Want to Look More Professional? Turn Off Your Phone

Want to Look More Professional? Turn Off Your Phone David Finkel, Inc. Do you ever feel your business might suffer if you aren’t accessible to your employees and on top of emails from them? Of course at one time or another you need to be available, but ideally you want your team to have the authority to accomplish tasks without running them past you. Learn some valuable tips to ensure your resources are focused on what matters most.     read more

Improved Efficiencies with Business Intelligence and Enterprise Resource Planning

The need to drive efficiency in the enterprise has never been greater.  Reduce costs, improve efficiencies, and sell more.  The road to recovery and a solid balance sheet depends on timely decisions based on facts.  Business Intelligence takes over where the canned reports in your ERP system leave off.  Dashboards with drill down capability allow management quick access to critical information.

Focus Research has posted a report from the Aberdeen Group that takes the reader on an analysis of Business Intelligence and how that information can build on top of Enterprise Databases.

Prompted by volatile markets and a troubled economy, the need to reduce costs is the top business driver impacting Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) strategies.  Combine this need with the ever-increasing need for transparency to both public and privately held companies and the marriage of ERP with Business Intelligence (BI) becomes the perfect storm, igniting improved performance and visibility.  This report serves as a benchmark to those companies seeking these results.

Business decision-makers sit on massive amounts of operational data. Unfortunately an ERP system alone is not the tool to bring order to the chaos. Consider how you can improve business performance and enhance the visibility into your organization by adding a BI module to your ERP system. Hand-picked by Focus editors, this complimentary white paper will help make all that data meaningful:

The ERP/BI Connection: Adding Value through Actionable Intelligence

This report provides:

·         A benchmarking study of Best-in-Class companies that have implemented BI.

·         Insight into the impact of integrating a BI module with an ERP system.

·         Specific recommendations on how your organization can achieve Best-in-Class results.

Overwhelmed with data you're not using effectively? Looking for ways to get the most out of your ERP system? Business Intelligence might be the answer for your business.

Dolvin works with industry experts to bring solutions to your business.  Contact us today for an evaluation of your needs.

The 2011 Focus Experts' Guide to Business Intelligence

"The reason that BI is fundamentally about data analysis and experience has shown that those who quickly understand their customers, their prospects and their performance then take actions accordingly have a big ongoing advantage in follow-on revenues, spend efficiency and effectiveness and flexibility over those who don’t."

The Focus Experts' Guide to Business Intelligence explains:

• BI solutions, their features and the market in 2011
• Key solution, cost and vendor considerations
• Our recommended BI solutions for different buyer types

 

Business Intelligence (BI) software has gone from an afterthought to a driver of competitive advantage for both large enterprises and midsize firms. It should be among the top few applications that help run your business, but not all BI solutions fit every situation -- and they are often pricey.

Figure out what stage of BI "maturity" you are in and then what features you need and what vendor choices you have at that stage. If you need to pick the right BI vendor and solution, this Experts' Guide is a must-read!

After reading this guide contact Dolvin to see how we can help you decide which, if any, solution is right for you at this point in time.  We are happy to help you navigate the complicated waters of business intellegence.

What is ERP?

What is ERP?

Michael Dortch has written a succinct article on Focus Research’s web site about exactly what an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution used to be considered for Manufacturing companies and how that has evolved to serve organizations of all types today.

“Enterprise” is really the key word as Michael points out.  A central repository of shared information to enable faster decision making with the right information at the right time. 

Management needs current information at their fingertips in order to respond to their dynamic markets.  Production control needs real-time information to manage the shop floor.  Sales managers need timely information to direct their sales force.

As mentioned in the article ERP selection can be a daunting task.  We encourage you to read the article and then contact us to see how we can help you filter the volume of information available.  Dolvin is here to help.

Focus Experts’ Briefing: Supply Chain Management Overview

Using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for Maximum Competitive Advantage.

In an increasingly competitive market, smarter businesses thrive. This comes from real-time visibility into all aspects of your supply chain and the ability to quickly analyze this data. A well thought out ERP integration can make this a reality. Focus' Supply Chain Management (SCM)/ERP Research Package provides a wealth of information from ERP and SCM experts so you're prepared to evaluate solutions.

