500R2 (the Next Generation of Sage 500) Offers Customized Grids

In case you didn't read my last post, 500R2 is the next generation of Sage 500 ERP software, which brings a Microsoft .Net framework and sets the platform for the next technology upgrade.   As promised, here is another small glimpse at the new 500R2.  EVS is also the developer of O2 Process Manufacturing ERP software that completely integrates with Sage 500.  This means that even their O2 Food ERP software and other process manufacturing software systems will also be making the move to .Net and will benefit from the technology upgrade.

500R2 offers you the opportunity to customize the format of EVERY grid in the system, right from the grid itself.  As you can see from this screen shot, you have the several options available to make the grid your very own.

Let's face it, everyone would love to have the option to customize their screens, but in the past, this option wasn't offered.  Now, you can design your grid to highlight the information that is important to YOU, the end user.

For more information on 500R2, check back here over the next couple of weeks leading up the the official reveal taking place at Sage Summit 2012.  Then, we'll have a full web page and brochure available for more details at www.evs-sw.com.  You can also find more information on our food manufacturing software system and other process manufacturing ERP software systems there too.

Food ERP Software & Food Safety Management

Food recalls are, unfortunately, part of the food and beverage manufacturing industry.  Even when you are in compliance and take safety measure seriously, there are many variables from within your supply chain that can affect your products safety.  While you may not be able to control others in your supply chain, you can take steps internally to protect yourself and prepare as much as possible.

In a recent article on FoodManufacturing.com, they mentioned two important areas that manufacturers should utilize for creating a strong food safety system.  The first was technology, and specifically ERP software systems.  EVS has developed O2 Food ERP software, which has specific features that are important to food and beverage manufacturers.  These features include HACCP management, cradle-to-grave lot tracking and performs lot recalls with ease.  There are so many benefits provided by a food and beverage ERP software system, and food safety and recall management are high on the list.

The second item listed was traceability.  Traceability is a critical component to food safety, and with the  right program in place food and beverage manufacturers can help facilitate faster recalls.  Being able to pinpoint a source or a raw material and all affected products quickly will help all parties involved.  Again, EVS's food manufacturing ERP software has the tools to perform this important safety step.

For more information on this food and beverage software, visit www.evs-sw.com.

Moving Into the Next Generation of Sage 500 ERP Software with 500R2

EVS is working on a few projects, but none quite as powerful as 500R2.  What is it?  500R2 is the next generation of Sage 500 ERP software. Technology is at the core of 500R2, which brings a Microsoft .Net framework and sets the platform for the next technology upgrade.  

In this sample shot of the Sales Order screen, it shows you how 500R2 provides built-in inquiries without having to leave the main screen.  Over the next few days, I'll be showing a number of different screens and some of the feature and benefits of moving to 500R2.

EVS has also developed the process manufacturing software that completely integrates with Sage 500 ERP, and includes O2 Food ERP software.  This food manufacturing software system will also benefit from the 500R2 technology upgrade.

The official reveal of 500R2 will be taking place at Sage Summit on August 12th, 2012.  For more information on the Sage 500 ERP software or related process manufacturing ERP software systems, visit www.evs-sw.com.  Once the launch happens, check back for full details including a new web page, brochures and additional screen shots.

Nutritional Labeling, Calculations & Reporting Found in O2 Food ERP Software

Nutritional labeling, calculations and reporting are important issues for food and beverage manufacturers.  Many times, especially in growing food manufacturers, this type of reporting is found in a third party application.  With O2 Food ERP software, the nutritional labeling, calculations and reporting are all part of the central system.

This food manufacturing ERP software's Nutritional Labeling module completely integrates with the USDA's National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference.  It also complies with the requirements for nutritional labeling defined by the FDA.

Some of the features in the food and beverage ERP software Nutritional Labeling module include:

• Seamless USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Integration
• Accurate, FDA Compliant Data for Standard O2 reports of:
• Nutritional Labels
• Ingredient Statements
• Allergen Declarations
• Nutrient Content and Health Claims
• Monthly Nutrient Database Updates via Web Service

For more information on this food software or other process manufacturing ERP software systems by EVS, visit www.evs-sw.com.

