EVS Signs on with Infor to Become Infor SyteLine ERP Software Reseller

In a past post, I mentioned that we at EVS has an exciting announcement right around the corner.  Today, we can officially announce a new partnership with Infor as EVS will now become a reseller of Infor SyteLine ERP for manufacturing.  This partnership will allow EVS to provide expanded ERP software product and service offerings to clients.

By becoming an Infor SyteLine reseller, EVS will continue to provide manufacturers tools for a better, more effective experience with ERP software.

In the first quarter of 2015, we will give you more details on the partnership and specific offerings related to Infor SyteLine.  We are looking forward to the partnership and being able to offer clients modern, innovative, and global ERP software solutions.

For more information on EVS's product and service offerings, visit www.evs-sw.com.

Managing Your Food Manufacturing Distribution Warehouse

For food and beverage manufacturers and distributors, managing warehouse distribution operations can be a challenge.  Recently, I read an article from Food Manufacturing that discusses "4 Ways to Better Manage Your Food Distribution Warehouse."  The number one way listed in the article is the use of technology.

At EVS, we have worked with numerous food manufacturers, as well as distributors of multiple industries to implement software solutions that will improve their warehouse operations.  O2 Mobile Warehouse provides real-time views and increases visibility and accuracy of your warehouse inventory.

By utilizing bar codes and hand held scanners, warehouse personnel will minimize key strokes and maximize efficiency with true pallet tracking, pick-while-you-pack/ship, pre-shipment staging and more.

For companies such as food manufacturers/distributors, managing lot tracked items and/or expiration dates of inventory becomes critical.  This warehouse distribution software provides bin movements with a location through a simple scan of a barcode.

For more information on the O2 Mobile inventory management software, visit www.vs-sw.com.

Enhancing you Production Master Schedule in O2 Process Manufacturing for Sage 500 ERP Software

The next enhancement option we are going to cover is part of O2 Process Manufacturing for Sage 500 ERP software's Production Master Schedule.  With this enhancement, businesses can extend the existing functionality of the Production  Schedule Dates screen to allow the ability to schedule out production batches by route step or by any other criteria a business requires.

There are a lot of outstanding enhancements that our clients have seen tremendous efficiency and business improvements from over the years.  For a more detailed larger list of enhancements that are available for both our process manufacturing ERP software suite as well as our O2 Mobile warehouse management software for Sage 500, visit our O2 Enhancements Catalog page.

A Closer Look at the O2 Process Manufacturing BOM Cost Rollup for Sage 500 ERP Software Enhancement

The Bill of Materials (BOM) Cost Rollup enhancement for O2 Process Manufacturing and Sage 500 ERP has made a tremendous impact on the operations of many of our clients.

The BOM Cost Rollup will account for standard cost byproducts in your cost rollup.  This allows the finished good to be costed correctly based on the planned percent contribution of the co-products.  It also adds the co-products detail to the BOM Cost Rollup report, so the planned percent co-product will contribute to the finished good rolled up standard cost by adding quantity to the formulation size, and crediting back the expected output of the co-product at standard cost.

The BOM Cost Rollup is part of several Costing related enhancements that are discussed in the O2 Enhancements Catalog.  For more information on this or many other process manufacturing software enhancements, visit www.evs-sw.com.  Be sure to check back frequently as I will be highlighting several other enhancements that have proven very helpful to many clients over the years.

This Will Change the Way You Use O2

Here at EVS, we have a very creative customer base.  The combination of their ideas and our ability to make upgradable non-intrusive additions to software, has led to many innovative enhancements that benefit our customers in countless ways.  For example:

• Production Master Schedule: Extend the functionality of the Production Schedule Dates screen to allow the ability to schedule out production batches by route step, or any other criteria that your business needs.

A small change in software can produce results every day.  These are things like: automated smart lot numbering, enforcement of customer specific picking rules, customized cost calculations, and mobile enabled data gathering screens for your specific business process.  These small changes can make a significant impact on your operational efficiency.

To view a list of some of our most useful enhancements, and how we can streamline your processes and get you the functionality you need, please follow the link below:

Top Ten Areas We Have Made Enhancements

1. Production
2. Utilities
3. Distribution
4. Manufacturing
5. Costing
6. Reporting
7. Sales Order
8. O2 Mobile
9. Customizer
10. Discrete Manufacturing

See something that could be useful to your company?  Do you have an idea or a question about what is possible in your environment?  Contact EVS to discuss your requirements and how we can help by reaching out to Jessica Kameron, QA Project Manager, by phone or email found on the linked enhancements page.  For more information on these enhancements or to learn more about our ERP software products and services, visit www.evs-sw.com.

Is It Time to Upgrade to a Commercial Bakery Management ERP Software System?

If you are a growing commercial bakery, you may be finding your current operational software system, or in many cases multiple systems, just aren't making the cut.  While growth is a welcomed situation, it often doesn't come without bumps in the road.

Working with commercial bakers and other process manufacturing specialties for over 10 years has given us the opportunity to help them find more efficient ways to operate.  For example, one commercial baker performed manual mandatory lot tracking required of all food manufacturers, with mock recalls consuming hours and hours of staff time.  Once they implemented O2 Bakery ERP software, which includes powerful integrated lot tracking and Certificate of Analysis functionality, their operations were significantly streamlined.  In their own words,

"In less than an hour we can trace any lot, identifying the source of the ingredients, the final products they went into, and who we shipped the products to."

