Inventory Balances

If you are in the food industry you already know that one of the primary challenges is your inventory level.  You need enough supplies to satisfy customer demand, but not too much due to obvious reasons of expiration dates and potential spoilage. 

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions are designed to streamline operations and provide a central repository of information to effectively manage inventory processing.

A case study - VAI S2K Food: Hillcrest Foods, Inc.

Do you walk around and “look” at inventory to guess and gauge usage and need?

Many food distributors do just that.  They have been in business a long time and there is built in knowledge of customer and seasonal demand.  What moves, what does not and what to do with surpluses or not having sufficient supply and cost expense of expediting replacement inventory?

How does your organization handle recalls and FDA requirements (FDA Food Safety Modernization Act - FSMA)?  Do you have the ability to include all lot numbers on products and paperwork?  How much time and effort does it take you to process a recall?  What about the paperwork and certificates of origin?  Where are these documents found and how are they linked to your inventory?

If you are processing food inventory manually, then your ability to meet the FSMA requirements will be limited and expose your business to great risk and regulatory nightmare.

How efficiently do you process your distribution, truck loading and routing?  What tools does your ERP solution provide to ensure your customer needs are met?  How long does it take to train your workforce?  Is the equipment and process intuitive?  How many times during the day do they have to look up information and how much time does it take?

Handling inventory is a primary focus of food distributors as is financial processing.  You need to service your customers, yet also manage their credit usage on the Accounts Receivable (AR) side and expenditures via Accounts Payable (AP) on the vendor/supplier side.  The General Ledger (GL) ties all the various aspects of the financial reporting and forecasting together.

If these topics strike a nerve with your organization and you are curious if you are doing everything reasonably possible to empower your workforce and drive efficiency in your operations, then it is time to contact Dolvin Consulting.  We work with industry experts to help you look at and evaluate your organization from a fresh perspective.

We look forward to serving your needs.

ERP Help for Customer Service

Sales Force automation provides an Enterprise wide information solution that connects and integrates sales process with other business operations.

 

 Ideal for organizations that have questions or concerns with:

·         Their level of confidence on lead follow up?

·         Happy with their level of customer support?

·         Having the right information to sell your products?

 

Typical and necessary components of a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system include the ability for sales reps and management to track and record all customer transactions from start to finish and then follow through on them.  Periodic review of current leads, conversion of leads to prospects, and then prospects to customers.  Management of contacts and account opportunities by tracking every interaction with all accounts, logging calls, creating to-dos, follow-ups, and adding status notes.

 

Sales Force automation software helps to drives new business by helping your sales team make the most of their sales calls.  A solution that provides real-time access to customer, prospect, and inventory information to streamline the sales process, help you increase sales, and build stronger, long-lasting relationships.

 

Real time access to customer and product information anytime, anywhere.  Search products, check availability and pricing, related products and current promotions.  Enter quotes and orders, provide valuable customer feedback. 

 

Including an Analytics solution increases awareness of customer trends and needs which allows faster response to customer issues and opportunities.

 

It is all about your relationships and having a CRM and Analytics solution fully integrated with your Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution is the next generation solution and often missed component in delivering great customer service. 

 

There are many stand alone solutions and sometimes they make sense, but too often the cost of integration and missing links have untold inefficiencies that bog down operational efficiency.  Separate systems do not always have the ability to integrate product inquiries and order entry.  Separate systems often stop after the prospect becomes a customer.  What happens after the first sale?  Who or how takes over from that point?  Who manages the relationship then?

 

Empower your sales team with the tools they need to drive more business and make your customers happier.  Contact Dolvin Consulting today to see how integration of your operations will save you time and money.

Trends in Distribution Management

An overview interview of distribution management software trends in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions.  Five key areas that are a driving concern of any wholesale distributor, distributor or manufacturer are highlighted in this five minute video.

 

SupplyChainBrain Interview with Joe Scioscia

 

Interview highlights:

1.       Utilization of Sales Force Tools

o   More information is needed besides just contact management to maximize every sale at the point of customer contact.

o   Product information at the point of contact

o   Order status to provide customer feedback.

o   Customer account information readily available.

 

2.       Analytics

o   Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems can generate massive amounts of data. 

o   It can be a challenge to spot trends, anomalies or business issues within that data.

o   Present data in a more easily digestible format with charts, graphs and flagging data.

o   Creation of Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to make better and faster business decisions.