Now more than ever, businesses need to run efficiently. Supply chain management (SCM) can provide real-time visibility into your supply chain so you can manage — and optimize — day-to-day operational performance. But how does a business get started with SCM, and how does one find the right application? What skills should a supply chain manager have? Where do supply chain analytics fit into a supply chain management solution? This Experts’ Briefing leverages the expertise and experience of Focus Experts and Focus Community members, whose guidance can give you a better understanding of the practical aspects of SCM, from selecting an appropriate SCM solution to gaining insight into supply chain analytics.

This guide is a great starting point.  Figure out what you do not know and then contact Dolvin to see how we can use our knowledge and industry partnerships to connect you with the resources you need to achieve your goals.

We welcome your comments and suggestions.

ERP: Uniting Manufacturing and Inventory in Lean Times

ERP: Uniting Manufacturing and Inventory in Lean Times

Tough times call for greater efficiencies. But is ERP your best weapon to achieve leaner production and inventory? 

How do Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions deliver production efficiencies?  How will a smart ERP system improve the entire organization?  Which ERP solutions play well with manufacturers?

Find success with the right ERP solution that will grow with your company.  This Focus research paper highlights how aligning manufacturing and inventory processes is one of the most critical components of any ERP system.

Real-time data regarding inventory information and production process is the key. Cost reductions, detailed information, improved decision making, stock reduction, waste elimination, and accelerated production cycles are all features of a comprehensive ERP solution.

Finding the right solution that addresses your challenges and business culture is a process, not an event.  This is where Dolvin Consulting works with you to understand your needs.  Please take a moment to reach out to us so we can help you find the right solution by clicking here.

What Do IMF, Citigroup, And Sony Hacks Share?

What Do IMF, Citigroup, And Sony Hacks Share?

Information Week recently posted an article on security breaches (click link above).  They highlight some of the more recent breaches and then note that the number of hacking attacks is rising.  The good news is that organizations are confirming the breaches.  A sign that they have a working Written Information Security Plan (WISP).  The bad news is that the number of attacks is already high, we are just becoming more aware of the facts.  Even worse, how many companies have and will be violated and not know it.  There can be a long delay between when a breach occurs and that fact is realized.

Nothing is safe.  You cannot build the perfect mouse trap.  A WISP plan is a must.  It enables a company to be proactive and have a practiced plan to implement when the worst happens.  Just like fire drills in school.  Practice, practice, practice, build confidence and when that event happens, you are rehearsed and ready to resolve the issue, not just react to it.  The public eye will be watching you.

The biggest asset at risk is the company’s reputation.  It can take years to win back the confidence lost in a moment.

The article makes a good point that companies have been busy addressing the regulatory issues and compliance related to those regulations.  Too busy to focus on a multi-tier solution in which all data is encrypted, all processes are reviewed and singularly most important, the employee, or should I say, the human element is addressed.

Andrew Baker from Focus makes good points about this article as well in his blog post “Security short-sightedness is catching up to many organizations”.  Andrew states: “Years of short-sightedness has led many organizations to this place.”  His comments are worth the read.  Bare minimum compliance, security departments seen as a burden rather than asset, and the all important public relations fallout from a breach.

The only real cure is to remove the value of having the information.  Attach no value to having it and you reduce the attractiveness of stealing it.  In the mean time a working WISP plan is the best route to take.  An ounce of prevention is definitely worth the pound of cure.

Dolvin Consulting has teamed up with Cyber Security Auditors and Administrators (CSA2) to provide a comprehensive and complete solution to these threats.  Cyber, Information Technology, Legal, Insurance, Forensic and Human Resource expertise packaged as your solution or to assist your staff.

Click here for Dolvin’s contact information.  We are here to help.

Learn the 7 best practices for making Just-In-Time (JIT) manufacturing work.

Learn the 7 best practices for making Just-In-Time (JIT) Manufacturing work.