Creating more efficient operations within the warehouse will also mean large savings for commercial bakers.  Again, a client facing unprecedented growth found that their warehouse operations weren't doing them any favors in terms of determining inventory and shipping out orders.  Previously, warehouse employees would spend up to six hours each week, moving in and out of freezers counting product, recording their results, and double-checking discrepancies.  Now, the company performs smaller cycle counts on a subsection of its inventory using wireless handheld devices for O2 Mobile Warehouse and receives real-time, accurate inventory information. 

Despite doubling its operations, this commercial baker has not had to hire additional administrative personnel to support the growth either.  By utilizing the tools and functionality provided for both manufacturing and warehouse operations, they were able to eliminate redundant tasks, minimize overhead, and reduced paperwork -- all while increase accuracy.

For a more in-depth look at how this commercial bakery and others have successfully managed their operations using commercial bakery management ERP software, visit www.evs-sw.com.

Tracking Inside Your Warehouse: How O2 Mobile Warehouse Can Help

Effective tracking and tracing of raw materials, specific lots, or really any inventory that is being held within your warehouse can lead to increased visibility and accuracy.  Having accurate information here, can lead to a ripple effect of visibility for your entire business.

If you are a process manufacturer, O2 Process Manufacturing ERP software provides cradle-to-grave lot tracking along with a one click lot recall functionality.  Additionally, O2 Mobile Warehouse provides multiple functions to help you keep track of all of your warehouse operations.  Using patented Smart-Barcodes and handheld scanners, warehouse employees can effectively track pallets, pick-while-you-pack/ship, perform pre-shipment staging, and track inventory all while minimizing key strokes and maximizing user efficiency.  By managing lot tracked items, inventory location and bin movements within a location becomes as simple as scanning a couple of barcodes.

You can even take your inventory management automation even further with the help of the O2 Cycle Count module.  With consistent use of the cycle counting module, you will minimize inventory variances through the year, and some businesses have negated the need for year-end physical inventory counts.

For more information on our warehouse distribution software, visit www.evs-sw.com.

EVS Welcomes New O2 Chemical ERP Software Client Vital FSM PetroCorp

In a recent blog post about chemical manufacturing, it was stated that the industry is on a path of growth.  Today, we're happy to announce the signing of a new client, Vital FSM PetroCorp, a company that is seeing growth and is looking to improved enterprise visibility.

In an effort to gain real-time information, Vital FSM PetroCorp is utilizing O2 Chemical ERP software.  The chemical manufacturing ERP software provides tools that are industry-specific, including:

• Strict quality and regulatory compliance features
• Formulate to multiple specification, such as chemical property
• Real-time cost data
• What-if costs analysis to improve pricing decisions

The chemical manufacturing software system will facilitate your manufacturing method, no matter if you produce complete batches, require finished goods to ship before a batch is closed, or operate in a "continuous flow" environment.

For more information on our process manufacturing software, O2 Chemical ERP, visit www.evs-sw.com.

Chemical Manufacturing Growth With O2 Chemical ERP Software

As recent reports show, the chemical manufacturing industry continues to experience growth.  As companies experience growth, having the adequate software programs in place are key.  It's sometimes surprising to see how many businesses are operating by piecing together information from various programs.  Not only is this a less efficient way to operate, but it also leaves a large opportunity for errors as data is typically entered into the system manually.  A larger impact is the lack of real-time data this method produces.

O2 Chemical ERP software meets the specific needs of chemical manufacturers, such as:

• strict quality control
• strict regulation requirements
• meeting unique formulation specifications (i.e. chemical property)

With low margins and often highly fluctuating raw material costs, managing your businesses profitability is critical in the chemical manufacturing industry.  This chemical manufacturing ERP software system will give you the real-time cost data, provide "what-if" scenario cost analysis, and make your pricing decisions easier through clear and accurate information.

For more information on the chemical ERP system mentioned here, visit www.evs-sw.com.

4 Tips to Help Manufacturers Select and Implement the Right ERP Software System

If you're a manufacturer that finds yourself in the market for either your first, or a new ERP software system, you're probably looking for any tips you can find to help make your selection and implementation a success. Below are are few key tips to help you find the right solution and have a successful implementation.

• Select an industry-specific solution.  Implementing an ERP software solution that fits your vertical industry requirements will do more for your business in the short and long term than using one that's not.  Having functionality that addresses your critical processes and industry regulations will help you get the most out of your system without the need for customizations.

• Find the right fit for end users.  Any ERP system selected will only benefit the company if it's actually put into use, and the users find that it is improving their work and business flow.  

• Look for scalability.  The growth of your business is most likely what brought you to the point of searching for an ERP solution.  Select your ERP software with your future growth in mind, and find a solution that is scalable to accommodate your future needs.

• Allow time to train.  Make time for training for all users of the system.  When the end users are trained and allowed to fully understand the functionality that is available in the system, they are more attached to the success of the project.

Are you looking for more tips?  Check back as we'll be posting a few more over the next few weeks. For more information on our ERP software system offerings, visit www.evs-sw.com.

Are You Ready to Move To Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software for Manufacturing?

Are you a growing manufacturer who is finding that you are outgrowing your current business management system?  Often times, companies experience growing pains and begin to realize that the systems and processes that once were suitable to manage information may no longer be an asset.  More often than not, holding on to these inefficient software programs and processes is what drags down productivity and potential growth.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is the next step in moving your company forward.  The purpose of ERP software is to manage the flow of information throughout the organization.  Are employees currently stuck manually entering data into Excel spreadsheets?  Then, are you trying to pull together information from various systems in order to create a useful report on sales, production, inventory, etc?  How confident are you in the accuracy of these reports?  Implementing ERP software allows organizations to integrate systems that operates in real time (or next to real time) without relying on the periodic and typically manual updates.