 

3.       Cloud Computing

o   Established already in some industries like payroll and Contact Relationship Management (CRM) and gaining traction in core distribution solutions.

o   Generally a better fit for companies with diverse locations without a need for a heavy Information Technology (IT) infrastructure.

o   Reduced IT management infrastructure.

 

4.       Warehouse Management Solutions (WMS)

o   Managing their biggest asset, Inventory.

o   Receiving, picking, shipping, and physical inventory benefits.

o   Cut costs, increase productivity and improve customer satisfaction.

o   Locate products more effectively, pick and ship items more rapidly, reduce errors, improve accuracy.

o   Benefits of automation.

 

5.       Top business requirements

o   Grow business.

o   Increase sales.

o   Reduce costs.

o   Sales force automation to increase effectiveness and maximize sales.

o   Warehouse management to reduce costs and increase accuracy and productivity.

o   Forecasting and purchasing applications to manage inventory levels to have the right products at the right time to satisfy their customers.

The consensus in the interview is not news for those involved in the distribution and supply chain.  How can these organizations optimize their inventory levels in order to provide great customer service and fulfill customer demand in a timely and responsive manner?

 

These challenges have not changed over time.  What has changed is the way processes can be automated to increase productivity and reduce costs.  New tools provide opportunities if implemented correctly with an ERP solution to fully integrate the organization. 

 

Whether the tools are in the cloud or on premise, what matters is having a system that fits the culture of the business and is actually utilized.  Typically a few modules at first and then more and more are implemented. 

 

The goal should be customer fulfillment and satisfaction. 

 

You get there by utilizing the resources available in the solution you have or are implementing.   That might include analytics or warehouse management and include automation tools like bar coding and scanning, count back inventory picking, shipment verification or physical changes like conveyors and robotics. 

 

Each organization has its needs and budget to address those needs.  What any building needs is a strong foundation that can support the future needs and growth of an organization. 

 

How is your organization utilizing its ERP solution to drive efficiency?  We would like to know.  Please share your thoughts here.

 

Dolvin Consulting works with manufacturers, distributors and specialty retailers to help them streamline their operations, reduce costs and increase operational efficiencies.  Contact us today to see how we can help you look at your organization with a fresh set of eyes.  Many opportunities for improvement are right in front of you and collectively they can be combined to achieve big savings.

 

Outstanding Customer Service and Support

“With truly automated operations and real-time access to critical data, we are now able to offer customers outstanding service and support that truly sets us apart from the competition.”  - Judith Madden, CFO Golden Light Equipment (GLE) and Heartland Auto-Chlor Systems LLC (HRT)

Benefits: Implementation Results
·         Fast, seamless integration.
·         Real-time accounts receivable control and inventory updates.
·         Reduced costs associated truck routing. 
·         Eliminated human error, manual processes and employee resources.

 

 

Read the full story by clicking here:

 

Goal: Streamlined Manufacturing Processes and Improved Inventory Management.

 

Many organizations depend on GLE for timely information and deliveries.  Business growth meant that the amount of information being collected and processed grew with the business.  Central management is critical to continued growth.  Their old system limited ability to efficiently and cost-effectively perform critical every day sales and service functions.  Service billing was a labor intensive process.

 

In addition, sales and service reps didn’t have a clear snapshot of what products customers were using, what they were already billed for and what they already paid.

 

Warning: These challenges are a recipe for unhappy customers, frustrated staff and lost profits.

 

The solution sought would need to automate and integrate all of its ERP processes and provide an accurate, real-time view and control of the organizations’ customer and inventory data.  Additionally ease-of-deployment and real-time data discovery became critical determining factors.

 

Business Results

Result:

After implementing VAI S2K remote access and service billing, the entire billing and invoicing process was completely automated, allowing GLE and HRT to significantly enhance the level of service and support they provide to customers.

Thought:

Automation is the key to efficiency and profitability.  Reduction in costs and high Return on Investment (ROI) are common benefits.