Formula Security & Formula Management Are Important Features in O2 Food ERP Software

Proprietary formulas are often guarded with extreme care in many process manufacturing businesses.  Food and beverage manufacturers are no different, often going to great lengths to make sure their "secret recipe" or "secret sauce" remains a secret.  So how do growing companies manage to keep their proprietary recipes under wraps?

O2 Food ERP software by EVS, operates the way food and beverage manufacturers require, including providing formula security and formula management.  This food and beverage software can provide formula management from a central location, which is especially important when opening additional facilities.  For example, one process manufacturing ERP software client said, "O2 has allowed us to manage our recipes from right here in Torrence, California.  That's a huge benefit to drive our consistency from one plant to the next.  This gave us the control we needed, which then allowed us to produce at a much higher level than initially expected at start-up."

The food manufacturing ERP software also allows companies to have greater security and control of their formulas.  One client said, "The security of our formulas is critical.  So the software's ability to tightly control access to who can view, edit and add data to the system is key.  We are able to assign appropriate security rights on a role and an individual user basis, and the software can track and audit transactions, increasing our confidence in the integrity of our data."

When proprietary recipes are critical to your business, you need a food software system that also provides the type of security and management you need.  For more information on this food manufacturing software or other process manufacturing software systems, visit www.evs-sw.com.

Growing Food & Beverage Manufacturers Thrive with O2 Food ERP Software

Growth.  It's an exciting time for any business as new customers come on board, new locations are established and new products are being created.  This can also be a stressful time for manufacturers as increased production can create bottlenecks and backorders.  What once were solid processes may no longer serve your business as well.  Often times, growing food manufacturers will also have data stored in multiple programs and forms (i.e. Excel spreadsheets, customer database, etc.).  Finding the basic information detailing your business operations can be time consuming, error prone and in the end not always current.

EVS has worked with many process manufacturers, and specifically food and beverage manufacturers, for over 10 years.  As the developer of O2 Food ERP software, EVS understands the unique needs of the food and beverage manufacturing industry.  By implementing a food manufacturing ERP software system, manufacturers can gain visibility into their entire operation.  Data and reporting will come from a central location and the information will be in real-time.  Food software has a number of benefits, but as our success stories show the benefits during the times of significant growth were a major relief for our clients.

If you are looking for a process manufacturing ERP software system that operates in the way you do business, take a closer look at the food and beverage ERP software by EVS.  Enjoy your growth phase while getting operations back on track and streamlined.  For more information on O2 Food ERP software, visit www.evs-sw.com.

FSMA Deadline Missed: How Food ERP Software Can Help Food Manufacturers Prepare for Compliance

Ah, the Food Safety Modernization Act.  My recent article FSMA Regulations are Still Stalled by White House Office of Management and Budget, it was discussed that the hold up could be due to the budget, as well as being an election year.  Now we know there has indeed been a hold up as the deadline has came and went.  While food and beverage manufacturers play the waiting game, it's important to realize there is something that can be done now, and that's adopting the proper technology.

Food safety is an issue that is constantly changing.  Technology, such as O2 Food ERP software can help food and beverage manufacturers manage their food safety and compliance issues with ease.  As regulations change, businesses will also need to change their processes.  Food manufacturing software will document items right down to the raw materials used.  Cradle-to-grave lot tracking and one click recall are just two of the features provided by the food software.  Having the appropriate documentation to support your manufacturing processes and materials will always be beneficial.

It's difficult to say when the FDA will implement the FSMA, but food manufacturers can and should take it upon themselves to prepare.  Food and beverage ERP software is a huge step in the right direction and will provide the documentation and visibility you need.  For more information on this food manufacturing ERP software or other process manufacturing ERP software systems, visit www.evs-sw.com.

Next Generation of Sage 500 ERP Software Is Around the Corner

Here at EVS, our developers are working hard on a "new" ERP software project.  Well, it's actually a large improvement to an existing product that will make it feel new as well as offer new features.  While I can't say exactly what it is quite yet, there have been a couple of clues released before the big reveal at Sage Summit 2012.