While Sage 500 ERP software offers core accounting, manufacturing and warehouse distribution functionality, it is important to know there are expanded solutions for those in process manufacturing industries. While a core manufacturing ERP software system would significantly improve your management of information, implementing a process manufacturing ERP software system (if it applicable) has even greater benefit.

O2 Process Manufacturing ERP software includes all of the core features and also provides formula costing, planning and production, quality control, regulatory reporting, and more features that are specific to your process manufacturing industry needs.

While you begin your search for the right ERP system for your business, there will certainly be a number of questions that come up.  We'd be happy to help answer those at any time.   For more information on the ERP systems mentioned here, visit www.evs-sw.com.

How Small and Mid-Sized Manufacturers Can Leverage ERP Software

ERP software and other technology advancements have significantly closed the gap between large manufacturers and the small-to-medium-sized (SMB) manufacturers.  With resources typically limiting the SMBs ability to invest in the right technology in the past, it's today's advancements that have made ERP software more affordable, even for the small businesses.

A recent article also confirmed the shift to ERP software technology becoming much more attainable for SMBs.  It stated specifically that software-as-a-service (SaaS) and cloud-based technologies, "...have made it possible for SMBs to comet with and even outpace larger businesses.  Critical technologies are now much more widely available and highly affordable."  EVS has worked with SMBs for over 10 years, and we are proud to offer both SaaS and cloud-based ERP software solutions as options to our clients.

Not coincidentally, the article also offers specific ways for SMBs to take advantage of the technology advancements.  First on the list of recommendations is "Industry-specific Technology."  EVS provides industry-specific process manufacturing ERP software for a number of markets.  One of the critical reasons this is important is that the software is designed with your specific industry requirements already built into the system.

The second recommendation is to "Leverage Investments in ERP," and we couldn't agree more.  Many times we find small and even some medium-sized businesses are stuck in slow (and often error-prone) paper-based processes and have their data scattered throughout multiple software programs, including Excel.  While this may have worked for the business in the past, the desire to become more efficient or to accommodate company growth often leads manufacturers to look for new solutions.  ERP software systems, especially those that are industry-specific, can give you real-time data to make better decisions.  You'll also find significant efficiency improvements in production, operations, forecasting, and warehouse distribution.

There are so many other ways manufacturing SMBs can take advantage of technology advancements, that I can't possibly discuss them all here.  I encourage you to take the next step and look at the solutions available to help manufacturing businesses just like yours at www.evs-sw.com.

EVS Gains Yet Another O2 Mobile Warehouse Distribution Software Client

Another new manufacturing client, CCPI, Inc. has selected O2 Mobile Warehouse for Sage 500 ERP software.  Since 1957, the CCPI, Inc. family of companies has been providing high quality temperature measurement solutions and refractory materials to the Aerospace, Aluminum, Automotive, Glass, Heat Treatment, Steel, and Miscellaneous industries.  With facilities in North America, Europe, and the Middle East, and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in the USA and UK, CCPI is uniquely positioned to service customers around the world.

In order to streamline their warehouse distribution processes, CCPI, Inc. is looking to the O2 Mobile Warehouse management software system to do that.   CCPI, Inc. will be able to use handheld scanners to track inventory using O2 Smart Barcodes.  Not only will they be able to see where inventory is located, but they will improve the shipping and receiving processes throughout their warehouse.

O2 Mobile warehouse distribution software provides real-time views of inventory levels and allows you to fully utilize the warehouse management tools found in Sage 500 ERP.  Our inventory management software also offers true pallet tracking, pick-while-you-pack/ship, pre-shipment staging and other features that will save your warehouse operations time, labor, and money.

For more information on O2 Mobile Warehouse, visit www.evs-sw.com for video demos, printable brochures, and a number of success stories from businesses just like yours.

Prepare Your Manufacturing Business for Future Growth Opportunities By Investing Internally

As the year has progressed, we've seen several indications that show U.S. manufacturing is on an upswing.  With the increased production levels and an optimistic future outlook, now is the time for manufacturers to invest in their internal infrastructure and resources.  

While there are numerous areas of importance when it comes to making improvements, few offer as large of a company-wide impact as ERP software.  It's important to use an ERP system capable of managing your business today, while offering scalability in order to grow to support your future needs. If you are a process manufacturer, finding a process manufacturing ERP software system, such as O2 Process Manufacturing for Sage 500 ERP, offers an even greater business impact since it's tools and features were built with the unique characteristics found in the process manufacturing industry.

No matter what type of manufacturer you are, investing in your warehouse operations will always be an investment worth making.  O2 Mobile Warehouse for Sage 500 ERP, a warehouse management software, uses patented Smart-Barcodes and other unique inventory management tools to help you streamline your distribution processes.  Warehouse distribution software, like O2 Mobile, provides real-time views of your inventory and increases the visibility and accuracy of your entire warehouse.

As the U.S. manufacturing sector experiences a recovery and looks ahead at an optimistic future, don't let your operations and processes be your worst enemy and slow your growth.  Prepare your business for the growth opportunities ahead by investing internally.  For more information on the process manufacturing software or warehouse distribution software solutions mentioned here, visit www.evs-sw.com.

Think Your Manufacturing Business Is Too Small For ERP Software? New Technology Says Think Again

As a smaller manufacturer, you may watch as larger businesses are able to use enterprise resource planning software tools to create numerous competitive advantages and thought there was nothing you could do to compete. However, with the advances is today's technology, the gap between the big guy and the little guy is closing.  Not only are current ERP software systems scalable and completely customizable, new technology such as Sage 500 Cloud ERP software gives smaller manufacturers all of the benefits of a self-hosted ERP system without the need to have a full-time IT department.