 

Result:

Leveraging mobile technology was a key factor in upgrading its service and support functions.  By arming Auto-Chlor’s service teams in the Amarillo, Lubbock, Wichita and Kansas City divisions with tablets and handhelds, technicians are now able to gain remote access to

Thought:

More and more operations are learning how to properly implement and take advantage of mobile technology.  It is not just a matter of saying “we can do that on a tablet, smart phone, etc”.  It is the ability to utilize the type of technology that enables efficient use of resources.

 

Result:

VAI S2K, providing real-time access to key business applications, and inventory and customer data.

Thought:
Real time should be the goal of any data collection.  Business management needs quick access to information that reflects the current state of operations and not days or weeks old information.

 

Result:

Furthermore, all of the data generated from Auto-Chlor’s service billing is sent directly back to GLE and HRT in real-time and is automatically updated in the main system that connects back to the handhelds. Invoicing is now done directly and automatically through the handhelds to eliminate thousands of dollars a year in postage costs and an inefficient paper process.

Thought:

Automation, reduction in paper work, less errors, reduced costs equals opportunities to increase profits.

 

Result:

“Not only was the implementation of VAI S2K seamless and quick, but its performance has been flawless as well. Since deploying, technicians are no longer burdened with customer service and billing issues, and we have been able to integrate all of our ERP systems so that we have one, accurate view of all our data,” said Madden.

Thought:

Seamless – Good.  Quick – Better.  Flawless performance – Great.  The results speak for themselves. 

 

Result:

The deployment of VAI S2K has been so successful for Auto-Chlor and its clients, that the company is looking to expand its use of S2K by investing in VAI’s retail and warehouse management systems (WMS) offerings to extend the value of innovative, streamlined and cost-effective processes.

Thought:

Leverage success in one area to justify continued growth with additional streamlined operations. 

 

Implementation Key Benefits

·         Rapid implementation.

·         Seamless integration of VAI S2K.

·         More efficient and up-to-the-minute inventory management.

·         Real-time accounts receivable control.

·         Transitioned from paper to electronic records/management.

·         Reduction of human error, manual processes and employee resources.

·         DOT sheets can be printed automatically based on truck loads.

·         Suggested truck loads can be obtained and altered in real-time.

·         Royalties and commissions generated automatically in the system after each sale.

 

Final Thoughts:

I am always happy to relate stories of companies that have taken the time to evaluate their processes and find ways to streamline their operations.  Automation is the only truly effective way to increase your businesses’ competitiveness in the marketplace.  Streamlining operations leads to lower costs and increased profits.  Those profits relate to high returns on investment. 

What is really nice to learn from this company’s experience is that they value their customers.  The results of their investment have gone to better customer service and fulfillment.  When companies get this concept and it becomes an integral part of their culture, then they are positioning themselves for the future. 

Nothing is more important than customer loyalty. 

 
Customer loyalty is earned by exceeding their expectations by making investments in your infrastructure to ensure accurate and available inventory, providing accurate information and feedback, and saying thank you.

What are you doing to help your customers compete effectively?

 
At Dolvin Consulting we believe that improvements in operational efficiencies are a worthwhile investment.  Let us help you see your business from a different vantage point.  We are here to help.  All you have to do is contact us for more information.

Thank you.

Is Your ERP Solution Smart?

While many organizations are utilizing the Internet more and more, many still hesitate on operating their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system from the Internet.  For some companies that are dispersed geographically the Internet is an ideal solution.  Single location companies have more concerns justifying this choice.  There are some clear advantages of a hosted solution, like not having to worry about infrastructure, ensuring an uninterruptible power source, cooling, environmental concerns and scalability.  On the other side chief concerns about security, access and ownership are at the top.

 

Many companies see the internet as the future of Enterprise Computing.  The question is not “if”, but “when”.  At some point in time the scale of risk/benefits inevitably swings to where it will make sense. 

 

One of the derivatives of Internet computing is the user interface, which is usually the Web Browser.  Providing a universally available application base, consistent user interface and a selection of customizations is a necessity of Internet computing.  On premise solutions benefit also from these enhancements as well, but the time pressure tends to be less critical and is a good method of transition.  Get users used to a newer interface and then it will be transparent where the actual computing takes place.   

 

Delivering software through a browser with a flexible web interface enables ERP users with a single sign on of all web applications which simplifies the user experience, increases productivity and minimizes training costs.  In addition, web based software provides mobile access enabling every user in the organization immediate anytime, anywhere computing. 

