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Strategies to Automate Your Business Processes

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Wouldn’t it be great if you could run your business on autopilot? All of the human capital that goes into producing your product would be automated. Most small to medium-sized businesses spend thousands to millions of dollars each year on manual labor to carry out their business processes.

Of course you are going to need people to run your business, but where many businesses go wrong is when they do not take advantage of the technology that is available to them. Macola, for example, offers extremely intelligent business software systems that eliminate the need for so many employees. If you wish to set your business on autopilot, a software system like Macola ERP solutions may be a great choice to consider.

Consider, also, the competition and its effect on your bottom line. With so many similar businesses, not to mention large companies, to compete with in the marketplace, your enterprise must stay on top of the market and get an edge over other companies that offer similar products. A great way to do that is to upgrade to smart business software that can complete many tasks and lower your business overhead.

Macola ERP Solutions is designed with Business Process Management capabilities. Your partner works with the business to determine needs and then design a system to assist or totally accommodate those requirements. Macola’s software can cover almost all aspects of your business needs. The software contains applications that are designed to complete tasks in accounting, manufacturing, distribution, HR, document management, CRM, and much more.

Macola applications are designed for exceptional accuracy and efficiency. Using Macola ERP Solutions, your company can have a single human resources employee instead of an entire team doing busywork.

Instead of hiring an IT team to create applications for your business, you could simply have one IT employee to run software and train new employees. Macola’s programs are already designed to complete common business tasks, and with a partner who can handle custom solutions, there is less need for an IT department.

Accounting can benefit from automation as well. Macola software is capable of completing tasks such as writing and sending invoices, sending late payment notices, sending non-payment notices, auto-detects, automatic e-mail reminders, accounts receivable and accounts payable tasks, and more. The business automation solution can handle workflow processes, triggers, and has an event manager. Almost all common tasks that burn the majority of employee’s work time can be automated to allow them to handle more important and complex duties throughout the day.

The technology is here and the small investment for a business to purchase software like Macola ERP Solutions is definitely a smart move. Get an edge over your competition and lower your overhead costs by purchasing Macola software through a trusted partner.

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Forget Your Competition

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Some of the most frequently repeated principles regarding business are concerned with competition. We are constantly being reminded to study, track and outperform our competitors. This advice, however, can lead us astray if it causes you to focus on what others are doing rather than maintaining emphasis on your own efforts.

 

Be Aware of the Competition

You should not ignore the competition or deny that it exists. That would be silly and counterproductive. It’s helpful to be aware of your competitors and to know what they’re up to. For example, if one of your leading competitors releases a new product in your niche, you will naturally be concerned and want to know everything about it. It’s sensible to keep a watchful eye on your industry and to be familiar with the players. There is no denying that competitors can have an impact on factors such as product features, prices and policies. It’s equally important, however, not to become obsessed with the competition.

 

When to Forget About the Competition

Essentially, you should take note of what your competitors are doing and then get back to your real job, which is to focus on your own products, services and, most of all, customers. Too many companies forget this and keep the spotlight on other businesses, those they are trying to outshine. This strategy can easily backfire. For example, if your advertising and promotional campaigns are constantly discussing why you are superior to Product X or Company Y, you are inadvertently calling attention to these other products and companies. Even when you are criticizing something, you are causing people to think about it. What you want people to be thinking about is you.

 

Where to Keep Your Focus

Your primary focus should be on your own business, products and customers. When you try too hard to beat the competition, you are going to be neglecting these crucial issues. Remember, few products are unique in every way. It’s pretty much guaranteed that there will be competitors who offer something similar to you. It’s also true that you are never going to control 100 percent of your market. Fortunately, it’s not necessary for you to beat your competitors into the ground in order to succeed. Your job is to provide the best possible value to your customers so they don’t have a reason to go anywhere else. The best way to do this is to foster an ongoing relationship. Developing that interchange allows you to offer the best possible products and services, clearly convey the benefits you provide and show your customers how much you value them.  The more effective you are at catering to your customers, the less bothered you will be by others in your industry. While you want to be aware of your competitors, they should never be your main concern. Differentiate yourself by offering the best possible customer service every day. Create loyal fans and they will be your best salespeople.

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Social Media for Distributers and Manufacturers

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Back in the day, when you wanted to get the word out about your products and services, you would have taken out an ad in the Yellow Pages. You paid for each year’s edition. It was costly and static and there was no way to determine if anyone even saw your listing. Social media is like the Yellow Pages on steroids. When you are the owner of a business or in charge of maintaining relationships with customers and vendors, it is important to know how to connect and maintain communication at all times.

When you implement social media for your own brand or business, you can open a dialogue with customers, vendors, and other potential business partners or associates you may work with in the future. Social media is an ideal outlet to promote brands with giveaways, contests, and announcements. It is a great platform to build professional relationships.

Why Social Media is Essential for Distributors and Manufacturers

Social media is a powerful tool for distributors and manufacturers. These platforms provide an opportunity to maintain ongoing communication with both customers and suppliers. They enhance the supply chain and business relationships. With the right social media strategy, distributors and manufacturers can increase brand visibility, foster engagement, and open new channels for business growth.