ERP software systems have long been thought of as extremely complex and requiring a substantial upfront investment.  This too has changed with newer technology advancements, allowing smaller businesses greater access to ERP solutions.  There's never been a better time to take a first look or to reacquaint yourself with enterprise technology than now.  Considering options are available for a full system or a hybrid approach, nearly all manufacturers can find a solution to fit their needs today.  For more information on the Sage 500 ERP system, multiple industry-specific process manufacturing ERP software solutions, and warehouse distribution tools, visit www.evs-sw.com.

O2 Food ERP and O2 Bakery ERP Software Can Free Your Business From Paper Processes

Often times, smaller (and growing) food manufacturing businesses find their operations are heavily dependent on paper and manual processes.  While at the time it may appear as though these processes aren't hindering efficiency, a closer look usually tells another story.  For example, do you have paper "runners" who are moving about transferring information from various departments? Or, maybe you are still relying on a paper-based schedule. These are clear areas where the manual paper-based operations are slowing down your business.

O2 Food ERP and O2 Bakery ERP software provides you with a central location for all business related information and documents, in a real-time format.  Now, the manufacturing floor has the daily schedule, formula information, and other critical production details.  With food safety compliance as a major industry concern, the food manufacturing ERP software also provides important tools to record the necessary HACCP data.

Moving out of production and into the warehouse, this food processing ERP software
also features the option to add O2 Mobile Warehouse, a warehouse distribution software system, complete with a patented Smart-Barcode technology.  By eliminating the paper-basedrocesses throughout your warehouse, you can improve inventory counts, increase your overall pick-to-ship efficiency, reduce warehouse labor, and work to eliminate the error-prone practices that often accompany a paper-based operation.

There really are too many advantages to mention if you are considering moving to an ERP software system and warehouse management system to increase operational efficiency.  For more detailed information on our industry specific process manufacturing software systems, visit www.evs-sw.com.

New O2 Process Manufacturing ERP Software & O2 Mobile Warehouse Distribution Software Versions Released by EVS

Two new versions of O2 Process Manufacturing ERP software and O2 Mobile warehouse management software are now available for download on the EVS Support & Downloads portal.  The new versions include a number of improvements and fixes.

O2 Mobile Warehouse - Distribution & Inventory Management Software

• O2 Mobile - Cycle Count Posting: O2 mobile Cycle Counts will now create a Sage Inventory Transaction batch, but not fully post it.  This will allow the user to print the appropriate documentation and control the posting process. Changed Objects: spoaCyclePostCount
• O2 Mobile - Default QC Hold Reason User ID: When creating a positive adjustment or PO receipt that creates a new lot for an item with a default hold reason from O2 Mobile, the system was previously setting the "SetBY" user as "iv" instead of the logged user.  This was because the QC hold was being set by a trigger that grabbed the connection user.  Now, for receipts and adjustments, the proper user will be set for default lot holds. Changed Objects: spoaPOWriteRec andspoaIMAdjustInventory
• O2 Mobile - Auto Pallet Properties in Production: New option to automatically prompt entry for pallet Physical Properties when a pallet is entered in O2 Mobile production.  This flag is in the .Net UO for O2 Maintain Warehouse Settings. Changed Objects: O2Mobile.MFF, toaWarehouse, EVS.O2.UI.Task.O2WhseSettingMaint.EXE, and voaWarehouse
• O2 Mobile - Issue Generating Transfer Shipments: Previously, some transfer shipments would not generate when shipping from O2 Mobile.  This has been fixed. Changed Objects: spoaSOGenMASShipment
• O2 Mobile - Pallet View Update to Pull InUse Flag Based on QtyOnHand: Previously, the mobile pallet screen would not display "In Use" pallets properly.  This has been fixed to reliably update the pallets in and out of use. Changed Objects: voaPallet
• O2 Mobile - Action to Print Pallet Label with Contents: O2 Mobile now allows you to automatically reprint a pallet label.  To do so, us /APLBL/BDRYOOOOO3. Changed Objects: O2Mobile.MFF
• O2 Mobile - New Action Codes: New action code /APLBL, used with ?B{PalletID} will automatically print the default pallet label.  New code /APROP, used with /B{PalletID} will take the user directory to the pallet property entry screen. Changed Objects: O2Mobile.MFF
• O2 Mobile - Non-Inv Picking Updates & Shipment Generation: Changes to non-inventory item handling: 

1. Negative quantities will flow through to the shipment
2. Items not marked "InclOnPickList" will still be added to the pick list, just not shown in the O2 Mobile picking UI
3. Items not marked "InclOnPickList" will flow through to the shipment at full quantity
4. Non-Inv items marked "InclOnPickList" will show in the O2 Mobile UI and the user can pick these quantities (this has not changed) Changed Objects: spoaSOGenMASPickList andspoaSOGenMASShipment