1 - .NET, not just a pretty face...but pretty none the less

2 - Plug-ins.  Personalize your Sage 500 ERP software experience kind of like you do with your iPhone

Any guesses out there?  These changes will also positively impact EVS's O2 Process Manufacturing ERP software and O2 Mobile warehouse distribution software systems, as they seamlessly integrate with Sage 500 ERP.  That's right, for example, your food manufacturing ERP software will operate faster, is more flexible and can now be personalized.  In the past, food ERP software users may have wanted to shy away from customizations and personalizations, however, with this new product customizations will be easily managed throughout your upgrades.

Stay tuned for more clues and details to come before the official announcement taking place August 12th.  For more information on process manufacturing software or inventory management software systems, visit www.evs-sw.com.

EVS to Show Process Manufacturing ERP Software and Warehouse Distribution Software at Sage Summit 2012

In just under a month, EVS will be exhibiting and presenting during several sessions at this years Sage Summit Trade Show and Conference.  EVS will have their O2 Process Manufacturing ERP software suite, as well as the O2 Mobile Warehouse distribution and inventory management software on display.

O2 Process Manufacturing ERP software was developed specifically for the process manufacturers, integrates seamlessly with Sage 500 ERP software and serves the following industries:

• food and beverage manufacturing - Food ERP Software
• commercial baking - Bakery ERP Software
• chemical manufacturing - Chemical ERP Software
• life sciences and pharmaceutical manufacturing - Pharmaceutical ERP Software
• nutraceutical and cosmetics manufacturing - Health & Beauty ERP Software
• metal milling - Metals ERP Software

O2 Mobile Warehouse is an inventory management and warehouse distribution software system, also developed to completely integrate with Sage 500 ERP software.  This warehouse management system helps businesses get real-time views of inventory levels and offers inventory management with the scan of a simple barcode.

EVS President, Evan Garber, has been selected to speak during the conference portion of Sage Summit.  His sessions are as follows:

• Monday, August, 13th - Sage 500 ERP: Updating the Look and Usability for Today's Customer
• Wednesday, August 15th - Sage 500 ERP: Roundtable Discusssion - Warehouse Management & Inventory Planning
• Thursday, August 16th - Sage 500 ERP: Warehouse Automation with Sage 500 ERP

While Sage Summit is the premier trade show and conference for current Sage customers and clients, you don't need to attend the event to learn more about their process manufacturing software or warehouse distribution software system.  For more information, visit www.evs-sw.com.

FSMA Regulations are Still Stalled by White House Office of Management and Budget

More than six months after being sent to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulations are still stuck there.  For months, food manufacturers and food safety advocates have waited for the regulations to be announced only to find themselves still waiting.  This is an important law decision for food manufacturers as is any regulation that has direct effect on their industry.  With food safety as a hot topic in the food processing industry and pending regulation uncertainty, it's no wonder they are anxiously awaiting a decision.

While it may not be clear what the newest food safety regulations will be, it is clear that having detailed documentation will become more and more necessary for food and beverage manufacturers.  One extremely beneficial tool to help with documentation, as well as so many other aspects of the food manufacturing business, is O2 Food ERP software.  This food manufacturing software system was developed for the food and beverage manufacturing industry in mind so it provides tools that standard ERP software systems just don't offer.

A food and beverage ERP software system, such as O2 Food ERP, can help you track lots from the beginning to the end and provide the necessary documentation to support it.  With food safety concerns happening at any point of the supply chain, it's also important to have the proper tools available in the event of a recall.  This food software system also provides a one-click recall so you can rest assured you have the necessary information and resources to perform the recall.

The bottom line is that food safety regulations will probably always be changing.  Keep your food or beverage manufacturing facility in compliance and implement the right food manufacturing ERP software system to help.  For more information on this food ERP software or other process manufacturing software systems, visit www.evs-sw.com.

ERP Disaster Recovery Solutions Are a Smart Move for Manufacturers

By doing a quick search online, there are a number of dreary looking statistics out there that regarding businesses that have failed to recover from a disaster.  Many businesses also fail to recognize that disasters can come in so many forms, from the natural disaster to the human error disaster.  Just to throw out a statistic for reference, the America Red Cross states that, "...as many as 40% of small businesses do not reopen after a major disaster."  That is a sobering figure.  So how do you prepare?

