor include: </div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li>Do have enough people to complete a job in a timely manner? </li>
<li>What adjustments need to be made to avoid unnecessary overhead?</li>
<li>Can I extend, delay or consolidate work to avoid overtime?</li>
<li>Do I have any upcoming bottlenecks? Can I move jobs from high volume days to level the workload and avoid a conflict that could strain limited resources?</li>
<li>Can I reduce the cost of Training new workers?</li>
<li>Can I reduce the complications caused by over staffing a project, such as excessive layers of communication?</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">Vicinity</a> helps <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/" target="_blank">process manufacturers</a> get the most out of their labor resources. Vicinity records labor standards by formula. By setting a standard requirement <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">Vicinity</a> can calculate how many labor hours will be needed to execute the schedule and <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/production_planning.php" target="_blank">identify resource bottlenecks</a>. This allows the scheduler to match the labor force to meet production demand reducing surges and lulls in production time. Bringing the <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/production_planning.php" target="_blank">labor requirements </a>into the scheduling process will save your scheduler time and your company money with a very quick return.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08147862378995714635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080712385132199996.post-80794883736379505042015-01-27T11:14:00.000-08:002015-01-27T11:14:57.570-08:00Improving Operational Efficiency: Part 3 <h2>
Tracking Batch Yields </h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKn2AarsakfZd6hzBX86p4Av1rpVsWPfU0-UARaipJvvPftwwzWzwH_LvKQYlDqr8ZZmhrCLaLr8VjRtvDtadrOLPD97JRpUSW-oy3GVcI8rE2_L0I-fdFbsnXBwUYgF6iT8vwecrhO8g/s1600/coffee-cup-beans-toppled-two-sugar-cubes-wide-hd-wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKn2AarsakfZd6hzBX86p4Av1rpVsWPfU0-UARaipJvvPftwwzWzwH_LvKQYlDqr8ZZmhrCLaLr8VjRtvDtadrOLPD97JRpUSW-oy3GVcI8rE2_L0I-fdFbsnXBwUYgF6iT8vwecrhO8g/s1600/coffee-cup-beans-toppled-two-sugar-cubes-wide-hd-wallpaper.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
Measuring <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/production_control.php" target="_blank">yield loss</a> (input vs. output) is critical to improving operational efficiency
for formula-based manufacturers.<br />
<div>
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<o:p></o:p><br /></div>
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When process manufacturers calculate and review yield by batch or
formula the result is identification of below-normal yields. Once corrective action is taken the pattern is broken and profits increase.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Increasing batch yields by 1-2% can result in a significant reduction in
raw material cost and plant overhead. The results in overall production
efficiency and saves money.<br />
As manufacturers we spend a great deal of time analyzing our raw material costs but little time on batch yields. An increase of 1% yield can be equivalent to 5-10% or more reduction in raw material costs. So why would a company not monitor this powerful profit lever?</div>
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<i>How do I get started?</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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The process is quite simple.</div>
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<ul>
<li>Target a formula that has a significant volume. </li>
<li>Look at the
yields by batch for this formula over the pasts 6 months. Do you see a trend?
Do you see variation? If either is true you have found a potential target. </li>
<li>Spend a little time with <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/production_planning.php" target="_blank">production</a> and <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/r_and_d.php" target="_blank">R&D</a> to see if you can identify the source of the variation or change for that formula. </li>
<li>Watch the batch
carefully the next time it is produced. What is causing the change or
variation? The answer is probably staring you right in the face.</li>
<li>Are there other products that share the same characteristics and are of high volume? You have now found your next candidate.</li>
<li>Repeat this process for the top 10 selling products. </li>
</ul>
</div>
Before long your yields will increase and drive higher profits. All with very little marginal effort.<br />
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<br /></div>
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By utilizing and <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">ERP</a> solution such as <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">Vicinity software </a>with
<a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/default.aspx" target="_blank">Microsoft Dynamics</a> a manufacturer can easy track and manage yield loss.