O2 Process Manufacturing ERP Software

• O2 Lots - Concurrency Issues with On Hold: Previously, a lot could be placed back on hold (unintentionally) after being released if another user was in the lot at the time it was released.  This has been fixed. Changed Objects: o2Lots.EXE and spo2QCUpdLot
• O2 PN Close Batch - Update QtyOnWO: Previously, if a batch was closed and the full quantity was not produced, it would leave values in the QtyOnWO field in inventory replenishment until that item was recalculated.  Now, when a batch is closed, those values will be recalculated at that time. Changed Objects: spo2PNCloseBatch
• Formula Cost Maintenance - Expand Decimals from 2 to 5: Previously, in FM Maint tasks, the Cost Decimals on the Labor/Ovr tab only allowed 2 decimals for the Qty column.  It now allows 5 decimals. Changed Objects: o2FMMaint.EXE and O2PNMaint.EXE
• O2 - Add FIFO Next Cost Estimate Method: Previously, estimated costs used in production and BOM rollups did not have a method to look ahead to the next open costs tier.  A new cost estimate method has been added to allow this. Changed Objects: vo2InvCost
• Do Not Initialize Lot QC Hold Reason Again When a Lot Is Transferred: Previously, if a lot had a default hold reason applied then cleared, then that lot was transferred to a different warehouse.  Now, once a hold reason is cleared and the lot is transferred, it will not be automatically placed on hold in the new warehouse. Changed Objects: spo2LotInIt
• MRP Planned Orders Now Taking Into Account Lead Time On Update: Previously, logic was only implemented to calculate the required date for orders on initial load.  This has been updated to use lead times when updating the orders within the same session. Changed Objects: spo2MRPUpdPlannedOrder
• O2 Critical Material Inquiry Fix for SQL Server 2012: The Critical Material Inquiry screen has been updated to support SQL Server 2012. Changed Objects: o2critmatinq.EXE
• O2 Lots - Concurrency Issues with On Hold: Previously, a lot could be placed back on hold (unintentionally) after being released if another user was in the lot at the time it was released.  This has been fixed. Changed Objects: o2Lots.EXE and spo2QCUpdLot
• O2 PN Close Batch - Update QtyOnWO: Previously, if a batch was closed and the full quantity was not produced, it would leave values in the QtyOnWO field in inventory replenishment until that item was recalculated.  Now, when a batch is closed, those values will be recalculated at that time. Changed Objects: spo2PNCloseBatch

For more information on the latest O2 ERP software updates for Sage 500 ERP, visit www.evs-sw.com.

Sage Summit 2014 Is Under Way

The time of year has arrived for Sage Summit, the annual customer and partner conference.  Our executive team has arrived at the Mandalay Bay conference center and we're ready to meet with our clients and partners to answer questions and discuss the exciting happening that are yet to come.

If you haven't scheduled an appointment to meet one-on-one with one (or more) of our executives, there's still time!  Just send us message through our website with a couple of day and time options.

Finally, a few of our executives are on the agenda to present on our process manufacturing software, O2 Process Manufacturing ERP, and our warehouse distribution software, O2 Mobile Warehouse.  Be sure to check out the full session schedule to find the time and location for their presentations.

As always, if you're looking for more information on our ERP software products and services, we invite you to visit us at www.evs-sw.com.

Warehouse Management Software: Do You Know How Much Inventory Is Really Sitting In Your Warehouse?

Many times we meet small to midsize businesses who don't have real-time, or even an accurate picture of the inventory levels in their warehouse.  Some clients are even using manual clipboard inventory movements and adjustments, which makes it a potentially error-prone process.

After our clients begin utilizing O2 Mobile Warehouse, their entire warehouse operations have improved.  This warehouse management software system allows them to see the amount and location of all products and material in their warehouse, in a real-time format.

One of our clients, Stream-Flo, experienced first hand a significant return on investment after implementing the distribution software.  According to Matt Gallup, Business Systems Analyst at Stream-Flo,

"Previously, movements and adjustments were done using a manual clipboard, making it easy for people to forget to update it.  After implementing O2 Mobile, manual adjustments from lost or missing inventory went down 40% in the first month, and continues to decline."

This is just one of the many examples we have of real businesses experiencing immediate business changing results through the use of O2 Mobile Warehouse distribution software.  For more information on O2 Mobile, or to read more success stories from business just like yours, visit www.evs-sw.com.

O2 Bakery ERP Software Recordkeeping and Traceability

With the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulations looming, many commercial bakeries and other food processing companies are worried about the impact it will have on their record keeping and traceability efforts.

One way commercial bakers can address the issue is through implementing the right ERP software system for their growing business.  O2 Bakery ERP software not only provides the solid accounting tools, it has modules that were developed specifically for the commercial baking and process manufacturing industry.  This system offers production planning and scheduling, formula security/management, cradle to grave lot tracking, nutritional calculations and labeling, one click recall with mail merge, and many other critical features.  The commercial bakery ERP software also provides record keeping for multiple business areas, while keeping all of the information in one central location for reporting.

If you are preparing for an increase in record keeping and traceability requirements, O2 Bakery ERP is a system you need to review.  For more information on this bakery software system or other process manufacturing ERP software system tools, visit www.evs-sw.com.

Reviewing the Standard Cost History Module In O2 Bakery ERP Software

Many process manufacturers, in this case commercial bakers, want to track standard costs.  With the Standard Cost History module for Sage 500 ERP software, all changes to a standard cost will be saved, along with information on time, date, and user.  The included BIE allows you to analyze the progression of standard cost changes over time.

Through O2 Bakery ERP software for Sage 500, commercial bakers can enjoy the entire standard cost suite by combining the new Standard Cost History module with the Standard Cost Set module to get complete costing information.  Whether you use standard costs for accounting purposes or only for reporting/budgeting, the complete Standard Cost suite will make managing your costs easy and effective.

For more information on the commercial bakery software or the Standard Cost History module including module features, visit www.evs-sw.com.

O2 Bakery ERP Software Helps Commercial Bakers Prepare for Increased Regulatory Paperwork

As the Food Safety Modernization Act gets closer to becoming law, the food manufacturing industry is stuck waiting to see what the complete set of regulations will be.  One of the worries for those who deal with formulations (i.e. commercial bakers, food processors, etc.) will be finding efficient ways to manage the large increase in record keeping that will accompany the new regulations.

