Manufacturing ERP Software Explained

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In an era where efficiency and productivity are the cornerstones of success, manufacturing ERP software has become an indispensable tool for manufacturers around the world. At Mayer Group, we recognize the pivotal role this technology plays in integrating and automating manufacturing processes. This guide will reveal what manufacturing ERP software is, its core benefits, and how it adapts to different environments, providing the essential insights that businesses need to leverage this powerful tool.

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4 Benefits Of Implementing An ERP System

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Implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system presents significant advantages for businesses seeking operational efficiency and improved decision-making. Across various industries, including manufacturing, integrating a comprehensive ERP solution has reshaped workflow management. This article explores the key benefits of ERP systems, emphasizing their role in enhancing business efficiency and strategic outcomes.

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22 Core Features That Define Powerful ERP Software

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Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software is integral to modern businesses, providing comprehensive solutions to streamline various processes. The best ERP systems are robust and multifaceted, offering a range of features designed to enhance efficiency and productivity. In this blog post, we’ll explore the core features that define powerful software ERP, helping you understand what to look for when selecting an ERP solution for your organization.

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Reseller Group

PRESS RELEASE – Macola Reseller Group Files Suit Against ECi Macola/MAX

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Macola Reseller Group Files Suit Against ECi Macola/MAX for Antitrust and Other Violations

Suit says ECi is forcing unwanted services on clients and attempting to prevent competition 

COLUMBUS, Ohio. Nov. 9, 2018 – Macola Channel Partners and resellers recently filed a multi-count lawsuit against software developer ECi Macola/MAX, LLC, (“ECi”) alleging antitrust violations, tortious interference, breach of contract, and other claims.

On October 1st, 2018, resellers of Macola Software received a notification from ECi Software Solutions, Inc., the parent corporation of ECi Macola/MAX, that in the coming months it would be discontinuing its partner channel that had been running for more than 25 years. The notification also stated that customers would no longer be allowed to work with their reseller partners on ECi products in the future.

Macola resellers have for many years provided sales, support, and consulting services for users of Macola, an enterprise resource planning software system used primarily by small- to mid-sized businesses in manufacturing. According to the lawsuit, ECi has decided to cut out its former reseller partners and prevent them from offering support and consulting services to businesses using Macola. By preventing competition, the lawsuit says, ECi will create a monopoly for itself in the markets for support and consulting of Macola. The complaint contends that ECi is already exercising monopoly power over Macola users, forcing them to purchase services they do not want in exchange for continuing to receive routine Macola software updates.

According to the lawsuit, ECi is attempting to prevent competition by fraudulently telling Macola users that they will breach their software license agreement with ECi if they continue to do business with their reseller. At the same time, the complaint alleges, ECi is pressuring Macola users to sign new software license agreements that contain restrictive language that would prohibit Macola users from hiring anyone other than ECi to perform support or consulting on Macola software. In addition, the lawsuit claims that ECi has committed or threatened multiple breaches of its contract with the resellers, including cutting off earned commissions and other benefits under the contract.

On November 7th, 2018, a seasoned group of Macola resellers with hundreds of combined years of service, represented by the law firm Organ Cole LLP, filed suit against ECi in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, alleging that ECi’s conduct constitutes breach of contract, tortious interference, unfair competition, and violates state and federal antitrust law.

“It’s a daunting task for a handful of small businesses to take on ECi’s millions, but we made a promise to help our customers grow their businesses and we’ve become an integral partner with those companies,” said Michael Oswalt, CEO of Algorithm, Inc., one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

“We believe every customer is valuable,” agreed Jeff DeSchon, Vice President of iPro, another of the plaintiffs. “We will continue to serve them, and we will protect our employees and their families. That is why we’ve taken this action.”

Chuck Wise, President of another plaintiff in the lawsuit, Copious Solutions, added, “We believe that our customers should carefully review any new contract documents put in front of them by ECi, including click-through documents and sales order footnotes, and seek legal counsel where appropriate.”

Currently pending before the court is the Macola resellers’ request for a temporary restraining order. If that request is granted, the order would prevent ECi both from telling Macola customers that they are prohibited from doing future business with the resellers and from requiring customers to purchase unwanted services as a condition of receiving software updates.

You can find a copy of the complaint here and a copy of the motion for a temporary restraining order here.

We encourage your feedback. Comments or questions may be sent to ECiMacolaSuit@algorithminc.com

This email address will be forwarded to the resellers as a group.

If you would rather, address your feedback to me directly at jmayer@mayererp.com

ERP Implementation Strategy

Common ERP Implementation Strategies

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Enterprise Resource Planning systems (ERP) make business work. They allow you to see the big picture so you can move your business in the right direction. However, just having a solution is not enough to lead your company to success. Your success will largely depend on your ERP implementation strategies. You need to consider your implementation strategy as soon as possible so to maximize the benefits. No single blog post can fully explain every strategy, but here is a quick guide to get you started.