Vicinity has a standard query that allows a user to view yields
by formula/batch for any period of time. This data can be viewed in <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">Vicinity</a> or
easily exported to Excel or statistical packages. Additionally,Vicinity has the
ability to notify key personnel when a batch is out of a tolerable yield range.
Corrective action can be taken immediately.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Using Vicinity, <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/production_control.php" target="_blank">batch yields </a> can be
reviewed by batch or formula through time. This lets <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">process manufacturers</a> identify those formulas requiring more raw material than anticipated to produce
finish goods. The savings in raw material costs alone is significant, and the
risk of missed shipments is reduced.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08147862378995714635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080712385132199996.post-40689332735166060792015-01-15T06:01:00.000-08:002015-01-15T09:55:35.561-08:00Improving Operational Efficiency: Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmFbt310Ezr3H78PNz7CsKv_nTtCiqGtGt69f2kubVVOLOsM2maWlREMjstd6Yufuqv6peMr9GfHNoRP9XEFxoYAcayLcsc81n4RsgfZUDSviwjcKGwtu3kcf_3kZcuRlI7bRcEWW6eWq/s1600/apples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmFbt310Ezr3H78PNz7CsKv_nTtCiqGtGt69f2kubVVOLOsM2maWlREMjstd6Yufuqv6peMr9GfHNoRP9XEFxoYAcayLcsc81n4RsgfZUDSviwjcKGwtu3kcf_3kZcuRlI7bRcEWW6eWq/s1600/apples.jpg" height="127" width="400" /></a></div>
<h2>
Scheduling by Formula</h2>
<h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</h2>
A common challenge for <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">process manufacturers </a>is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlMaaqNOL4w" target="_blank">production scheduling</a>. If only the production schedule could group products that use the same formula, manufacturers would gain efficiencies by creating longer runs.<br />
<br />
In batch manufacturing multiple finished products can be made from the same formula. A scheduler may make cookies that go in a 50 cookie tin verses a box of 100 cookies. Both products share the same formula but each have different packaging. The scheduler may have a requirement for tins this week and drums the following week.<br />
<br />
<i>What’s a scheduler to do?</i><br />
<br />
When a scheduler has visibility into finished good demand and can view the demand by common formula the scheduler is able to create larger batches by combining demand for multiple container sizes. Creating a larger batch size by <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/production_planning.php" target="_blank">scheduling production </a>by formula can increase operational efficiency. Scheduling by formula allows the production team to minimize clean ups and downtime. And machine downtime equals lower operational productivity.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlMaaqNOL4w" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="vicinity software" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbUP6RaGvmZZHZVMmAeh680r9ujDIMjbF3lLwO5Nrqg6hPA1aPSiugJOCnQ8dWTfyQTr5f7-5Y4N-PILW-CPSNxozLAj4UNusHea7OM7w9xiguCxeu8nW7T-tM4IJrj9J6_Wmrw47pgf4/s1600/planning+workbench.png" height="220" title="vicinity manufacturing" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the Vicinity planning workbench in action.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">Vicinity </a>brings to the table is the ability to see demand out into the future with forecasting and planning tools. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOOMc8bT_67K0P1Z-jQYGLA" target="_blank">Vicinity software </a>gives users the ability to group the production schedule by formula allowing the scheduler the ability to view the production schedule over time so that like items may be grouped together. Many items can be produced from the same batch ticket or production run, if they share the same formula. The result is improved production efficiency and profits.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08147862378995714635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080712385132199996.post-3369319745998844972015-01-08T08:19:00.000-08:002015-01-08T08:19:06.451-08:00Improving Operational Efficiency: Part 1 <h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyDd_6E_2k0u215DG_RWHUGfj3iBR1DyrbVtDl_f5gFxmv4fhMChpYBuOUFESMjXrJyBHRG0hNbzPqzxRHOHNHPhMr9pRFdwmeXsi85y49hoE7pMzRvMxu5IqATPhqtqqbErKYKnoZ2eH/s1600/tumblr_m5dg4xoyGW1qfg786o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyDd_6E_2k0u215DG_RWHUGfj3iBR1DyrbVtDl_f5gFxmv4fhMChpYBuOUFESMjXrJyBHRG0hNbzPqzxRHOHNHPhMr9pRFdwmeXsi85y49hoE7pMzRvMxu5IqATPhqtqqbErKYKnoZ2eH/s1600/tumblr_m5dg4xoyGW1qfg786o1_500.jpg" height="200" title="visual scheduling" width="165" /></a></div>
</h2>
<h2>
Utilizing visual scheduling to reduce machine downtime.</h2>
<div>
<div>
How well raw material flows through the factory has a direct impact on costs, inventory levels and</div>
<div>
reliability and responsiveness to your customers. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The good news is that you don't need a crystal ball to improve your operational efficiency. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
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Having the tools like <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">Vicinity software</a> to leverage production analytics to improve
<a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">operational effectiveness</a> by <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/production_planning.php" target="_blank">reducing machine downtime</a>, changeovers, and cleans