EVS works closely with many commercial bakeries to help them centralize all of their information using O2 Bakery ERP software.  Key documents and reports can be generated with ease.  The commercial bakery ERP software also manages the complex and unique requirements, changing production planning and scheduling, and more, all while providing real-time information from all corners of your manufacturing facility.  Cradle-to-grave lot tracking and recall features also help to track and trace the materials throughout the entire production process, offering the required documentation should a recall occur.

For more information on our commercial bakery software system, visit www.evs-sw.com.

     

ERP and Warehouse Management Software: Let's Get a Visual

The world of ERP software and even warehouse management software can be complex, especially to someone who is less familiar with the industry.  While we, as developers, try to put adequate information out there, sometimes it doesn't quite do the trick.  For many, the saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words and a video is worth a million" rings true.

So, for those of you who prefer to have a visual explanation that not only explains different aspects of our manufacturing ERP software and warehouse distribution software systems, we have put together a number of short videos that can be found in our Product Video Library.  

After you've had a chance to watch the videos and learn more by "seeing" how things work, I encourage you to find your industry for a more in-depth look at the products that were made with your business in mind.

To learn more about our ERP software system and see a video demonstration, visit www.evs-sw.com.

Attending Sage Summit 2014? The EVS Executives Want To Meet With You

Are you are planning on attending Sage Summit 2014, taking place July 28-31 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada?  The executive team at EVS would like to set up a time to meet one-on-one with clients, partners, and anyone else with questions on ERP software.  We know Sage Summit is filled with great seminars, speakers, and learning opportunities, so we want to be sure to get a few minutes set aside to focus on your specific questions.

Scheduling a time to meet one-on-one with the EVS executives is easy.  Simply complete the short 4-question survey and we'll take care of the rest.

Is Your Excel Spreadsheet Giving You Correct Data?

Working with process manufacturers and distributors who are going through growth phases, it's not uncommon to find heavy use of Excel spreadsheets as the go to place for business reports and data.  While there are a number of great uses for Excel, there are also a lot of potential problems that can often be overlooked.

First, how does the data get into the spreadsheet?  Someone in the office is typically manually entering numbers for a starting point.  While I'm sure this employee does their due diligence to make sure the numbers are correct, there is a huge potential for human error to occur.  Making business decisions off of error-filled data can be detrimental to any business.

Secondly, the employee entering numbers and computing the required reports are generally spending a lot of time in the data entry and computing of reports.  Trying to create new reports to dig into your business data takes time.  Most cases, that time can be better used on other areas of the business.

Products like O2 Process Manufacturing ERP software has a number of tools to drill into your business, without relying on error-prone spreadsheets.  By centralizing your formulation, quality control, planning and production department data into one location, the business data will be easily and immediately available to those who are making critical business decisions.

For more information on how process manufacturing software can help you move away from the time consuming and possibly error-prone spreadsheets, visit www.evs-sw.com.

Why Process Manufacturers Need Specific Process Manufacturing ERP Software

At the beginning of a search for an ERP software system, it's easy to be confused by all of the options out there.  One important factor in determining the type of ERP software you require, is whether you are a process manufacturer or a discrete manufacturer.

Often times, process manufacturers try to get by using an ERP system that was built for discrete manufacturing.  While there are financial tools that can be of great benefit, a process manufacturing company will miss out on the tools available to manage their unique business processes.

For example, O2 Process Manufacturing, is a process manufacturing ERP software system that was developed with process manufacturers in mind.  Some of the unique tools available only in a process manufacturing software system, include:

• Formula Engineering/costing
• Formula security and management
• Batch production planning
• Quality control
• Lot tracking and tracing
• Manufacturing regulation management

Whether you produce complete batches or operate in a "continuous flow" environment, O2 Process Manufacturing ERP software has additional ERP tools that will be critical to managing your complex manufacturing business.  For more information, visit www.evs-sw.com.

How O2 Process Manufacturing ERP Software Improves Operations

There are many ways process manufacturing ERP software can help improve operations, and we'll touch on a few of those today.  As I read in an article on software application that improve operation agility, there are four key areas that matter.  O2 Process Manufacturing ERP software offers those key applications and much more.

Planning & Scheduling: The production planning and scheduling is a critical component to the efficiency of operations.  Tools to forecast demand can help you plan and schedule properly.  Correct planning and scheduling also helps keep the right amount of materials on hand so that you aren't stuck with a material shortage and unable to fulfill orders, or find yourself storing excess inventory, which is quite expensive to do.

Tracking & Tracing Products/Materials: Tracking and tracing products and materials is an application that will greatly improve operations, both from a production and a distribution standpoint. Manufacturers, especially those involved in process manufacturing of certain perishable goods, need a way to trace lots, which O2 Process Manufacturing software provides.  Once products are ready to ship, tracking of finished goods throughout the warehouse and shipping areas is also key cooperating efficient.  O2 Mobile Warehouse software integrates perfectly with the process manufacturing software to give seamless tracking.

Document Management & Real-time Reporting: One of the great benefits of our manufacturing ERP software is the ability to gather and analyze information through one central location.  By utilizing an ERP software system, users can benefit from the real-time information through reports that can be generated from all corners of the business, allowing for the most accurate decision making.

As you can see, there are a number of key areas where process manufacturing ERP software can make a large impact, and this is really just naming a few.  For more information on O2 Process Manufacturing, visit www.evs-sw.com.

Increasing Production Using O2 Process Manufacturing ERP Software

I recently came across an article on ways to uncover hidden capacity.  While it was geared more towards improving output from existing machinery, there is another way that companies can improve capacity, and that is through the use of ERP software.  Specifically, by utilizing process manufacturing ERP software tools to greatly improve efficiency of production operations.