The Importance of ERP Implementation Strategies

ERP implementation strategies are necessary for the transition from your legacy system to the new ERP software. It makes sure the transition is smooth, efficient, and aligned with your business goals. Choosing the right strategy minimizes disruptions, enhances user adoption, and helps you realize the full benefits of your ERP system. Whether you opt for a Big Bang approach or a phased rollout, understanding these strategies will guide you in making an informed decision that fits your company’s unique needs.

Three ERP Implementation Strategies

Big Bang Implementation

Big bang Implementation happens all at once. You install every module on every computer system in your entire organization in a single night. While there are some pre-implementation tasks, there is no turning back once you changeover to the new system.

Big bang has its supporters and critics. Most people claim the risk factors as their main reasons to not use a big bang. However, you can set up your ERP quickly and more cost efficient with a big bang. If you choose this strategy, be prepared for temporary reduced productivity as your personnel get used to the new system.

Phased Rollout

With phase rollout, you install components over time rather than all at once. Your company moves from your legacy system to your new one in a series of predetermined steps. You can complete these steps using one of the following formats.

  • Phased Rollout by Module: With module rollout, you install ERP modules one at a time. Most people typically start with the core functions and then add other modules based on their needs and hierarchy.
  • Phased Rollout by Business Unit: Business unit rollouts make the changes based on the needs of your business units. ERP implementations happen department by department.
  • Phase Rollout by Geography: The format works well for companies with multiple locations. Also known as pilot adoption, each location or department implements the new system when they feel ready.

As with big bang, phase rollout has its own fair share of pros and cons. Phase rollouts let your company ease into the new system. However, they also make your network and infrastructure more complex and error-prone. You also risk data loss as ERP modules exist to work together as a single unit.

Parallel Adoption

Also called parallel conversion, parallel running, or parallel cutover, parallel adoption is the least risky of the three implantation strategies. With this strategy, you run both the old and new ERP systems at the same time. Then, once the new system is fully functional and employees are comfortable using it, you phase out the old one.

Parallel adoption is slower than big bang but faster than phased rollout, with a smaller learning curve compared to big bang. While it is more challenging than phased adoption, the main trade-off of parallel adoption is the increased cost, as it requires twice the resources.

The ERP implementation you should use depends on your business goals and needs. There is no one size fits all solution here. Every business is unique and requires a unique implementation based on careful planning and analysis.

Tailored ERP Solutions for Long-Term Success with Mayer Group

At Mayer Group, we specialize in helping businesses identify and implement the best ERP strategies for smooth transitions and long-term success. Our expertise in ERP implementation, combined with our knowledge of Acumatica’s flexible and scalable software, allows us to offer solutions that fit your specific business requirements. For advice on which is right for your business, contact us today, and we will help you devise a strategy that will lead your business to success.

co-workers discussing about a topics

What’s the Next Generation of ERP Software?

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Throughout the business world, enterprise resource planning (ERP) is enabling new standards of efficient collaboration. Regardless of one’s industry, ERP software is a vital and well-recognized tool for success. To fully understand the future of ERP, it is helpful to know current innovations and how they will impact businesses in the coming years.

It makes sense to separate applications into the categories of ERP, II and III. Classic ERP integrates processes within organizations. In the ERP II category, applications integrate supply functions and draw in exterior enterprises and vendor-affiliated partners. ERP III extends dichotomy even further by strengthening ties with customers and sales processes.

Understanding the Benefits of ERP Software

In the near future, a number of trends like Work Spaces should improve the outlook for ERP customers. Leading developers should double down and further improve current innovations. For instance, ERP systems are now including features that go beyond basic inventory or accounting functions. For example, medical device manufacturers benefit from ERP software that includes serial lot traceability. This guarantees full compliance with industry regulations.

ERP applications will include numerous new functions. These are essential solutions designed around customer feedback. Of course, it does little good to add features without maintaining adequate usability. In the early days of ERP, applications were notoriously opaque and difficult to master. Modern ERP providers will meet the public demand for convenient interfaces and shallower learning curves.

Flexibility and Scalability in ERP Software

Increasingly, ERP applications will become more useful for companies of all sizes. Historically speaking, a sharp divide separated software for small firms and larger corporations. As ERP solutions gain more flexibility, users will be able to keep using familiar applications as their enterprises grow.

Innovative software solutions in the medical technology sector address a range of common challenges. Previously, medical device companies often wasted significant resources trying to coordinate between various departments.

Personnel responsible for accounting, HR, and inventory frequently relied on different versions of data sets, leading to regular misunderstandings. Today, ERP software enables departments such as accounting, HR, and inventory management to access a unified source of information. The integration minimizes misunderstandings and streamlines operations.

Emerging Trends in ERP Software

Several exciting trends are shaping the future of ERP software. For instance, WorkSpaces is a concept gaining traction in the industry. It is poised to change how ERP users interact with their systems. With configurable workspaces, businesses can adjust their ERP software to match specific workflows for better efficiency and productivity.

Another emerging trend is the integration of ERP software with Business Activity Monitoring (BAM) and Business Process Management (BPM). These tools allow businesses to monitor real-time data and automate processes. This facilitates faster and more accurate decision-making.