is critical.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Every company has limited production resources. Whether you run one, two or three shifts you have a finite amount of time to make your products.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What you do with your production time can directly affect profitability of your company. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Every minute that your facility is not converting materials to saleable product is lost time that will never be recaptured. Much like a plane – if it takes off with a seat empty it will never get that revenue back.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So how can you make sure you are running to your maximum capacity?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Envision seeing your schedule on a Gantt chart or an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQjyS3k5Qts" target="_blank">outlook calendar</a>. When you can visualize your production starting and stopping you can easily see the gaps in your schedule. If a machine is not scheduled it may be underutilized.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In today’s age there is no reason to wade through lengthy reports or lists of production batches. View it on a calendar and the down times will become obvious.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">Vicinity Manufacturing</a> we allow the user to display the <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/production_planning.php" target="_blank">production schedule </a>on a calendar familiar to most users. We use an office look and feel to view, filter and manage the calendar. Changing the production schedule is as easy as rescheduling an appointment.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQjyS3k5Qts" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcWhjkUaYCyttbPoA5oDlUDa8iffDZCbsJD1awMZVUWEpaeOjbg4F7uIG0ZShndtsx3yvDfFMAMmwhP_JGZYM6HLwGCEMzExIpR2WAsvH4-auTX_RjqBVsLHxfTmPyyw4xIGQU8e3nK6c/s1600/planning+calendar.png" height="228" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQjyS3k5Qts" target="_blank">Vicinity visual production calendar.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So take a look at how you are doing things today. Can your production schedule be viewed and edited in a calendar? You will be amazed at the insight you get.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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If you would like to discuss this further feel free to reach out to <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">Vicinity Manufacturing</a>. We are happy to help.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08147862378995714635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080712385132199996.post-5619956695928495312014-10-31T07:50:00.001-07:002015-01-08T11:36:59.924-08:00Best of Breed Software 101<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best of Breed Software</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">One of the
oldest debates in corporate IT is whether to adopt a single vendor application
suite or implement <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">best-of-breed packages</a>. CIOs and business users have argued
over the years about which approach delivers the ideal balance of user
features, time to value, cost management and business benefits.</span></span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
As defined by <a href="http://techopedia.com/">techopedia.com</a>, a best of breed system is "the best system in its referenced niche or category. Although it performs specialized functions better than an integrated system, this type of system is limited by its specialty area.” </blockquote>
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Never before has the case for best of breed applications been more compelling. Cloud computing has made it financially and operationally viable for a company to pick their industry’s best software solution for every business case. Companies no longer have to sacrifice functionality for the sake of integration. You can have your cake and eat it too. <br />
<br />
A great example of a successful best of breed software for a specialized area? <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/default.aspx" target="_blank">Microsoft Dynamics</a> CRM. It manages everything the sales team could possibly want, but isn’t designed to address other functions in a large business, like HR or operations.<br />
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Why choose of Best of Breed:<br />
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<h3>
<b>Diminishes software functionality gaps</b> </h3>
Best of breed ERP software vendors are passionate about their area of expertise, and the companies hire individuals with deep subject matter expertise fueled by this inherent passion. The result is full-featured software that covers the full range of necessary capability in the chosen functional areas. The depth of functionality allows customers who choose best of breed software to use the enhanced capabilities to provide a competitive edge and to ensure maximum efficiency.<br />
In contrast, when software companies spread their resources over the entire spectrum of business applications, including customer relationship management, human resources, financial applications, business analytics and <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/" target="_blank">manufacturing and supply chain planning</a>, one or more areas of the application often receives less focus than the others due to lack of expertise, interest or strategic focus. This frequently results in significant gaps in the provided functionality.<br />
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<h3>
<b>Works with the software investment you already have on-site. </b></h3>
Best of breed software developers know that you are not locked in to using whatever functionality they choose to provide. For this reason, they not only provide more and better functionality than integrated software vendors, but they also design the software in a way that makes it easy to integrate with other applications. This enables their customers to assemble a suite of applications that all work together and that provide the full spectrum of functionality and capabilities necessary to run a business, without settling for lesser solutions in some business areas.
