No two businesses are the same – which means that no two ERP solutions should be either. But what is “mass customization” and how does it affect an ERP? Mass customization is the process of mass-producing and delivering sufficiently generic goods and services which can be configured to satisfy a specific customer’s need. In other words, mass customization is a manufacturing technique that combines the [...]
Recently I was I lucky enough to take a break from cleaning barnacles off the hull of the good ship SYSPRO to spend the week attending the Microsoft Build conference in Seattle. Microsoft uses this conference to communicate their technology vision and strategy to technology professionals. It’s a great way for nerds to get their creative juices flowing – so, apologies in advance for [...]
In my last blog I mentioned my home make-over and my feelings about it that range from jubilant to wretched, depending on which day you catch me. This process has once again reinforced my belief that solid relationships are paramount to the success of any endeavor. I learnt that one of the most important considerations when choosing a contractor is their clear understanding of [...]
Renovations can be exhausting and frustrating but oddly exhilarating at the same time. During my recent home makeover, as I bounced between building suppliers, sanitary ware outlets and roof truss manufacturers, I got to thinking about service levels that stand out. It struck me that the difficult decisions, inconveniences and stresses of any project can be minimized by excellent service. (more…)
When asked to think about sustainable energy within a business environment, I’m sure that integrated databases, Business Intelligence dashboards, web design and cloud computing are not the first thoughts that come to mind. Instead you are probably picturing recycle bins, wind turbines and solar panels. (more…)
Some people like cars, some have an affinity for sport, while others can discuss the sheen of their pet’s coat for hours on end. We all have our own weaknesses … or strengths depending on where you stand on dog fur. My passion is food. Sometimes healthy, occasionally cholesterol-inducing, butter soaked sheer indulgence. (more…)
A few weeks ago, myself and one of my colleagues travelled to Johannesburg to catch up with the Emerging Technologies team at SYSPRO. Our primary goal was to get up-to-speed with the latest developments in SYSPRO Workflow in SYSPRO 7 and gain an appreciation of how SYSPRO’s implementations of Workflow in South Africa are significantly impacting their manufacturing and distribution businesses for the better. [...]
In my previous blog on Architecting your business I discussed the broader benefits that can be gained from applying an architectural approach to your business, the information, the processes and technology. But the benefits will not be realized if your architecture does not take into account the people in your business, as well as the workflows. Architecting for people. (more…)
We have all heard it before, ‘Sustainable Competitive Advantage’, ‘Return on Investment’, ‘Increase sales by x%’. Terms often bandied about by ERP vendors in a generalist manner citing studies and research in these areas. However, if we unpack these terms and how organizations view them vs. how ERP vendors use them, there is often little congruence between the two and mistrust and skepticism is [...]
Should an ERP system be customized? That is a question asked by many companies. Although some people say it should never be done, in almost every ERP project one of the first user requests is for customization. If you accept that customization is a fact of ERP life, then what criteria should the project owner use to select and prioritize customizations? One objective framework for [...]
Contact Us