Additionally, cloud-based ERP solutions are becoming increasingly popular. They allow businesses to access valuable data from anywhere, at any time. Such flexibility is particularly valuable for companies with distributed teams or remote workers.

ERP software is changing to meet the demands of modern businesses. It’s progressing and delivers greater flexibility, scalability, and usability than ever before. From small businesses to large corporations, companies in various industries are benefiting from innovative ERP solutions that optimize operations and drive efficiency.

As we look ahead, the future of ERP software will continue to focus on enhancing usability, integrating new technologies like cloud computing, and offering more customization options. Whether you’re in the medical device industry or another sector, the next generation of ERP software will bring the tools you need to succeed in the market.

Your Trusted Partner for Seamless ERP Implementation and Sustainable Growth with Mayer Group

Mayer Group stands as a trusted partner in this journey. With our expertise in ERP implementation, fixed-fee pricing, and dedication to customer success, we promise that your business can fully utilize the power of modern ERP software. Let us guide your business through the next generation of ERP solutions to guarantee smooth operations and sustained growth.

Medical Device ERP

Medical Device ERP: Your Boots on the Ground

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This is a good time to fully recognize the potential of innovative business software. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is a fairly recent software discipline that addresses many important needs. ERP streamlines varied processes that previously demanded costly individual attention. Quite a few industries have widely adopted ERP solutions. The medical device industry offers an interesting case study in adopting new technologies quickly. In this fast-growing sector, competition is relatively fierce. Only organizations that rapidly adapt to new technology trends can remain fully competitive.

Mid-sized companies face unique challenges as they manage numerous subordinates on a regional or international level. An integrated ERP solution can bridge the gap for managers who need more control over remote teams and projects. Like virtual “boots on the ground,” ERP gives managers more direct control over broader swathes of people and processes.

In recognition of developing trends, ERP developers are broadly addressing the needs of the medical sector. The best developers have fully mastered inventory management software for medical device manufacturers or distributors. With a more centralized inventory management system, it is simple to keep well stocked without overbuying. In any industry, inventory shrinkage is a constant, nagging source of concern. Medical device manufacturing solutions with serial lot traceability are critical for containing shrinkage.

It isn’t hard to find a business software solution for small to midsized medical device manufacturers or distributors. In the competitive software industry, developers who consciously address user needs quickly gain visibility. The most prestigious of these developers are now providing serial lot traceability for medical device manufacturers. Only time will tell how many more ways ERP will change the ace of modern manufacturing.

Even with dedicated software support, learning new software is a time-consuming process. Nevertheless, cutting-edge ERP software is generally a worthwhile investment. Updating software is an essential way to improve workflow processes for medical device manufacturers and distributors. Some managers stubbornly cling to older software that is conveniently familiar. That convenience might come at the expense of slow-bleeding company resources. Modern ERP solutions increase transparency; crucially, they identify processes that are quietly dragging down organizational efficiency. Maintaining an innovative tradition, ERP developers provide crucial tools for connectivity. With ERP, one manager can keep track of key data points for far-flung warehouses, annexes and offices. By allowing greater transparency and communication, ERP helps professionals prioritize their best efforts

Pie chart with different colours

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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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.

Operation room

How ERP Helps With Business Finances in the Medical Device Sector

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Since the very beginning of the computing revolution, business software has enabled new milestones in productivity and operational control. Throughout many industries, companies that implement ERP are able to realize improvements remarkably quickly. Few would disagree that this is an era of expansive business regulations, as well. In particular, corporate finance rules are becoming more numerous and complex. ERP software provides crucial support for responsible firms that prioritize compliance.

The medical technology sector has long valued cutting-edge applications for business. In this growing industry, up-and-coming companies and veteran firms alike value innovative software. There is a growing need for inventory management software for medical device manufacturers or distributors. Medical devices are valuable enough that any amount of loss or damage can affect professional reputations and corporate bottom lines.

Exact Macola is a great example of a business software solution for small to midsized medical device manufacturers or distributors. Innovative and critically well respected, this product supports medical device manufacturing and distribution with serial lot traceability. This sophisticated functionality allows companies to control their inventories with conscientious care. With Macola, Exact has solidified its reputation in the world of business software. Importantly, this company is an established developer that will support its products for many years to come.

Wherever ERP is fully implemented, businesspeople report improved internal transparency and communication. Historically, midsized and larger companies have struggled to understand discrepancies between multiple data sets. With different departments working from differing versions of the same data, it is understandably difficult to realize maximal efficiency. Manually resolving discrepancies is a time-consuming process that can distract from more important tasks. With ERP software, data is streamlined and stays consistent throughout the organization. With this consistency, cross-departmental initiatives and projects can operate far more smoothly.

Like many other industries, the medical technology sector is facing new challenges along with increased opportunities. While the aging of the general population ensures a strong need for medical devices, political and regulatory changes can limit profitability. Instead of passively reacting, cautious firms are acting now to improve efficiency. ERP solutions like Exact Macola can diversely improve workflow processes for medical device manufacturers and distributors. Throughout the business world, ERP applications like these are proving their qualities time and time again.