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Articles and news on building an AI-assisted, connected manufacturing and print operation.

Connected WorkerAugust 30, 2019

Understanding Manufacturing Challenges

In late 2018, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program* commemorated its 30th anniversary by taking a step back to look at the beginnings, the reasons the Program came to be, and how MEP can continue to deliver on its mission to strengthen and empower U.S. manufacturers well into the future. And this fiscal year marks the 10th year clients were asked about the manufacturing challenges they are facing as part of the NIST MEP Client Survey.

Inventory ManagementAugust 30, 2019

Manufacturing Innovation: Top 5 Reasons to attend FABTECH

My first trip to Chicago and to North America's largest convention center (McCormick Place) and to FABTECH, or any industrial trade show for that matter, did not disappoint. I helped manage my company's expo booth. Billed as North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event, I got to hear about and discuss real business problems — and their solutions — from the perspective of the manufacturer.

ERPAugust 30, 2019

The Holy Grail of Accounting Systems: Pristine General Ledger

I've worked with several accountants over the years and one thing I've noticed about them is that they generally like things neat and orderly. Unfortunately the real world is often messy and chaotic. Transactions get entered for the wrong accounts, quantities or dates, which leads to reversal transactions, then yet another set of corrected transactions. Even with a flawless transaction record a company of even a moderate size can end up with thousands of general ledger (G/L) entries that make finding the source transaction of any questionable trial balance number like looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack.

Inventory ManagementAugust 30, 2019

Hungry for Food Industry Growth

In the food industry, not just any business management software will do. Manufacturing challenges of food manufacturers are most apparent in their unique regulatory and operational needs, requiring sophisticated, flexible, cost-effective software solutions.

ERPAugust 30, 2019

Technology Advice: The Future of ERP and IoT

The Internet of Things (IoT) is radically changing the world as we know it — and ERP systems are no exception. In the manufacturing industry, ERP systems already work in sync with the cloud and other technological advances. However, implementation of IoT can truly change the game for many companies. So, what does the future look like for ERP and IoT?

ERPAugust 30, 2019

Target Marketing in the Manufacturing Industry

Business development in the manufacturing industry is changing rapidly. It's harder for small to mid-sized manufacturers to compete with larger ones on cost, recognition, and range of capabilities. The constant push to vendor consolidation heightens market pressure. It’s not the family business or the “old-boys” network it used to be. That’s why the services of smaller manufacturers are increasingly targeted to precise verticals. Similar runs and reduced set-up time produces efficiencies and increases quality, thus distancing the manufacturer from low-price quotes. The predictability widens the margin in client-coveted prototyping, decreasing the cost of on-boarding new customers.

ERPAugust 30, 2019

Recommendations and reviews — Top-rated MRP

Material Requirements Planning (MRP) software manages the material requirements for manufacturing processes. From planning manufacturing activities to purchasing and sales, MRP software aids the process from beginning to end. Common MRP functions include bills of material, compliance management, document management, forecasting, formula management, process manufacturing, product configurator, quality control, quote management, resource management, supplier management and supply chain management.

ERPAugust 30, 2019

Manufacturing Sales: One Manufacturer’s Marketing Journey

This is the story of the marketing journey of the Briscoe Manufacturing Company. Walt’s iPhone alarm rang at 5:45am as it always did, but he was already awake. And even though he was wide awake, he wanted to stay in bed. He didn’t want to go to work. Again.

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