Large enterprises may have the budget to upgrade or replace applications frequently whenever their requirements change, but business software represents a significant investment for SMBs. That’s why best of breed ERP software can be a better fit for small to midsize manufacturers, since it works with other business systems such as<a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/erp-gp-overview.aspx" target="_blank"> Microsoft Dynamics GP</a>, <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/erp-sl-overview.aspx" target="_blank">Microsoft Dynamics SL</a> and <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/erp-nav-overview.aspx" target="_blank">Microsoft Dynamics NAV</a>. With best of breed, your investment in existing applications is protected.<br />
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<h3>
<b>Costs less to get best of breed versus integrated</b> </h3>
You make a substantial investment in your business systems, and you deserve to get the most from every dollar of your investment. Best of breed applications provide more of the necessary functionality for every dollar you invest. Because the best of breed vendor focuses on a single area of the business, it directs all of its resources to ensuring that the functionality is as deep, flexible and efficient as it can be. The team’s expertise and experience in the target area, such as <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">Vicinity’s</a> focus on <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">process manufacturing</a>, ensures that the software reflects best practices without compromise.
Unfortunately, with integrated ERP you run into the need to customize the software to compensate for functional gaps and ineffective workarounds that take away your productivity. Maintaining customizations can be expensive, cumbersome and time consuming, especially because they often impact many cross-functional areas within the application.
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<h3>
<b>Updates are easier</b> </h3>
Software updates include new techniques and best practices, process improvements and support for the most recent regulatory requirements, so it’s vital that your company stays up to date with the newest requirements critical to your business. Updating a best of breed application can be simpler than updating an integrated ERP system; the update only affects a single area of your business, minimizing risk and disruption.
In contrast, integrated ERP systems usually require you to update the full suite all at the same time, putting every business process at risk and requiring substantially more resources and planning.<br />
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If your company is dynamic in nature and experiences changes in requirements as years go along, your company has limited development resources in house to address gaps in your system functionality and you embrace competition as a way to reduce cost and increase functionality then the best-of-breed might be a better model for you.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08147862378995714635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080712385132199996.post-46112231800947158032011-10-06T12:05:00.001-07:002015-01-08T11:37:11.014-08:00Evolution of Scheduling for the Process Manufacturer<div>
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<span xmlns="">From my perspective companies evolve into their manufacturing scheduling process as their business evolves. Attempting to implement a complex scheduling model when a company is beginning to automate their ERP is often a mistake. The key is to take a realistic view of what stage the company is in and grow from there.</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkmuH_6aGDwXuvCqfC6xioPwXdIQ5u2ThwZqewyKDERWIzSEFkkqOq3NohYqXVPwYBxedB4ppZoXLXQ43DeDlbL6IcwRdD72x_cbaqQu69xEb8hZ7TN29mvJWoG6jP4cWss35QjEd0MS1/s1600/ProductionScheduling.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkmuH_6aGDwXuvCqfC6xioPwXdIQ5u2ThwZqewyKDERWIzSEFkkqOq3NohYqXVPwYBxedB4ppZoXLXQ43DeDlbL6IcwRdD72x_cbaqQu69xEb8hZ7TN29mvJWoG6jP4cWss35QjEd0MS1/s320/ProductionScheduling.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660460851556303314" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a>Formula manufacturing companies often start fairly manually with a <strong>Minimum Stock</strong> model. When quantity on hand or expected quantity available falls below a certain level a batch ticket is requested. This works well for small manufactures with predictive sales. The key problem with this model is that there is no time sensitivity. A sales order for tomorrow is required as is the order for next week. All quantities are lumped into a single bucket and minimums are based on historical sales values.</span><br />