Disaster Recovery is a protection measure that no business should go without.  Many businesses don't even realize they are at risk until it's too late.  EVS has developed a Disaster Recover solution for Sage ERP software systems that will properly protect ERP and other business data in a managed, redundant and secure off-site environment.  Why choose EVS Disaster Recovery for Sage ERP software?

This ERP Disaster Recovery solution has a lot of great benefits, and here are just a few:

• Nightly full backups with incremental backups every five minutes
• 24x7 support if a disaster recovery failover occurs
• 1 hour onsite hardware replacement for any failed server components
• "Real-time" mirroring of the clients Sage ERP production environment and its data

There are so many reasons why implementing a Disaster Recovery software plan for your business data, but surviving a disaster is the best reason.  For more information on the EVS Disaster Recovery solutions, visit www.evs-sw.com.

Using O2 Food ERP Software to Comply with FSMA Regulations

The rules are always being adjusted and it can at times feel like it takes an army to keep up with all of the regulations.  While rule changes don't happen over night in the food and beverage manufacturing industry, it can take a while for everything to go into effect.  This should give you enough time to get your operations and reporting in order.

One significant change food manufacturers will need to make in order to comply with food safety regulations is documentation.  Documentation will be a core requirement in the FSMA and one of the best ways to track and document is through an ERP software system such as O2 Food ERP software.  This food manufacturing ERP software provides cradle-to-grave lot tracking, lot recall, manages documents relating to HACCP and more.  Food safety regulations can be a real challenge for those companies who are lacking the proper documentation controls.

It's critical for food and beverage manufacturers to begin preparing for upcoming FSMA regulations.  Implementing a food and beverage ERP software system is a huge step in the right direction.  And to be clear, it's an industry specific system, such as this food manufacturing software that will make the true difference. Not all ERP software systems are created equal and the tools that O2 Food ERP software provides are unmatched.

For more information on this food software system or other process manufacturing ERP software, visit www.evs-sw.com.

Built-In Risk Management Tools Found in O2 Food ERP Software by EVS

Risk is everywhere when you're in business.  You can't avoid it entirely, but you can do things to actively minimize it.  When working in the food and beverage manufacturing industry, risk is also very present in the form of volatile raw material costs or environmental and industry factors that can affect your production.  For those risks that are manageable, I suggest a food manufacturing ERP software system such as O2 Food ERP software.

This food and beverage software provides manufacturers with "what-if" costs analysis so you can try to plan for the risk that are part of the industry.  Along with the "what-if" analysis, users can also use sales forecasting and inventory requirements planning.  This allows for planning to accommodate various scenarios as well as taking those results all the through to the forecasting and planning stages.

Not all ERP software systems have these types of tools available, and it's important for food and beverage manufacturers to implement a food software system that provides tools to manage their unique industry needs.  The old saying goes, "if you fail to plan, you plan to fail."  This is still a true statement today.  Utilize the built-in risk management tools found in O2 Food ERP software and give your business a competitive edge.

For more information on this food manufacturing software system, or other process manufacturing ERP software systems, visit www.evs-sw.com.

Closing the Gap In Food Safety Using Food ERP Software

According to a FoodProcessing.com article, "...[an] assessment of nearly 10,000 trained food handlers to date revealed that 41 percent of these workers still demonstrate a dangerous gap between their knowledge of food safety handling practices and their actual application of these principles in the workplace."  While this isn't a great statistic, it's also not surprising.  As with anything, companies need to factor in human error.  So what can be done to help control the human error?  Automation.

In an industry such as food and beverage manufacturing, there are a number of areas in the production process that can lead to food safety hazards and contamination.  Unfortunately, human error will always play a role, which is why food manufacturers need to take steps to automate as many of the processes as possible.  ERP software is a great tool to help manage and automate you company.

O2 Food ERP software can help companies manage their formulas and provide the needed security.  The food manufacturing software also provides Certificate of Analysis (CofA) tracking, nutritional reporting and labeling, as well as creating ingredient statements and allergen declarations.  Should a recall situation arise, the food and beverage ERP software also provides cradle to grave lot tracking and a one click lot recall.