 

Utilizing new technologies enables ERP users to compete at a higher level and by leveraging the flexibly and mobility that the web provides they have unlimited growth potential.

The future of computing will certainly at one point in time or another will include a transition to the Internet.  How committed is your ERP solution provider to providing this transition for your business?  Immediate access from a single sign-on to fully integrated and accurate enterprise data, CRM, Analytics, and mobility access are immediate benefits.  Cost reductions and improved efficiency result from this type of implementation. 

 

Anytime, anywhere access is one of the most critical and fastest growing areas that businesses are focused.    Business intelligence dashboards provide quick top level navigation to activity that needs attention.

 

How well are you prepared for the future?  Are you using a smart system?  A system you tailor to your user’s needs?  A system then enables your organization to deliver superior customer service?

The future is waiting for you. 

At Dolvin Consulting we work with industry experts like VAI and IBM to deliver proven effective systems that streamline your computing operations to drive efficiency in your organization.  Contact us today to see how we can help you transition to the future.  We are here to help.

 

Complete ERP Solution

What are people saying about your Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution?  Does it improve your bottom line results by leveraging the latest technologies?  Can it run on-site (on premise) or in the Cloud to meet your needs?  Is it an all-in-one solution?  After all is that not what an “Enterprise” solution is supposed to do?  Do your people have anytime anywhere access to the information they need to make intelligent decisions and to get their work done?

 

Does innovation in your ERP solution accelerate your results?

 

 

Video quotes and thoughts:

·         I am a better manager with my employees.  I can clearly see what they are doing.  I never have to wonder if they are working.

o   Productivity improved.  More accurate and on time shipments to your customers.

·         Efficiencies have gone up 47%.

o   This is a key component on making a decision to implement or switch an ERP solution.  To drive efficiencies.  Increased efficiency means lower costs and better profits.  What are they doing with that increase in efficiency?

·         My team is better prepared.

o   Success lives in the details.  The better prepared your team is, the better they are able to handle customer challenges and provide great customer service.

·         Everything went off without a hitch.

o   Great planning and experience from the solution provider which took the time to understand the challenges and impact the solution could bring to make the transition as painless as possible.  Does your ERP provider care about you?

·         Very good forecasting package.

o   Better planning means better operation.  Being able to plan well helps to drive efficiencies.  Having the information and knowing what to do with it is key.  Do you think that a better forecast would lead to better on hand inventory and better customer service?

·         Increase sales volume.

o   Whatever your particular threshold, doing more sales means you are likely running more efficiently and you are delivering great customer service.  There is some reason why the customer are purchasing more.

·         Nothing compares to the Power Systems reliability.

o   Concentrate on your business and customers, not the system it is running on.  One really important consideration about the equipment your solution runs on.  More time for customer service!

·         We were guaranteed speed and uptime.

o   You cannot keep your customers happy, market your product, or compete effectively, if the system you are relying on does not work.  A fast system is nice, but worthless if it is not up and running.  There is a big difference between up and available.  Which do you think your customers prefer?

·         Likes the process as it helps to develop corporate relationships.

o   Of course, people do business with people they like, first and foremost.  That is why a system with integrated functions helps to develop and nurture relationships.  Those relationships lead to more business and happier customers.

·         Flexible ad-hoc reporting. 

o   Built in reports are a nice asset.  Many times ERP systems either have too much or too little information or the information is there, but not in a way that is easily digested.   The ability to see “what-if” and the ability to put that power in the hands of end users is empowering.  What higher level of customer service could you achieve with the right information at your finger tips.

·         The Warehouse Management System (WMS) enables to us to know exactly where every case is located and how many we have.

o   Inventory accuracy is a key component in any system.  Finding the inventory is really important.  On time, accurate shipments, replenishment ordering, labor efficiency are just a few benefits.  From a customer perspective – did I receive what I ordered when it was promised?

·         We are informed about our customers.

o   How do you feel when you purchase and the supplier knows who you are, what you purchased in the past, your buying habits, your budget, what you like and what you do not?  Do you feel special?  Do you feel that they care?  What did they just do to keep you as a happy customer?  Would you want your customers to feel that way about you?

·         Multiplatform coexistence.

o   All in one systems are a great asset and help to drive efficiency, however, there are many legitimate reasons that organizations may have a need for more than one system.  When those systems work together, then you can concentrate your time and budget on what matters most (customers).