<span xmlns="">As the manufacturer grows they want to look out into the future and generate a <strong>Master Production Schedule</strong>. They will start to consider sales orders or sales trends (not just 100 units per month) in their calculations. They will consider over runs in production and shortages in planning future runs. This is a basic MRP design. The result is a list of items to be manufactured over time (not just right now). These companies schedule the floor manually and the production managers will be looking 1-2 days out and moving jobs around as they see fit. Visibility into the order in which jobs will be run is limited. </span><br />
<span xmlns="">Finally when the process manufacturer gets to <strong>Shop Floor Scheduling</strong> they are now concerned with capacities of machines and scheduling down time. They consider run times and setup/cleanup times in the schedule. The order in which products run becomes important. Grouping allergens together and Kosher products on specific days of week become significant scheduling challenges. The scheduler is often making these decisions in each of the previous stages but now it is documented so others can see the result. Feedback from the floor is now possible. If a job is running late the operators can record that in the schedule and corrective action can be taken.</span><br />
<span xmlns="">So basically there is no wrong answer to scheduling. You need to determine where you are in the life cycle and purchase accordingly. <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/erp.aspx">Microsoft Dynamics™</a> inventory functionality can handle the basics. <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/">Vicinity Manufacturing</a> steps in for MRP/Master Production Scheduling and <a href="http://planettogether.com/">Planet Together</a> finished out the scheduling with Shop Floor Scheduling.</span><br />
<span xmlns="">The take away here is to buy today what you need today with any eye to the future. Vicinity coupled with Microsoft Dynamics and Planet Together is a great way to invest in your company's future for any years to come.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08147862378995714635noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080712385132199996.post-5336217692620566242010-09-14T08:18:00.001-07:002015-01-08T11:37:19.658-08:00Reference Sites – The Final Interview<span xmlns=""></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7BNKRggNgWd2P0pYUJm9Y4hyVf3cEJnEt_KLtmdNRKL4K5b-aEMYu4u81yjMOIQz67ax1vK5A0H6uDCUUoXiDW9JpBdGLzeyHQ7Qaxq8zJUAJ16IzzHP4QFtrff5_vkKIqCW_y4hRNe3/s1600/reference-check.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7BNKRggNgWd2P0pYUJm9Y4hyVf3cEJnEt_KLtmdNRKL4K5b-aEMYu4u81yjMOIQz67ax1vK5A0H6uDCUUoXiDW9JpBdGLzeyHQ7Qaxq8zJUAJ16IzzHP4QFtrff5_vkKIqCW_y4hRNe3/s1600/reference-check.jpg" title="reference site" /></a></div>
<span xmlns="">When a company is selecting software one of the typical steps is to request a reference site to talk to or to visit. So what is this about and how can you make the most out of this exercise?</span><br />
<span xmlns="">First a reference site is not a tool to use to pick a vendor. It is a tool to learn more about how the vendor worked with one customer and how that customer feels at the end of the process. Also remember that this site is not being paid for this work – at least I have never paid one. They are doing this as a favor for the vendor and for you. So when you interact with them remember that fact.</span><br />
<span xmlns="">Here are some other helpful items to remember when preparing for a reference site call or visit.</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span xmlns="">Every implementation has its issues. The key is how the vendor dealt with the issue. A very fair question is to ask them to talk about a challenge they observed and how did the vendor address the challenge?</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Ask about the implementation team or person. Did they understand the business before they arrived or did they pick it up very quickly? How did the site's team work with the vendor's team? This will help you see the style of implementation. Some are directive and others are more oriented toward team approaches.</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Make the reference list the last step of the process. Don't expect a demo or to talk specifics about the product. Remember that the site has limited time. Focus on the relationship they had with the vendor and how easy is the vendor to work with.</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">If offered - go visit the site. Much can be learned about the vendor and the application by seeing how it works in the operations. That is difficult to get over the phone. It is often good to have the vendor with you so you can ask follow up questions that the vendor may need to clarify. This is a final interview so there should not be much left to hide. Take your time and get a good feel for the relationship. Just remember that there are a lot of reasons that a company does not allow visitors – many of those have nothing to do with the vendor (insurance as an example).</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">I would talk to a company that is still in the process of going live. Things are very fresh in their minds and they will be able to talk candidly about the experience. Just be careful that the vendor may be working on something and it is not done. Don't judge the application prior to live but you sure can judge the implementation prior to being live.</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Try to get a reference in a similar industry. The challenge here is that most sites will not talk to their competition. That is understandable. Work with your vendor to pick a company that you can relate to. It does not have to be identical but you should feel comfortable with their process enough to envision it similar to you own.</span></li>