Food software systems offer many benefits to manufacturers and companies should take advantage of the unique tools presented by O2 Food ERP software to help automate and manage their processes.  For more information on this process manufacturing ERP software, visit www.evs-sw.com.

Traceability and O2 Food ERP Software

Traceability is a big word in the food manufacturing and food safety world.  As a food and beverage manufacturer, how easily and quickly are you able to track and trace raw materials and finished products in a food recall situation?  In a recent article, a survey performed with executives in the industry gave some interesting results.  For example, "...almost 70 percent of executives surveyed were worried about coordinating recall issues with suppliers and distributors.  Additionally, more than half of executives are concerned about their ability to isolate items within their own supply chain or execute a product recall within hours."  These results are troubling for those in the food and beverage manufacturing industry, as well as consumers.

The article also goes on to recommend that companies should work towards fully automating their traceability processes in order to gain in both speed and accuracy.  Finally, when asked how companies could improve their traceability processes, it was stated that, "implementing a solution that can track products on a very granular level is critical in improving traceability processes."  This is something that I can agree with.  More specifically, implementing a food manufacturing ERP software system would be ideal.

O2 Food ERP software by EVS provides the lot tracking and traceability features that are critical to food and beverage manufacturers.  This food and beverage software has tools such as formula security and management, cradle to grave lot tracking and one click lot recall with mail merge.  Compliance with food manufacturing industry regulations are extremely important to manufacturers.  Don't get caught without the critical tools and data needed during a recall.  Be prepared by using the food software technology to your advantage.

For more information on this food and beverage ERP software and how it can help your manufacturing business, visit www.evs-sw.com.

Batch Processing Needs Food ERP Software to Improve Efficiencies

Process manufacturing or batch manufacturing require some unique processes to get the final product.  The specific measure and calculations are critical to the product as well as to the companies bottom line.  With material costs high fluctuations and margins diminishing, having a food ERP software system that can report on the critical materials becomes even more important.  The standard ERP software systems that are meant for discrete manufacturing just don't give batch manufacturers the information they need to make critical business decisions.

O2 Food ERP software can fill that gap and help food and beverage manufacturers gain the visibility that is missing from their current system.  Often, manufacturers find themselves trying to piece together information from separate data systems.  This is not only time consuming, but it also leaves room for errors.  With a food software system, all of the data is in a central location and the data is given in real-time.  The food manufacturing ERP software also provides multiple unit of measure calculations and batch sizing tools.  These will no doubt give food manufacturers an advantage when streamlining their operations.

There are so many features that a food and beverage software will provide beyond the standard ERP software tools, it's important that food manufacturers take a look at an industry specific option such as O2 Food ERP software.  For more information on this batch manufacturing software, visit www.evs-sw.com.

Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry Outlook Survey Results Are In

Recently, KPMG conducted its 4th Annual Food & Beverage Industry Outlook survey, and the results were discussed in a FoodManufacturing.com article.  One interesting survey result as discussed in a KPMG question and answer session, stated that, "...31 percent indicated that worker head-counts would never return to pre-recession levels.  Why do you believe this?"  In response, the KPMG executive said, "...Despite their focus on growth, in this environment companies must continue to find ways to reduce costs and improve operation efficiencies.  This includes managing delicate balance between needed manpower and production demands."

This is an interesting fact. In my last article, industry reports showed growth over the next 12 months, especially in the food and beverage manufacturing sector.  So how do companies poised for significant growth manage the growth when hiring would not likely return to previous levels?  The answer most likely requires the companies to find other ways to operate more efficiently with the resources that are available, and food and beverage manufacturing ERP software can provide the tools to achieve those efficiencies.

O2 Food ERP software is a great example of a food manufacturing software developed specifically for the industry.  This food manufacturing ERP software was not only developed as a process manufacturing ERP software, but it has specific tools that help food and beverage manufacturers manage their business and become more efficient.

As your business grows, having accurate and real-time information in a central location can be an enormous business advantage.  This is even more critical when you have limited resources and are trying to streamline your processes.  For more information on O2 Food ERP software, visit www.evs-sw.com.