Focus Research has published a short white paper on the seven best practices for making Just-In-Time (JIT) manufacturing work.  The article highlights the following seven points:

 

Best Practices Checklist

1.       Delegate responsibility to employees on the floor.

2.       Ensure that line employees are properly trained.

3.       Information systems must give employees a holistic view of operations.

4.       A flexible work force and flexible machines are both important to achieving JIT production.

5.       Visual controls are an important element to managing JIT production.

6.       Accountability and governance are key.

7.       Stability in production operations is a requirement.

When you review this list do you see the important underlying message? What appears most is the need for leadership.  A true leader empowers those that he serves and delegates the responsibility and holds those people accountable.  Notice again that a true leader serves others, not the reverse that so many people incorrectly assume is the role of leadership.  That would be a dictatorship and history has proven that only works for a short period of time.

Dolvin Consulting works with its partners, VAI and IBM to build the resources that real leaders can utilize to empower their workers.  Click here for Dolvin’s contact information.  We are here to help.

Five Critical Points for ERP Success

Focus Research has produced a two page quick read five point overview of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation failures. 

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) has been around for over 30 years but it is one of the least understood areas of enterprise software. ERP implementation failures are common but they can be avoided. This brief offers you the five key tips for a successful ERP implementation.

You'll learn:

• The business value of ERP
• How ERP can drive operational change
• How to find an ERP solution that fits your unique business situation

Read the full document here.


Highlights:

1. ERP is about business value.  It is a business investment, not a technology one.
2. Business fit.  How will it actually make you more efficient.
3. Transformation.  Change is the hardest thing to do.  Will the benefits be worth it?
4. Change Management.  Today success depends more on training and education.
5. Sponsorship.  ERP is for the Enterprise.  You need consensus at all levels

Conclusion:

As the article points out, no short list can describe all the factors required to implement an ERP system successfully.  Consultants can help your implementation, but you are ultimately responsible for its success or failure.

We at Dolvin Consulting are here to help.  Contact us here.

Best Practices for Selecting ERP Software

Best Practices for Selecting ERP Software.  ERP solutions are, by nature, large and complex. How do you select the solution best-suited to your firm?

Focus Research has posted a six point best practice for selecting Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions.

Best Practices Checklist

These are all good points.  I would think that if you do not have #1 down, then the rest are going to be very difficult to manage with the possible exception of #5.  This is where Dolvin works as your trusted advisor to first and foremost determine if there is a good fit between your challenges and the available solutions.

Dolvin partners with VAI and IBM to bring growth oriented solutions to your challenges.  Contact us for more information.  Browse our success stories on-line.

Know your requirements.

Make sure vendor competencies match your requirements.

Check vendors’ training and support resources.

Treat your ERP project as a change-management project.

Enlist the aid of consultants.

Don’t skimp when allocating resources.

Focus Brief: Lessons from ERP Implementation Failures

Focus Brief: Lessons from ERP Implementation Failures

This brief from FOCUS is more in depth than most, but is worth the read as it touches on many aspects of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software that should be considered for successful implementation.

Details, details, details.  Is the software a good fit?  Do you have realistic expectations?  Have you have support from all levels of your organization?  Do you need to modify the software or your business?  Do you have support for a successful implementation?

Can you answer the above questions with confidence?  If not, it is never too late to bring in an expert to help you get the answers you need.  What most companies need, but lack, is an objective observer or trusted advisor for their business.  This is our "focus" at Dolvin Consulting.  No sales hype, just questions and answers to make sure you have a good fit between your challenges and the right solution.

We invite you to read Focus' article, then contact us for a review.  We will give you an honest opinion.

The 5 Critical Points for ERP Success

The 5 Critical Points for ERP Success

To the point.  This two page article from Focus highlights the importance of doing an in depth analysis of any Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation project.  ERP solutions encompass all departments in an organization, so concensus is critical.

What is it you hope to achieve from implementing a system?  Business value, not just a technical investment. Is this solution a good fit for our organization?  Do you mold your business to the software or software to the business? 

Change is one of the most difficult things to do as an individual, now multiple that by a large number and you can understand the scope of change needed for an organization to manage.  As bad as it may be, it is often preferrable to trying to upgrade an older existing system.  Sometimes it is better to start fresh where everything is designed to work with each other.