</ol>
<span xmlns="">If you get that far with a vendor a reference site call or visit is just your way of finishing the process. If you are wanting to learn about the product in the call then you are not ready for the reference site. If you have not made up your mind prior to the reference site make sure not to put the customer in the position of helping you decide. Just think about how you would like a reference call to go 2 years from now. What would you be comfortable addressing? The odds are good that if you have done your homework and have selected a good vendor this will be you in a year or so. Enjoy.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08147862378995714635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080712385132199996.post-66953784095326209662010-09-13T13:27:00.001-07:002015-01-08T11:37:57.804-08:00Vendor part numbers – good idea or a bad plan?<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns="">It seems that every few months I am posed with a similar question from clients. They ask me about the impact of creating vendor specific part numbers in their inventory. It seems that they believe they would get more information about an inventory item if they set up each unique vendor/item combination as a different part number also some feel if they order the materials using the vendor part number then there will be less confusion for the vendor and quality data would be easier to track.</span><br />
<span xmlns="">My reply is pretty basic – don't do it. Here are some reasons.</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span xmlns="">Most ERP systems today support a Vendor/Item relationship. For those that do this they also provide a vendor part number, minimum order quantities and pricing associated with the vendor/item combination. When the PO is printed the Vendor part number is printed instead or in addition to the inventory number.</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">If you have vendor part numbers in your inventory then when you perform a physical inventory you will need to count each item separately. You will also want to segregate the inventory from each other to facility finding the right part number when it comes time to use the inventory.</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">When you consume the inventory you will need to specify which vendor item is being used. This requires more effort by the production folks and typically leads to less accuracy.</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Reporting becomes more difficult. To review usage of a material across vendor you would have to add values from multiple items. If these items are not in sequence then the task of reporting becomes much more difficult.</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Quality data should be tied to a LOT and not a vendor item number. You can still get the same quality data using a common inventory part number as long as you are lot tracking. The lot number will tie the receipt to an inventory item and also to the vendor.</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">When you create formulas you do not want to substitute vendor item numbers from batch to batch. This will cause much more work than is necessary with little to no return.</span></li>
</ol>
<span xmlns="">So in a nutshell – there may be some reasons that at the surface look like a good idea. But take my word for it. There are a number of ways to get you to the goal – adding vendors to the part number very rarely achieves the desired result.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08147862378995714635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080712385132199996.post-67867833490845814002010-08-28T06:55:00.001-07:002015-01-08T11:38:08.469-08:00Increase Profits by Reviewing Material Costs<span xmlns=""> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEItNWLzvgq6M3gYt9vDjiNMmP7Lahd82ga5Yur_1o5oQDIKflW0gC7tjIkCQA2u3npnEuI__UHdDkMvfs4vBo9cLUrZBTvNWd7PMK-IsvzFtaKxGkuKSUvlVZrVBV5IShYuJrmlGB6G7A/s1600/supply-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="vicinity software" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEItNWLzvgq6M3gYt9vDjiNMmP7Lahd82ga5Yur_1o5oQDIKflW0gC7tjIkCQA2u3npnEuI__UHdDkMvfs4vBo9cLUrZBTvNWd7PMK-IsvzFtaKxGkuKSUvlVZrVBV5IShYuJrmlGB6G7A/s1600/supply-11.jpg" height="183" title="vicinity manufacturing" width="320" /></a></div>
<span xmlns="">How would you like to add 5% directly to your bottom line? Here is one way without much effort.</span><br />