The Benefits of Social Media

Social media networks are completely free to use for both personal and business purposes. There is a very short learning curve. Since many of us already have personal Facebook and Twitter accounts, it makes sense to take the next step and create a brand page for your business and since most of us already have personal accounts on Facebook and Twitter, it’s a no brainer to move to the next level and create a brand page for your business.

Registering for an account on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Tumblr allows you to instantly expand your brand’s reach, regardless of the products or services you offer. When you register for an account of Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or even Tumbir, you can instantly increase the reach you brand has regardless of the types of products and services you are trying to sell. Create social media pages for your business online to help build long-lasting relationships with potential customers and clients regardless of the industry you represent.

When you use social media to advertise your brand, there are fewer limitations and restrictions when it comes to reaching specific audiences. You can quickly add posts, images, and updates to your social media accounts to keep viewers and potential customers informed of new releases, sales, discounts and upcoming news you want to share.

Another side benefit is that you can reach customers outside of your immediate target demographic. You can make educated guesses, but you don’t always know where your next customer is coming from. A robust Twitter account gets your message out to the entire world and brings those outside your circle to the table.

Social Media for Business Purposes

Social media is a great way to maintain communication with everyone from family and friends to business associates and networking partners. Perhaps you are seeking new professionals to partner with, or maybe you are on the lookout for new companies for an advertising opportunity, social media helps to save time as opposed to using traditional print methods to market.

When you have social media accounts set up to represent your business or brand, you can easily reach out to ask questions. It’s also a great medium and to get input from individuals who are already your fans online.

A word to the wise: the more consistently you update your social media pages for your business, the easier it is to build a larger base of fans and followers. When you keep your online followers interested and engaged in the content you publish, it is easier to increase sales and through word of mount, peak interest in your brand.

Harnessing Social Media for Enhanced Connectivity with Mayer Group

Social media has become an invaluable tool for distributors and manufacturers. It allows them to connect with customers, vendors, and partners more efficiently than ever before. At Mayer Group, we specialize in helping businesses optimize their online presence. Contact us today to learn how we can help you implement a social media strategy adjusted to your industry and boost your brand’s visibility and engagement.

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Should I Purchase my ERP or Rent it?

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Enterprise resource planning software is more essential than ever before and if you want to gain an edge over your competitors, you must ensure that you are making the most out of your systems. For small to medium-sized businesses, Midsize Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software is a worthy upgrade from less encompassing programs like QuickBooks.

However, using ERP software involves a number of decisions such as determining whether renting on a monthly basis or if purchasing is best for your business. Here are a few tips for choosing whether to rent or buy your ERP software.

Which is Cheaper?

Ultimately, one option will be more cost-effective for your particular business in the long run and saving money on software gives you the flexibility to spend elsewhere. If you know which package you want to purchase and want to commit for the long term, it may be best to buy it outright.

When you buy, you own your system and your data. Typically, you get a return for your investment within 5 years. When you pay a monthly fee for a SaaS-based solution, your data is hosted in the cloud environment and you pay a recurring monthly fee.

The convenience of a rented solution is not dealing with, worrying about, purchasing or maintaining infrastructure. To answer which path is cheaper, compare cost over 5 years. In most cases, purchased solutions end up being the less expensive alternative.

Is Flexibility Important?

By renting your ERP software, there are limits to customizations. For those new to ERP, having the ability to report on data from within the system is crucial. Having the ability to add custom reporting fields is a benefit of a purchased solution. Work with an experienced provider who can assess your needs and determine which system works best for your organization.

Are There Options?

The software economy is moving toward a model where applications tend to be rented or cloud-based. However, a one time capital expenditure may be more suited for companies that prefer not to commit to a monthly fee.

If you are interested in taking advantage of a cloud solution, purchased solutions can be placed in a hosted environment, and you won’t have to worry about infrastructure expenses. This can be a valuable middle ground for businesses that want to own their ERP but avoid the overhead of on-premise infrastructure.

The Right Size For You

ERP software is valuable for businesses of all sizes. This is because, as it allows owners and managers to focus on what they do best instead of dealing with financial nuances and logistics.

However, it is important to choose the right package for you. You have to decide whether it is best to make a one-time purchase and maintain a program, or rent it and pay ongoing costs.

Buy or Rent ERP: Making the Right Decision

Choosing whether to buy or rent ERP software depends on your business’s requirements, budget, and operational goals. Renting provides flexibility and avoids large upfront costs, but buying offers long term savings and greter control over customizations. Understanding the benefits of each option is important to making an informed decision.

Tailored ERP Solutions for Your Unique Business Needs with Mayer Group

At Mayer Group, we specialize in helping businesses navigate the complexities of ERP implementation. Whether you’re looking to purchase a full-scale ERP solution or prefer the flexibility of a SaaS model, we can help personalize the right ERP system for your needs. Contact us today to explore how Acumatica Cloud ERP can optimize your business processes and support your long-term growth strategy.