Success will depend a lot on training and documentation.  Training makes sense for anything new, but documentation is a critical business process to complete on your existing system as well as new.  How will you know if the new system can process your workload, if you do not know what you do now.

Top management needs to be involved.  Leadership starts at the top and everyone inevitably gets some level of frustration during an ERP analysis and implementation.  With today's economy how many of us are already time constrained from doing multiple jobs for the same compensation.  Leaders, lead.  Get involved, make sure everyone knows your vision of the future and how this project will streamline operations and make life more manageable.

To build success, expierenced consultants like Dolvin Consulting, can use their knowledge and industry contacts to manage the technical challenges and guide you in discussion to gain support for change.  Remember that you are ultimately responsible for the success or failure of any project and if your ERP project is too large or complicated, then it is best to reevaluate.


Click here to see Dolvin's contact information and to find out how we can help you achieve your goals.

7 Signs That Your Company Is Ready for an ERP Solution

7 Signs That Your Company Is Ready for an ERP Solution

Focus has created a quick list to review when considering an ERP solution.  Click on the link above for the PDF version of this information.

Dolvin helps companies identify and review their challenges.  We do not sell anything.  Our mission is to connect those with needs with the proper solution.  If we cannot do that we do our best to create a referral to someone who can.


Because of the benefits that ERP can bring, and the long period during which those benefits may manifest themselves, ERP implementation is always a strategic investment for an organization. Increased productivity, reduced operating expenses, improved information flow and enhanced performance management are some of the benefits that an organization can realize by implementing an appropriate ERP solution. On the other hand, huge unanticipated costs, enormous opportunity costs due to extended project time lines, and minimal ROI are some of the tribulations that an organization can get into without informed selection and well-planned implementation. Thus, the first and foremost thing is to identify whether your organization needs an ERP solution at all. We have listed below some of the business conditions that can help you make the decision. If an organization is experiencing one or more of the following business conditions, it is time to seriously consider implementing an ERP solution or replacing the current one:
 1. Fast and uncontrolled growth:

2. Lack of sufficient and accurate information on your company’s performance:

3. Consistent mismatch between inventories and production management:

4. Duplication of effort:

5. The right information is not accessible at the right time:

6. Little or no ability to forecast and plan:

7. Your current system is becoming obsolete:


Focus Research ©2009The existing enterprise system in your organization is no longer efficiently supporting your day-to-day processes and is negatively impacting the organization’s growth.Your organization’s strategic and planning division is not equipped to forecast and often relies on conventional methods for future projections.You are not able to access accurate data on stock in inventory, month-end sales figures, orders in transit and other required information on time.The finance and HR departments store and maintain employee details separately. Similar other instances of duplication exist in your company.There is a lack of coordination between sales order processing and inventory management in your organization. You are facing problems in capturing exact figures or are receiving mismatched data on your company’s performance indicators. Is your organization growing at a very fast pace? Your organization has recently opened multiple operational units/offices in multiple locations. There is significant increase in volumes of production, processes, and work force.

Manufacturing Resource Planning: The Players

Manufacturing Resource Planning: The Players
MRP Vendor Landscape & 2011 Experts' ERP Guide

FOCUS has updated their reports for Manufacturers.  I cannot say that these are the definitive guides for all enterprises, but any organization that is frustrated and/or looking to make changes in their technology should take the time to look at readily available resources to help determine the right solution to their needs.  Even if the "advertised" solution is not correct for them, they may be able to generate new questions for their proposed suppliers based on the information found.

Below is an exerpt from a recent newsletter offering no-cost guides:

Evaluate the Right ERP Solutions for Manufacturers with these FREE Guides

As a manufacturer assessing ERP solutions, it's critical to consider solutions specifically built for manufacturing applications. This FREE MRP Vendor Landscape gets you started with the players to consider and industries they serve.
Bonus: We've also included the 2011 Focus Experts' Guide to Enterprise Resource Planning to cover all stages of the buying process. From understanding the market and assessing your needs to choosing a vendor, this guide has you covered.
Download these FREE guides to:

• Survey the top MRP products
• Assess your business needs
• Choose an appropriate MRP solutions