Taking a look at O2 Process Manufacturing ERP, the system provides tools to assist in planning and production.  By streamlining production, you'll be able to create processes that will be more efficient and will lead to increased production runs.

Often times, we find that process manufacturers run into workflow bottlenecks in production due to a variety of issues, including using manual processes.  With process manufacturing software, many of those manual processes can easily be automated, which will allow for great accuracy and an increase in efficiency.

Becoming more efficient and increasing capacity using your current facilities and equipment will give your business a great competitive advantage.  For more information on O2 Process Manufacturing software, visit www.evs-sw.com.

ERP FAQs: What Benefits Will I Get From Implementing An ERP System?

The question of how ERP software will benefit me is popular one, and for good reason.  Businesses want to know what they can expect to see as a return from their investment.  Manufacturing ERP software gives manufacturers a long list of benefits, and I'm going to share some of those with you here.

It's fairly common, especially for growing manufacturers, to find themselves still performing manual tasks and calculations throughout different aspects of their business.  So, how does an ERP software system change that?  ERP software can help you automate certain functions of business and it also provides a centralized source of real-time information all while reducing error prone manual tasks.  Since ERP software can help with financial management, supply chain management, service management and customer relationship management (CRM), the benefits are wide ranging.  This is even before considering the additional options offered in warehouse management software and in-depth, unique tools found with process manufacturing software.  Here are a few of the many benefits:

• A single, centralized and integrated software system
• Reduction in manual tasks and processes
• Helps establish consistent processes based on good manufacturing practices (cGMP)
• Allows for information sharing throughout the entire company, based on security privileges
• Real-time information with improved access
• Reduced inventory costs resulting from better planning, tracking and forecasting
• Better visibility into accounts
• Decrease in vendor pricing by taking better advantage of quantity breaks and tracking vendor performance
• Provide a consolidated picture of sales, inventory and receivables
• Track actual costs of activities and perform activity based costing

The bottom line is that there are many benefits, some of which can be unique to different types of manufacturing businesses.  Take time to see how ERP software can improve your businesses performance today by visiting www.evs-sw.com.

ERP FAQs: How Many Users Can We Have? Is Your ERP System Scalable?

Businesses come in all different shapes and sizes, so it's an important feature to have ERP software that is scalable to your growing business.  It clearly wouldn't make sense to implement software that isn't able to change as your business needs change.

O2 Process Manufacturing ERP software for Sage 500 ERP can be scaled to fit the individual needs of your company from implementation all the way through the years of growth.  The number of users that are able to login at one time is determined by the number of user licenses purchased.  If your needs change, and the number of users required increase, additional user licenses can be purchased at any time.

Having a scalable solution makes our process manufacturing software system a great solution for those process manufacturers who find their business is outgrowing their current manual operations and need a flexible solution to work through the future years of growth.  EVS also offers a scalable warehouse management system for Sage 500 ERP, called O2 Mobile Warehouse.

For more information on O2 Process Manufacturing ERP  or O2 Mobile Warehouse software solutions, visit www.evs-sw.com.

ERP FAQs: How Much Does the O2 Processing Manufacturing Software for Sage 500 ERP System Cost?

One of the most frequently asked questions is, "how much does it cost?" The problem with this question is there isn't a general answer available to give people.  Until we can take a look at your specific business needs, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to give any kind of quote.

O2 Process Manufacturing ERP software for Sage 500 ERP is priced by module.  Pricing varies based on the number of modules as well as the number of user licenses purchased.  Since the number of users can be scaled to fit the individual needs of your business, you can purchase an initial amount of user licenses and should your needs change, additional licenses can be purchased.

For more information on our process manufacturing software or other ERP FAQs, visit www.evs-sw.com.

ERP FAQs: What Does the Term "Core Financials" Mean?

When looking at ERP software systems, you may notice the term "core financials" used in the discussion.  Today, we want to give you a little more insight into what core financials refers to.

Core Financials describes the base financial accounting software modules, such as those found in Sage 500 ERP, and include:

• General Ledger
• Accounts Payable,
• Accounts Receivable
• Cash Management
• Purchase Order
• Multi-currency Management
• Allocations
• Active Planner Budgeting
• Fixed Assets

These are the basic "core" modules that will help you operate your business from a financial perspective.  There are a number of other modules available to help you manage other areas of your business, depending on if you are involved a warehouse distribution, manufacturing, or even process manufacturing.

For more information, please visit www.evs-sw.com.

ERP FAQs: Can Our Current Data Be Converted to the New ERP System?

When embarking on an ERP software implementation, many companies are concerned about the transfer of their current data into the new system.  While each business will be unique, you can rest assured that in most cases your current data will be able to be converted to the new ERP system.

The EVS consultants rely years of experience from working within the manufacturing and distribution industries to guide your business through an ERP software system implementation.  EVS consultants can discuss the options that are available more in-depth.

For more information, visit out ERP FAQs page, or www.evs-sw.com.

ERP FAQs: What Kind of Training Does EVS Offer?

Learning to navigate in a new software system can feel daunting to many employees.  Some people have spent years on the same system, using the same processes to complete their day-to-day tasks, and the thought of doing something different can be overwhelming in the beginning.  That uncertainty of leads to questions about the level of training EVS provides during ERP software implementations.

EVS offers professional ERP software consulting to provide training, help obtain ROI, and to assist you in any issues that may come up.  Our ERP consultants are among the best in the business and have years of experience in the manufacturing and distribution industries we serve.

One of the great benefits of working with EVS and implementing one of our process manufacturing ERP software systems, or warehouse distribution systems, is that we are also the developer of the systems.  If you want to be trained by the best, no one knows the software better than our consultants, who also have direct communication with our development team.