<span xmlns="">In changing economic conditions it is one thing to know your existing production costs it is another to anticipate changes before they happen. Far too few formula manufacturers have insight into upcoming production costs until it is too late. That is a bit like driving your car by looking in your rear view mirror.</span><br />
<span xmlns="">Imagine the scenario where you could monitor your current <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/finance.php" target="_blank">production costs</a> with an eye to changes coming in the future. What would you do with this information? Would you begin to look for alternative sources of materials? Would you work with R&D to identify replacement materials in your formulations? Would you brace your customers for a potential price increase? Any and all of these options are valid and each can add profits to your bottom line.</span><br />
<span xmlns="">So how can you do it? The key is in knowing what material costs are changing in the future as well as what effect these changes have on the production cost of the finished goods.</span><br />
<span xmlns="">The first part – knowing that material costs are changing – is the easier part of the challenge. If you can work with your vendors to get a better idea of when they anticipate price changes or if your material is traded on the commodities market you are most of the way there.</span><br />
<span xmlns="">Spend some time looking at your most used materials in production. Specifically target those with relatively high costs per unit. Price changes in these products will have the greatest impact on your production cost. Then review the price fluctuations over the past couple years of this ingredient. Finally talk to some providers in the market. What are they seeing with this ingredient? Without much effort you can identify the key ingredients to monitor and gain some insight into the anticipated cost changes in the future.</span><br />
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<table border="0" style="background: #ffffff; border-collapse: collapse;"><colgroup><col style="width: 645px;"></col></colgroup><tbody valign="top">
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<li><span style="color: black;">Identify ingredients (high volume/high cost</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;">Review price fluctuations over the past couple years (higher fluctuation is key)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;">Talk to suppliers in market about upcoming costs</span></li>
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<span xmlns="">Now that you have key items to monitor the next step is to calculate the affect these changes would have on your production costs.</span><br />
<span xmlns="">Identify all formulas in which these ingredients appear. This should be a pretty basic where-used function in your manufacturing system. Once you know these formulas replace the existing cost with the proposed cost. The result is your new production cost for this formula. How does this compare with the existing formulation cost? It is enough for you to absorb or do you need to take corrective action?</span><br />
<span xmlns="">Some <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com./challenges/" target="_blank">formula manufacturing </a>systems have functionality that will virtually automate the analysis step. The following screens are from <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">Vicinity Manufacturing's</a> Proposed Cost functionality</span><br />
<span xmlns="">The user is able to select components (ingredients) and manually enter proposed costs or alter the costs by a % of current costs. With this table in place the Cost Rollup functionality is used to identify the formulas affected and calculate the new cost as seen below.</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/blogimages/082810_1355_IncreasePro1.jpg" target="_blank"><img align="left" alt="" src="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/blogimages/082810_1355_IncreasePro1_Small.jpg" title="vicinity manufacturing" /> </a><br /><a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/blogimages/082810_1355_IncreasePro2.jpg" target="_blank"><br /><img alt="" src="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/blogimages/082810_1355_IncreasePro2_Small.jpg" title="vicinity software" /> </a></span><br />
<span xmlns="">Whether you use an automated tool such as the one provided by <a href="http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/" target="_blank">Vicinity software </a>or you do this manually with your existing system the results are the same. Find out what items impact the productoin costs, research and identify the proposed material cost and finally calculate the effect this change will have on your formulation costs.</span><br />
<span xmlns="">This knowledge will go a long way to provide corrective action that will increase profits without making significant changes to your production process.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08147862378995714635noreply@blogger.com0