·         Our service level is second to none.

o   On time, accurate production and delivery.  Sufficient, but not excessive inventory levels.  Reduced overhead, better planning.  Who benefits?

·         Saturday cashier levels dropped from 4-5 to 2 or 3 people.

o   Reduce labor costs, more efficiency, quicker customer checkout.  Redeployed labor to areas in greater need.  Win-win.

·         We stopped having to look else ware.

o   The solution does what it says it will.  Our ERP supplier not only promised, but delivered.  Our operations are better.  Our customers are happier.  We are happier.  Finally.  A supplier that treats its customers how they like to treat their customers.

 

Any solution should not only drive efficiency to lower costs, but should have the net effect of delivering the best possible customer service possible.  No one has an unlimited budget.  So Return on Investment (ROI) is important.  Any organization that invests in itself wants to feel comfortable that they made wise decisions. 

 

How your ERP solution provider treats you is an indicator of how you treat or would like to treat your customers.  How well do you stack up?  How happy are your customers?  When was the last time you asked them?  Have any given you a referral (with or without you asking for one)?

 

Each time I watch this video I see and hear another aspect of this particular ERP solution and I look to see how that highlighted feature, module or solution better enables that company to serve their customers.   Take three minutes now and go watch it again: http://youtu.be/z6FGBQW0mQA

 

 

What would the net effect of an investment like this one have on internal operations and personnel?  Will it enable them to achieve better levels of service to their organization and their customers?

 

At Dolvin Consulting we like solutions that achieve the same high level of standards to which we hold ourselves.  Contact us today to see how we can help you help your customers.

 

 

Trial and Error

I have discussed Berk Enterprise in the past.  Still a great company as far as I know and I hope they continue to be successful.  What I find interesting is what points stand out when I take another look at their video.  Each time I see something new.

 

 

There are a number of really good points made in their video.  The point(s) that stick are most likely indicators of areas in your organization that could use improvement.  Or areas where you wish you had more comfort.  We tend to focus on our biggest concerns.  And for a good reason.  What do you see and hear? 

 

After thinking about some recent conversations I have had with some prospects and associates lately, this video highlights a consistent theme that I see either lacking or celebrated.  The relationship between the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution provider and the business is really critical. 

 

If budget were not an issue a lot companies would make changes in what they were using and who they worked with.  Most businesses at least want to know that they are doing the best they can with the available resources at their disposal. 

 

 

Would a new system drive enough efficiency to pay for itself?

Who do you trust?  Does a proven track record matter?  Does the size of the organization providing support matter?  Are they one or two people sitting in a garage?  Are they thousands of employees spread over the globe?  Are they regional and sized big enough to maintain what they have created and develop new modules to meet the changing demands of your industry, yet small enough to take the time to talk with you?  Will they (how will they) help you stay competitive?

 

Do you have the feeling that you are being left behind?  Have you so modified your systems in an effort to keep up with demand that it takes too many people to keep everything tied together and working?  Are you spending your time on business operations or running your business?  Does your system provide the information you need, in the time frame you need it, to make intelligent decisions?

 

Do you think it would be wise to ask advice before planting a new tree in your yard?  After all, it might help to know what others have experienced.  How tall and wide will it get, does it require a lot of water, does it need special soil, will it tolerate the seasonal weather change, will it drop leaves, berries, or other debris?  Perhaps there is a reason why that nursery has experts to ask questions and give advice.

 

A trusted advisor can help span the gap between your organization and an ERP solution provider.  

Would having all of your separate operations consolidated in a single system help to drive efficiency?  Would being able to get as much or more information out of your system than you put in it be reason to consider making a change?  Better information, better forecasting, better planning.  Insight. 

 

There is a saying that the teacher appears when the student is ready. 

 

How well would you rate your company’s relationship with your ERP solution provider?  Are they investing in your future?  Do they care?  Are they sincere?  How well do they communicate with your people?  Do they follow through?

 

Do they listen?

 

At Dolvin Consulting, we work with you to understand your challenges, what keeps you up at night.  We work with your team to improve the efficiency of your operations with the goal of reducing your costs and increasing profits.  Contact us today to see how we can help.  We do care.  We will listen.  No false promises, just conversation.