For more details on our ERP software consulting and ERP software training, visit www.evs-sw.com.

ERP FAQs: How Long Will It Take To Implement The ERP System?

Potential clients often ask, "how long will it take for the ERP software system to be implemented?" Unfortunately, there isn't a blanket answer for this question.  There are several factors that need to be considered when determining the implementation timeframe, many of which will be unique to your business.

What I can say, however, is that EVS has highly talented, experienced consultants and project managers that strive to keep your implementation on time and on budget.  Our consultants are seasoned veterans in the manufacturing ERP software field, and will be able to use their experience and best practices to get your business moving in the right direction.

For more answers to commonly asked ERP software questions, or more in-depth information on our ERP software implementation practices, visit www.evs-sw.com.

ERP FAQs: ERP Software Technical Support

Many times when looking for a new ERP software vendor, the services offered by the vendor will be what can set them apart.  At EVS, we take a great deal of pride in the service and support we offer our clients.  In today's ERP FAQ's post, I'm going to take a closer look at EVS' ERP software technical support.  One of the frequently asked questions is, "Does EVS offer technical support for the ERP system?"

Of course, the answer is yes.  EVS offers annual maintenance programs that include technical support for your ERP system, or we can provide technical support on an individual incident basis. EVS technical support staff is available to assist you with your O2 Process Manufacturing ERP software and O2 Mobile warehouse distribution software questions.

To start the support process, we ask that our clients reach out to us using our Online Support & Community Forum.  Here, you'll be able to submit a support ticket as well as view tutorial videos and visit the Q&A section and EVS Knowledge Base.  Sometimes, if it's just a question on how to do a certain procedure, you'll find the answer is already posted here.

For more information on our ERP technical support, process manufacturing software, or warehouse management software, visit www.evs-sw.com.

The Competition Heats Up In Manufacturing

As reported in a Boston Consulting Group study discussed in Manufacturing Business Technology, U.S. manufacturing is growing in competitiveness compared to other countries.  Becoming more competitive often comes with operating more efficiently.  According to the article, "In 2004, for example, manufacturing in China cost 14 percent less than manufacturing in the United States.  By this year, the China advantage had narrowed to 5 percent.  If the trends continue, Boston Consulting found, U.S. manufacturing will be less expensive than China's by 2018."

As companies look for ways to be more efficient, they often look to energy, labor, and raw material costs.  Many of these areas can be analyzed and adjusted to find ways to gain competitiveness when utilizing an ERP software system, such as Sage 500 ERP.  In today's volatile economy, it's important to find ways to operate more efficiently so that you can become more competitive.

For those companies who specialize in the process manufacturing industry, it's even more critical to use an ERP system that is developed for your unique industry, such as O2 Process Manufacturing ERP software.  This will allow you to drill down to manage and analyze important details found in formulation, planning and production, and regulatory reporting.

It's great to see the U.S. become more competitive in the world economy, and those companies who are the most prepared will see the most gains.  For more information on process manufacturing software or other ERP software or services, visit www.evs-sw.com.

Is Your ERP Software Ready to Grow With Your Company?

As optimism in the U.S. economy continues to increase, many manufacturers are facing the prospect of increased company growth.  Market optimism and growth create a lot of excitement in the business world, but some manufacturers also feel the stress of growing pains.  It can be even more stressful in process manufacturing industries, such as food manufacturing, where the industry is highly regulated.

Having  a strong, flexible ERP software system in place can help alleviate some sources of growth related stress.  For example, O2 Process Manufacturing ERP software has tools for managing formulas/costing, production, quality control, and regulatory reporting and security.  All of these areas can feel the squeeze during times of growth, and having a central location where you are able to evaluate real-time information will help you stay on top of your operation.

Going back to the food manufacturing example, increased growth requires companies to have a stronger food safety plan in place.  Business growth in food manufacturing can mean sourcing raw material from more locations and distribution through different channels.  O2 Food ERP software can manage all of your food safety concerns, along with the production, costing, and quality control areas, again, within a single system.  Critical information will be just a click away.

We hope your business can enjoy your time of growth and enjoy the success that comes along with it, instead of struggling with growth related issues that are easily controlled.  For more information on any of our process manufacturing software systems or other ERP software related products and services, visit www.evs-sw.com.

A Standard Cost History Module Is Announced for Sage 500 ERP Software

EVS just announced a new module for Sage 500 ERP, called Standard Cost History.  This new module will keep a history of all changes to your standard costs and saved, along with the information on date, time, and user.  This information is particularly important to our O2 Process Manufacturing ERP software users as they need to analyze the standard costs over time.

Users can also combine the new Standard Cost History module with the Standard Cost Set module for a total standard cost package.  For more information on this exciting new ERP software module, visit www.evs-sw.com.

O2 Food ERP Software's Role In Evaluating Commodity Price Volatility

I recently read an article discussing the effects of commodity price volatility on food and beverage manufacturers.  If you're producing products with tight margins, this volatility can have an even greater affect on you if it requires constant price increases for customers.  The article gave some great ways to find and manage alternative ingredients as a way to avoid falling victim to a cost spike for a given ingredient.

It's also important for food and beverage manufacturers to utilize a proper food manufacturing software system in order to get the full picture of your costs.  O2 Food ERP software will provide a central access to clear, accurate and real-time information on your production and more.  Having access to real-time cost data will help you track all material costs, including intermediates, to assess how specific ingredient costs are affecting your finished goods.

This food manufacturing ERP software also tracks labor, packaging, and finished good costs.  O2 Food ERP provides food and beverage manufacturers tools to forecast product demand and inventory levels, to notify of product expiration, and to manage quality control status of raw materials and finished goods.

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